Sam Hunt brought the “House Party” to Austin, Texas last weekend — and no, we’re not just talking about his hit song.
The country superstar lit up the Moody Center stage for the 2025 iHeartCountry Festival on May 3, where he delivered a feel-good, high-energy set that had fans screaming every word to “Take Your Time,” “Body Like a Backroad,” and more. But before the crowd went wild, Hunt caught up with Celeb Secrets host Juliet Schroder backstage to chat all things dad life, touring, and yes — the possibility of new music on the horizon.
With just 25 minutes to make his mark, Hunt told Celeb Secrets he aimed to pack his set with bangers only. “We’ve got 25 minutes… so I think we have seven songs,” he said, listing “Country House,” “House Party,” “Take Your Time,” “Break Up In A Small Town,” “Outskirts,” and more as part of the lineup. “Obviously this crowd is out here for three hours, so we can’t just show up and play a bunch of old, slow, sad songs. I pretty much have to cash all those [fun ones] in.”
Safe to say, he understood the assignment.
Sam might be tearing up stages nationwide this year, but back home, he’s in full dad mode — with baby number three on the way! “I’m a little nervous,” he admitted. “I know I’m gonna have to start pulling my weight here with this third one. I’ve gotten away with slacking on the first two… just being the fun dad who’s there for moral support.”
Now that it’s crunch time, he’s gearing up to get his hands dirty — literally.
And while he’s not exactly writing lullabies just yet, fatherhood is seeping into his songwriting. “I’m a little apprehensive about writing songs specifically about my family because it’s such a sacred thing,” he shared. “But I am trying to write songs from the perspective of a man who has kids… even if they’re not about my kids, that’s where I am now.”
And where he is right now? Living low-key out in the country with his wife and kiddos. “That song ‘Country House’ really reflects where I am in life — tucked away out in the woods, just living a simple little country existence.”
For Hunt, the line between the artist and the man at home is clear — and these days, he’s putting family first. “It’s been a hat that I’ve put on… like stepping into a movie. But I definitely prioritize who I am at home and who I am for my kids now.”
Still, don’t count him out of the music game just yet.
When we asked if more music was coming, he joked, “I wish I was more prolific… I’m just slow.” He added, “Touring’s easy. The hard part is coming up with new material… Wrangling up all my buddies who now have families and lives — that’s a little harder.”
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We had to press him — what would a concept album look like in 2025? While Hunt’s not ready to commit to a singular sound, he is constantly flip-flopping (in the best way) between traditional and modern influences.
“I’m always toggling between my love of traditional country music and some of the more modern influences,” he explained. “I think ultimately it’s gonna be easier for me to just throw darts all over the map and hope there’s some cohesiveness.”
So yeah… we’re manifesting Country House (Deluxe) or maybe a dad-core EP?
Until then, Sam’s still in the studio when inspiration strikes — even when he teases retirement. “Just when I say, ‘I’m gonna retire, this is too hard,’ I get a little inspiration and next thing you know, I’m back in the studio. I can’t put it down.”
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On a night stacked with legends like Brooks & Dunn, Thomas Rhett, Rascal Flatts, Megan Moroney, Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, and breakout star Dasha — Sam Hunt proved why he’s still one of country’s most magnetic performers during his short but memorable set at the iHeartCountry Festival. Whether he’s dancing through heartbreak or reflecting on fatherhood, his music keeps evolving with him — and we’re just lucky to be along for the ride.
For more on Sam Hunt’s music, make sure to watch our full interview below.
Interview quotes were condensed and edited for clarity.
