For country artist Drake Milligan, the road has become his second home.
Since breaking onto the national stage on America’s Got Talent, Texas native Drake Milligan has spent the better part of four years touring, steadily building an audience with a sound rooted in classic country storytelling and a live show inspired by Elvis Presley and honky-tonk showmen.
Now, with his sophomore album Tumbleweed topping the UK Country Chart and a growing international fanbase, Milligan says this season of life feels different.
“Just in the way that I’ve been rolling for the last four years since AGT,” Milligan says. “It’s kind of seemed like we’ve been on the road ever since. Especially this tour, were getting in more of a rhythm than ever. I guess that just comes with experience on the road. It feels like more of a structured show than ever. It does feel like a new chapter.”
That momentum recently carried him to an unlikely but fitting stage: Desert 5 Spot in Brooklyn, New York — a venue that feels like a slice of the American West was dropped into the heart of the city.
Milligan, who was familiar with the Los Angeles location from his AGT days, says the venue has become a favorite stop.
“I love playing the Desert 5,” he says. “During AGT I would go over to the one in L.A. It’s a cool spot. When they opened that one in Brooklyn, we were one of the first ones to play it in ‘24. It’s cool to come back in the heart of Brooklyn and play country music.”
The timing couldn’t be better. Milligan’s Tumbleweed recently climbed to No. 1 on the UK Country Chart while remaining in the Top 10 for weeks — a sign that his throwback style is resonating far beyond Nashville.
Even Milligan admits the international response surprised him.
“I’m glad they are,” Milligan says. “I think part of it is the old school nature of my songs. I want to bring back those classic country music songs in a new way. To a growing country fan base like you have in Europe, people are digging in more than usual into the history of country music and are so proud to be country music fans that they appreciate an artist like me who is holding that torch for the history of country music.”
He pauses, then adds another reason.
“Especially in Europe they appreciate live shows.”
That appreciation became crystal clear during the recent C2C Festival circuit across the UK, Germany, and the Netherlands — a full-circle moment for Milligan.
“It was so cool because three years ago we played an acoustic set on the spotlight stage in between the main acts,” he says. “And now being main support to Brooks and Dunn on the main stage — it was awesome. We had a packed arena.”
Milligan said the turnout speaks volumes about the groundwork his crew did leading up to the shows.
“It was all built around word of mouth and playing those live shows,” he adds. “It’s an old school way of doing it.”
That steady climb has also included opening for some of country music’s biggest stars, including Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, and Cody Johnson — artists Milligan says taught him more than just how to play to massive crowds.
“Especially touring with Cody, I watched him in some small rooms growing up in Texas. It got bigger and bigger every time,” Milligan says. “To watch him play arenas every night was cool. Same with Lainey. I’ve been around Nashville for most of her run to the top.”
But for Milligan, what stood out most happened offstage.
“The coolest part to see is how they treat everybody and that’s what sets them apart,” he says. “They’re so kind to everyone around them. It makes for a great working environment.”
That humility also came through during Milligan’s recent collaboration with country icon Shania Twain on the soundtrack for the Amazon Prime Video series The Gray House — an experience he admits could have been intimidating.
“For a megastar like she is, you worry but she’s so sweet and so down to earth,” Milligan says. “She brought so much to the sound especially. It was really cool. I was reminded of how great of a singer she is.”
Twain even invited him to join her in Calgary, where he performed with her at the famed Calgary Stampede stage.
As the Tumbleweed World Tour rolls on, Milligan says his goal remains simple: give audiences a great night out.
“I think country music is great way to escape, especially in a live show. It’s also a great way to feel related to,” he says.
Whether it’s a rowdy drinking song or a heartbreaking ballad, Milligan believes country music still carries a unique power to connect people.
“I’m a huge Elvis fan and I love entertaining a crowd, having them engaged and feeling like they’re a part of our show,” he says. “I look out and there’s three generations of people sitting out there. It’s really cool to see.”
To purchase Milligan’ Tumbleweed and see all of his tour dates, visit his official website.
PHOTOGRAPHY: (All images) credit Jacob McCool.
