Gwinnett Daily Post

DULUTH -- Put on your 10-gallon hat and leather cowboy boots because Wild Bill's is going country today with 94.9 The Bull.

The radio station is hosting its Holiday Party with country singer Thomas Rhett and Winder band Bourbon Cowboys taking the stage.

Rhett is pretty new to the music scene with more than just Southern twang in his music.

"Country, rock and hip-hop were what I was raised on," he said. "It's a strange combination, but it all leaks into what I write."

But Rhett comes from a musical background. His dad, Rhett Akins, was popular in the mid-1990s with songs "That Ain't My Truck" and "Don't Get Me Started."

After everything is said and done, music wasn't Rhett's first passion, but he found his way to making tunes.

"I think I've been directed here for a reason," he said. "I still don't know why. I don't know if it's to be some big star or if it's to make a difference in somebody's life along the way or to make somebody's Friday night entertaining. It doesn't really matter. It's a journey, and I'm learning something new every step along the way."

When he finally recorded his first album, Rhett worked on his self-titled EP from a basement.

"It's dark, a couple lamps on and candles burning and incense everywhere," he said. "We had some of the best players, and it was pretty much a big jam session until we found something that worked."

The album has several hits on it, including "Something To Do With My Hands" and "Beer With Jesus."

Bourbon Cowboys will open the show. The group got its claim to fame after winning the Battle of the Band competition at Wild Bill's.

The event is 18 years and older.