OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Ocala’s country scene is continuing to thrive this year. From Emery Robbins breaking onto the national stage as one of the final 56 acts on American Idol this past April to festivals like Rock the Country featuring major headliners like Kid Rock and Hank Williams Jr., the local music scene is booming.
As demand for country music grows, more artists are finding opportunities through local performances. One such artist is Ocala-born-and-raised Noah Hunton, a rising country singer who aims to meet that demand with his unique sound.
Hunton’s musical journey began early, with dreams of country stardom forming as far back as elementary school. Reflecting on his determination, Hunton shared, “You know how in elementary school and high school they ask what your plan is? I never really necessarily had a ‘Plan B.’ I told my parents I did, but I never had another plan other than music.”
Hunton’s first big break came at 15 when he opened for Josh Turner at the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City. “It was a pretty big moment for me in high school to open up for one of my icons,” says Hunton. “That kickstarted everything.”
Despite this early success, Hunton’s journey was far from smooth. After finishing school, he worked a 9-to-5 job at a sign exchange shop while performing at local venues like Charlie Horse, Terry’s Bar and Grill, and The Crazy Cucumber. Eventually, Hunton decided to pursue music full-time.
“I was calling out of work way too often for these shows,” admits Hunton. “One day, I went in and said, ‘Guys, I’m gonna go for country music full-time.'”
Since then, Hunton’s career has soared. He’s opened for major artists like Tim McGraw, Dylan Scott, Chase Matthews, and Lanco. This past summer, he released his debut album, My Life, which drew inspiration from his upbringing, legacy, and time recording in Tennessee.
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“My Life was based on my hometown, how I was raised, legacy, and Tennessee summertime’s when I would go up there to record my songs,” says Hunton. “After the album was released, I remember just thinking, ‘Holy cow, all those years of going back and forth to Nashville, recording music and doing all of the shows that led up to recording the album.’ It was a huge milestone.”
Even while recording the album, he was already writing for the next.
Hunton’s songwriting is deeply personal.
“As much as I love the party songs, I can write more love songs than party songs. I don’t party enough to have enough party songs; I want to base my songs off of what I’ve gone through. It’s like reminiscing on the past stuff and trying to put it into songs. Sometimes a party song turns into a love song. I’m just that type of guy who’s more into the romance side of country music like ballads and stuff.”
One example is his track “All Nighters,” which captures the vibe of backwoods hangouts. Another, “Meant to Be,” is a ballad written about love, though its music video starred an ex-girlfriend.
“That’s the funny thing about this lifestyle is a lot of music videos, especially when you get to that next point in your career, include a lot of extras,” he explains. “After we broke up, I thought, “Well, what do we do? Do we delete the video?’ I ended up just leaving it up.”
Hunton’s personal life continues to inspire his music. Now engaged, he’s reflected on heartbreak in songs like “Bartender,” a breakup ballad that resonated widely, earning a nomination for Song of the Year at the Josie Music Awards in October.
Hunton’s success also earned him the title of “Hometown Hero” of Marion County, an honor from the upcoming Rock the Country festival. The title comes with free merchandise, backstage passes, and the chance to lead the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
“To have the opportunity not only to be at Rock the Country is amazing,” says Hunton. “I never joined the music industry for the money and fame, I just wanted to move people with my songs and give back to my community. I’m very big into that. We’ve given away free guitars and done a lot of charity events around Ocala.”
Hunton remains committed to his hometown, participating in charity events and even giving away free guitars. He’s also focused on growing his career. Upcoming performances include shows at the Yellow Pony in Ocala’s World Equestrian Center and on Main Street in Downtown Ocala on December 29.
Next year, Hunton plans to expand his reach, with gigs lined up as far north as Michigan and potential performances on the West Coast. On the visual front, his music video for “See Where the Night Goes” is now available on YouTube, and his next single, “You and I,” drops on New Year’s Eve.
“We’re trying to get some stuff in Washington state and California, but that wouldn’t be until July,” said Hunton.
For those dreaming of a similar path, Hunton offers this advice: “Don’t let those people tell you what you can and cannot do, and sing until your lungs give out that type of vibe. I could go on and on about it, but it was never really easy for me when I first started out in middle school and high school when I was kind of an outcast. I never gave up, and I used my classmates’ negativity to say, ‘Alright, I’ll show you guys.'”
It’s clear that Hunton’s journey is only just beginning, and his critics have no choice but to raise the white flag.