Garrett Huffman – Rising Star with a Sound That Defies Categories
About Me – Garrett Huffman
Garrett Huffman, a rising 21-year-old singer-songwriter from Gastonia, North Carolina, is proving that passion, perseverance, and talent can launch dreams into reality. What began as a self-taught guitar journey during the COVID-19 lockdown has blossomed into a promising music career, as Garrett blends country soul, 80s nostalgia, and alt-pop edge into a sound that’s uniquely his own. From humble beginnings playing local gigs at spots like Pita Wheel and Hickory Tavern in Gastonia, NC, Garrett’s hard work is paying off. Now signed with management in Nashville, TN, he’s making waves well beyond just North and South Carolina. In 2024, Garrett took home the 2023 Carolina CMA Entertainer of the Year (Singer/Songwriter/Musician) award, and was nominated for the 2024 Carolina CMA Male Artist of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. His momentum only continues to build with major endorsement deals—partnering with PEPSI, SIT Strings, Willow Creek Guitars, and 2x Shark tank winner Christopher Guerrera—cementing his place as an artist to watch. With over 100 original songs written, eight released on streaming platforms, and a live performance style that captures hearts and commands attention, Garrett is the embodiment of a modern music success story. Watch out, Nashville—Gastonia’s hometown hero is just getting started.
Key Takeaways
This week on Local Music Somewhere, host Terry Hudson sits down with one of North Carolina’s most promising rising stars in country music: Garrett Huffman. As CMA Fest kicks off in Nashville, the spotlight turns toward the Carolinas, where artists like Garrett are proving that big talent doesn’t always come from Music City.
Originally from Morganton and now based in Gastonia, Garrett shares how a borrowed guitar and a pandemic lockdown sparked a new direction in life. Teaching himself to play using his brother’s forgotten instrument, he found inspiration from quarantine performances by artists like Luke Combs. Before long, he was writing his own songs—blending country roots with wide-ranging influences like John Mayer, Guns N’ Roses, and Zach Bryan.
Hustle, Heart, and Homegrown Grit
The early days weren’t easy. Garrett booked his own gigs by knocking on doors and playing for free—learning the hard way how to build a name from the ground up. A spontaneous visit to Guitar Wishes in Lincolnton led to his first guitar endorsement with Willow Creek Guitars, setting off a string of partnerships.
Today, Garrett performs 3–4 shows a week, works with a Nashville management team, and is steadily building a devoted fanbase up and down the East Coast. At just 21 years old, he brings a powerful mix of humility, hustle, and heart to everything he does.
“You have to be a sponge,” Garrett says, speaking to his mindset of constant learning.
Charlotte vs. Nashville: Building Where You Are
While he still makes regular trips to Nashville for writing sessions, Garrett is energized by the growth of Charlotte’s music scene. More artists are calling Charlotte home, and Garrett believes you don’t have to relocate full-time to make it in country music anymore.
“You don’t have to be in Nashville full-time,” he explains. “Charlotte is growing, and I want to be part of that.”
Writing from the Real
Garrett’s songwriting process is grounded in authenticity. Whether it’s his own story or someone else’s, he draws inspiration from real life—capturing ideas as thousands of voice memos on his phone. Some songs come in a burst; others take years. His co-write with fellow artist Julia Golden, “A Story Like Ours,” is a breakout hit that’s nearing 100,000 streams.
He’s also mindful of structure. Whether crafting a big-stage anthem or a stripped-down solo ballad, Garrett writes with the live performance in mind. He’s currently learning piano and plans to debut it at his August 8 show in Charlotte at the Hi-Wire Brewery.
Big Win, Bigger Vision
Garrett’s breakout moment came in 2023 when he was named Entertainer of the Year by the Carolina Country Music Association—earning more votes than any artist in the award’s 11-year history. But perhaps his most powerful growth has been internal.
“I used to compare myself to everyone. It held me back,” he says. “Once I stopped doing that, I locked in.”
With a growing team and a tribe of collaborators—including his full band, handpicked over the course of a year—Garrett is building something lasting.
A New Anthem for the Carolinas
To close out the episode, Garrett performs a brand-new single, “Born in the Carolinas”—a song that’s already caught the attention of Pepsi for upcoming campaigns. Written with Julia in Nashville, the track is a heartfelt homage to his roots:
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“Daddy’s arms and mama’s eyes,
A million reasons to thank God
That I was born in the Carolinas…”
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Catch Garrett live at the Charlotte Boot Lager Country & Americana Festival on August 8 at Heisbury in Barrow Arts District, alongside Soul Creek Revival, Jackson Slater, and Nathan C. Davis. Doors open at 6PM—tickets drop soon on Eventbrite.
From a borrowed guitar to the big stage, Garrett Huffman is living proof that with passion, persistence, and purpose, anything is possible.
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