Meet James Robert Webb, a Tulsa artist whose latest endeavour, “Weekend Outlaw,” is a compelling manifesto for those disenchanted with the monotony of everyday existence. This country-rock album purrs like a V8 engine with an undercurrent of rebellion, evoking the spirit of Loverboy’s classic while channelling the audacious essence of Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Country movement.
Webb’s sound merges bluesy southern rock elements with a certain Dylan-esque romanticism, all running through rugged threads of Texas grit, inviting us to traverse the emotional landscape of modern life with a defiant attitude. Since his 2016 debut, he has meticulously carved a niche, with chart-topping hits such as “Something Out of Nothing” and “Stealing Home” solidifying his place in the Texas music scene.
The album comprises 11 tracks, each a vignette steeped in vivid storytelling and raw emotion (and an acerbic hint of irony), where Webb urges listeners to eschew the shackles of routine and embrace their authentic selves, a pursuit he embodies.
Webb has infiltrated major playlists, including Apple Music’s New Music Daily and Spotify’s Texas Country Now, illustrating that his sound transcends regional boundaries, reaching a national audience eager for authenticity and a roots-based southern rock sound. His music video for “Okfuskee Whiskey,” an homage to his moonshiner great-grandfather, has garnered over 1.3 million views, catalysing a partnership with a local distillery. He set out to step into the cinematic realm with an upcoming feature film, Music City Mistletoe, where he will showcase his original compositions.
Each “Weekend Outlaw” track encapsulates the ethos of living with intention and seizing fleeting moments. Webb encourages us to embark on spontaneous road trips or immerse ourselves in creative endeavours, like he does, celebrating the unpredictable nature of existence. By day, he is a radiologist, wielding his skills to transform lives; by night, he becomes a guitar-slinging bard, crafting tales that reflect the complexities of human experience.
As he navigates this multifaceted journey, it becomes clear that James Robert Webb is at the inception of his creative force. He represents a confluence of tradition and innovation, breathing fresh air into the country music landscape. With a voice that resonates across temporal boundaries and a vision that defies conventional paradigms, the horizon appears promising for this emerging luminary. One would do well to pay attention; his narrative is unfolding, and “Weekend Outlaw” beckons all to engage with life’s myriad adventures, living boldly and authentically, one weekend at a time.
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Photo credit: Shervin Lainez
