Country Next: Tommy Acker
We’re proud to showcase country music’s brightest new stars through our Country Next series. In this installment, we talk to Tommy Acker.
Tommy Acker; Photo Provided
Tommy Acker is a Nashville-by-way-of-Texas artist on the rise, and he’s keeping the momentum going with his new single, “10 & 2,” out now via River House Artists. The song is fun, upbeat, and full of heart, using driving metaphors to capture what it’s like to hold on tight in a relationship—just like gripping the wheel at 10 & 2.
The 25-year-old has been busy these past few months, releasing a string of singles and hitting the road with Megan Moroney and Hudson Westbrook. He was first discovered by legendary songwriter Jessi Alexander (known for Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” and Luke Combs’ “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma”), who signed him to his first publishing deal and has been a huge mentor, opening doors to writing rooms and opportunities he never would have had on his own. Last year, his debut single, “How To Not,” went viral on TikTok and now sits at over 3.5 million streams. With millions of streams and growing attention from the country world, Acker is ready to step into the spotlight as an artist in his own right.
We caught up with Tommy to talk about his journey from Tyler, Texas, to Music City, the story behind his new single, and what life on the road has taught him so far.
What made you want to start playing guitar in high school?
In high school, my buddy had a guitar that he was always fascinated with, and he always had the girls all over him when he played. So, I made him teach me a few chords so I could learn it myself!
Did songwriting and performing naturally follow after you learned to play guitar?
Songwriting definitely came naturally after learning. I was tired of playing the same songs, so I tried writing my own. Performing, however, came much later.
How did you first get connected to Jessi Alexander and how has that relationship impacted your musical journey so far?
My connection with Jessi Alexander came rather quick! She found me through social media after I teased my first song. She really took me under her wing and put me in a lot of (writing) rooms that I would never have gotten the chance to be in otherwise. She has been crucial to my growth and new career in music!
When did you officially make the move to Nashville and what has been the biggest challenge of breaking into Music City as an artist from Texas?
I officially moved to Nashville on December 1, 2024. It’s funny because I am from Texas, but I moved to Nashville from Utah. I think a lot of people assume I’m from Utah, and so they never try to push the “Texas” sound or style on me which is nice because I feel it gives me a lot more freedom and less of a box that I can fit in. Don’t worry, I still throw some Texas roots in there!
Last year your debut single “How To Not” went viral and has earned millions of streams. How did it feel to see fans resonating with that song so strongly?
The success from ‘How To Not’ definitely gave me the confidence to push for a career in music, and I truly believe it was a God thing. I have always felt deep down that if I really gave music a shot, I could make it happen in some fashion. So, having the success from the first one really gave me that boost of confidence to keep trying no matter how hard this road gets!
What’s the most unexpected thing that’s happened in your career since releasing your debut single?
The most unexpected thing was opening for Megan Moroney, and how quickly I did. I was in a spot where I wasn’t sure if I was going to keep releasing music right away and really focus on writing and building a really good catalog of songs. I got a random message from Jessi saying she was on a writing retreat with Meg and that she needed a few openers and suggested my name. Sure enough, I got a call to open up for her on her “Am I Okay?” Tour in 2025. From there, it has been off to the races with releases and hitting the road as much as possible. Other artists such as Hudson Westbrook have really taken a chance on me and given me opportunities that I am beyond grateful for!
Take us into the writing room for your latest release, “10 & 2.” The story is so creative, talk about where the idea came from and what it was like seeing the narrative unfold?
My cowriters, Logan Maggio and Mia Mantia, helped write this one! Mia actually had the title ‘10 & 2’. She threw out the idea and Logan and I both loved it off the bat. We knew it could definitely be a fun and very colorful song.
Did you always envision it as an upbeat track, or did it start off differently in the writing room?
I think we all saw it as a more upbeat and playful love song. This song sort of fell out of us because we just wanted fun and unique ways of saying the cliche feeling that we all can relate to.
You’ve been releasing songs steadily. Are these leading up to a bigger project in the near future?
An album is definitely something we are working towards, but right now we are releasing singles and finding what works and what my fans want the most. Feeding the listeners with consistent singles has been building traction and growing steadily! However, I for sure have enough songs to build a pretty extensive record!
You’ve opened for Megan Moroney and Hudson Westbrook—what did you learn from those experiences?
From touring with Megan Moroney and Hudson Westbrook, I’ve learned to be flexible and ready for any sort of obstacles that may come your way. The crowd is as eager to listen just as much as you are to play, so being prepared to put on a show and keep an audience’s attention is imperative. The most important thing is that I LOVE every second of it and want to keep writing, making, and playing music for as long as I live!
What are your touring plans for the remainder of the year?
With success from my song ‘City Girl’ and mentioning a sorority, we’ve lined up a few shows to go to some sororities and play for them. They seem to be loving the buzz about it and we get asked to come play for them all the time!
Fans can follow Tommy Acker on Instagram.
Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.
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