< blog | Will Worden: The Troubador Bringing Country Music's Golden Age Back to Life

Will Worden: The Troubador Bringing Country Music's Golden Age Back to Life

When I think of Texas, I think of big boots, bigger skies, and that big ol’ American experience that cuts straight to my bones. Will Worden embodies all of that and more. A Texas native who's taken the West Coast country scene by storm, he's got a voice that Rolling Stone calls a blend of Elvis Presley and Gordon Lightfoot — a comparison that to me, feels both bold and spot on. But Worden isn’t one to ride on comparisons. With a sound rooted in classic country storytelling with honest vulnerability, he’s crafting his own legacy. Fresh off the launch of his debut LP The Only One & All The Others , Worden sat down with SYV Buzz to talk Texas roots, West Coast crowds, and why the '60s and '70s country sound still feels like home.

SYV Buzz: Texas roots run deep—how do you think growing up there shaped your vibe and storytelling style?

Will Worden: My Texas roots definitely shaped my love for traditional music, and maybe even more, my case of homesickness. I've listened to more and more since I backed my bags and headed West.

SYV Buzz: Texas has such a rich musical heritage. Do you feel like being a Texan artist gives you a certain responsibility — or maybe even a badge of honor — in the larger country music scene?

Will Worden: I often hear the sigh of relief when people learn I am Texas born and raised. As if being from somewhere else would not make sense to the listener. I don't see it that way necessarily, but I sure don't act suprised when I learn another artist I love is also Texas-born. Not sure if it's the tap water, or growing up in the church, but there does seem to be a pattern when it comes to Texas musicians — I sure would hope I have the strength to bear the torch from those I have always looked up to. Singing on stage with Willie Nelson felt like a right of passage in that regard — more so than where I was born.

SYV Buzz: I drove a round and listened to your music on Spotify. You seem to channel a lot of energy from the '60s and '70s Texas and Bakersfield country scenes — and that rich, twangy pedal steel sound. Is there something about those eras and styles that speaks to you, and how do you keep that spirit alive while making your sound feel fresh and uniquely "Will Worden”?

Will Worden: There certainly is something that speaks to me. The genuine song writing, the traditional approach the instruments wield, and possibly the biggest to me: the sonic production of the record. It feels like I can't unhear the depth, the tone, the candid live recording, the drums buried in the back of the room mic, allowing Merle Haggard or Charlie Rich to lead the whole ensemble with potent lyrics and heavily mixed vocals sung live into the same room with the band playing behind them. It is something I feel almost cursed by in a way … as much as I want to love new records coming out, to be honest, it's difficult sometimes to hear auto-tuned vocals, synthesized drums, etc. … it becomes a tad snobby at a point, hence I don't preach about it often. That being said, it has struck an unspoken passion when I get the pleasure and opportunity to record and produce my own record, that I study back through the great American song book and how it was recorded and performed.

As it applies to my own recording, I think there will naturally arrive a fusion of contemporary aspects and energies, and in no way do I want to cosplay as if I dont exist in 2025. If anything it's always great for anyone to pick up on the fact that the '60s-'70s have influenced the tones of the record. It's my esoteric way of saying "Go back and listen to the old stuff! The real stuff! It's even better.

SYV Buzz: You’ve managed to wrangle the West Coast country scene. What’s been the biggest surprise about California’s country crowd?

Will Worden: Who knows how to two step around these parts?

SYV Buzz: Rolling Stone magazine compared your voice to Elvis Presley and Gordon Lightfoot — two legends from two very different worlds. How do you feel about that comparison, and do you hear those influences in yourself?

Will Worden: I think my music-loving father would be the one to blame for my early, early love for Elvis Presley. The Greatest Hits CD case lay empty in my childhood bedroom with the disc spun over and over in my CD player. I sat stunned, daily, how a human could ever make such a tone from their voice. My six-year-old self (somehow) hadn't the vocal chord development to pull off an impression. Nonetheless, I have come to realize my childhood self sneaks in some Elvis impersonation when he can. Who can blame the little kiddo, everybody loves the King.

Pre-existing my solo record, I succumbed to the '60s folk chapter, and fell deep into Gordon, Ian & Sylvia, Peter, Paul, & Mary, and love Gordon especially. I think if anything his song writing influenced me ever more than his Maple Syrup vocal tones.

SYV Buzz: Your sound has been described as "a perfect missing link between the surreal landscape of Townes Van Zandt’s velvet voice and the old troubadour crooners of classic country." How do you balance that poetic vulnerability with the timeless warmth of classic country storytelling — and is that balance something you consciously aim for or does it just come naturally?

Will Worden: This record is the first 12 songs I wrote. I've played guitar and sang for over 20 years now, and I had not yet felt anything inspiring enough to truly songwrite. I went to Alaska, heartbroken completely, day one of mourning.

The melody hits you in the face as the words have been pulling your arm all day as you wait to land them amongst chords.

The words struck me every time I thought of her, and when the heart breaks, your notepad begins to fill up. It all becomes poetry, and my net was the river of feelings for the first time.

SYV Buzz: You’ve traveled and played all over — is there a city or venue that left an unforgettable mark on you?

Will Worden: I had the pleasure of touring with Nick Waterhouse, and the French countryside is unmistakable as far as a willing audience and hospitable venues.

Never will I play a venue in Los Angeles that would crack 12 bottles of the sweetest wine without question. Unmistakable and Unforgettable. Love France.

Leaving Texas too young to go to a bar, I'd say its completely refreshing to tour the Lone Star State, particularly Austin.

SYV Buzz: How do you mentally prepare before stepping on stage—any rituals or superstitions?

Will Worden: I have plenty of rituals and superstitions, but there is no pattern to pre-show. Wait for the clock to strike and walk out there. Always grateful I'm allotted the responsibility of entertaining.

SYV Buzz: If you could raise a glass with any legendary Texas musician — living or gone — who would it be, and what would you ask them?

Will Worden: Townes: I have the feeling he would outdrink me, but I'd still feel like Ram Dass visiting Neem Karoli Baba.

Kristofferson: I have the feeling I'd keep asking him to sing another song.

Billy Joe Shaver: I have the feeling it would turn into more.

SYV Buzz: We realize your new album, The Only One & All The Others just dropped, but what’s next for you? Any collaborations, summer vacations, or personal goals on the horizon that you’re excited to share?

Will Worden: Another 15 more songs recorded. You can hear them performed live for the time being.

85 written that are going to be recorded soon.

Been writing with Phil Hollie and we’ve also recorded some tunes together.

And a music video involving some aviation. That's coming out soon.

Will Worden isn’t about paying homage to country music’s past. He’s carving a new chapter, blending that Americana drawl and outlaw spirit of his influences with an unpolished edge that’s unmistakably his own. Whether he’s crooning heartache-drenched ballads or channeling the honky-tonk spirit of the streets of Bakersfield, there’s something timeless about his vibe and music. With more songs on the way, a new music video in the works, and a live show that keeps growing louder and stronger, one thing’s for sure: Will Worden is a name you’ll be hearing a whole lot more of. Catch him this Wednesday at Mattei's Tavern's Winemaker Takeover from 5–7 pm.

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