In the world of country music, where storytelling reigns supreme, few artists capture the spirit of their generation quite like Maddox Batson. At just 15 years old, Maddox is not only carving out a unique space in the genre but doing so with a charm and authenticity that’s impossible to ignore. From humble beginnings on his grandparents’ farm to the sold-out stages of Nashville, his journey is a testament to talent, determination, and a little help from TikTok.
For Maddox, life wasn’t always about music. “All I wanted to do was play sports,” he recalls to Celeb Secrets in an exclusive interview. “Basketball, baseball, football — you name it.”
But a diagnosis of Osgood-Schlatter disease in his knees put a halt to his athletic aspirations during the summer after seventh grade. Faced with the need to pivot, Maddox picked up a guitar with his dad and began experimenting with covers of country favorites. It was on TikTok — the platform that would become his springboard — that his music journey truly began.
A fateful live TikTok session led to his first gig in Texas, thanks to a comment from a viewer. “I played 20 shows, four hours each, in 110-degree heat,” Maddox shares with a laugh. “But it taught me how to perform. My dad wanted me to learn the craft, not just be a TikTok artist. And I’m so grateful for that.”
It wasn’t long before Maddox’s talent caught the attention of music executives. By March of 2024, he’d released his first single, “Tears in the River,” which skyrocketed to over 21 million streams. His follow-up singles, including the fan-favorite “X’s,” only solidified his status as a rising star. To date, the track has over 4.8 million Spotify streams and 10 million YouTube views on its music video.
Maddox’s latest release “Southbound” dropped in October 2024, and it showcases his evolution as both a songwriter and performer. The song is an emotional ballad about heartbreak and features his signature mix of acoustic chords, slide guitar, and heartfelt lyrics. “The second I heard the first 10 seconds of my voice on it, I knew it was special,” he says.
What sets “Southbound” apart is its deeply personal and relatable narrative. Maddox processes a breakup in real-time, singing, “Yeah, our spark never made it to a flame, ain’t that a shame.” The chorus, with its warning of heading “Southbound,” encapsulates the desperation of holding onto a relationship at its breaking point. The track’s raw emotion is amplified by its production, where softly strummed guitars and a sustained slide guitar create a haunting, bittersweet atmosphere. “I recut it twice because I wasn’t happy with my voice at first,” Maddox admits. “We put so much time and production into it to get it just right.”
The decision to release the song wasn’t just his own. His cousin Oakley, one of his closest confidants, was a key influence. “I asked Oakley which song was his favorite, and he immediately said ‘Southbound.’ That sealed the deal for me.”
Since its release, the song has become a fan favorite, solidifying Maddox’s place as a young artist with an old soul.
In addition to his growing catalog of hits, Maddox is making waves as a songwriter. One of his proudest moments was co-writing “Tough,” a single performed by Lana Del Rey and Quavo. “I wrote that song during one of my first studio sessions,” he recalls. “It’s about my family’s roots, and to see two artists I admire cut it was surreal.”
For Maddox, the journey of “Tough” holds a particularly special place in his heart. “I wrote it thinking about my dad, my mom, and our family’s life as farmers,” he says. “When my manager called to tell me that Lana Del Rey and Quavo were interested, I ran around the house three times screaming. It’s something I’ll never forget.”
The song’s mixture of heartfelt storytelling and modern production became the perfect match for the iconic pair, marking a significant milestone for Maddox’s budding career.
Maddox’s music blends traditional country storytelling with modern influences. Drawing inspiration from artists like George Strait, Morgan Wallen, and John Mayer, he’s created a sound that’s both classic and contemporary. “It’s a mix of old-timey country, pop, and even a little southern rock,” he explains. “I want my music to fit a lot of people’s playlists.”
His lyrics often focus on themes of love and heartbreak, but Maddox is quick to point out the deeper messages. “I want my fans to know their worth,” he says. “Especially young girls — don’t settle. Wait for someone who treats you right.”
Despite his rapid rise, Maddox is determined to stay grounded. “It can be overwhelming, but I’ve got a lot of good people surrounding me,” he says. Whether it’s hunting with his new dog Humphrey, building Lego sets, or just being a teenager, Maddox is finding ways to hold onto his childhood while building a career.
“At the end of the day, I’m still just a kid who loves music,” he says.
With new music planned for early 2025, including a potential EP or album, Maddox shows no signs of slowing down. “We’ve got so many songs in the vault,” he teases. “I’m just excited to keep growing, keep connecting with fans, and keep making music that means something.”
Last night (February 6), fans were able to get a taste of the new material thanks to the release of his new track “I Don’t Like You Anymore.” Marking yet another milestone in his career, the breezy anthem wrestles with the moment “like” becomes “love.”
The song plays out like a heartfelt high school love note punctuated by youthful infatuation. Airy guitar echoes on the verses, melting into a gentle bounce before building toward a chantable refrain, “I don’t think I like you anymore…It’s more than that.” By the end, he’s ready to commit, confessing, “Hate to break it to you, baby. I think you could be the one.”
The song cleverly flips the feeling around, making for one of Maddox’s most endearing tracks yet.
Accompanying the release, Maddox shared a visually stunning music video co-starring YouTuber Jiji Wonder. Directed by Jake The Shooter (Eminem, LL Cool J, Alex Warren), the video perfectly captures the essence of young love and its emotional highs and lows.
The 15-year-old is also bringing his incredible talent — and new songs — on the road as he recently announced headlining tour dates in New York City, Dallas, Chicago, and more, culminating in his highly-anticipated debut appearance at Stagecoach 2025 in Indio, CA. Due to overwhelming demand, Maddox has upgraded venues across the country, with limited tickets remaining.
Last year, I went just to experience the vibe,” he shares regarding his Stagecoach performance. “This year, I get to be part of it. It’s a dream come true.”
Following his headline run, Maddox will join Lainey Wilson as a supporting act on her Whirlwind Tour this fall. This opportunity not only introduces him to a wider audience but also solidifies his place among country music’s most promising young stars.
For Batson, the future of country music is not just about chasing dreams — it’s about paving the way for a new generation of artists. And at just 15 years old, he’s just getting started.
For more on Maddox’s music, watch our full interview below — and don’t forget to let us know what you think of his songs by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecretscountry.
