Rob Wheeler: Rising star of country music

The Alsager award-winner has created a transatlantic sound rooted in UK experience, with his debut album earning critical praise and opening the door to huge opportunities.

Rob grew up in a council house with a single mum, discovering music as both escape and ambition. He says life on the Staffordshire and Cheshire border influenced his lyric-writing, infused with a passion for telling stories befitting the landscapes, alongside a craving for oatcakes and yearning for a CW postcode!

A major health diagnosis in 2012 triggered a period of breakdown and recovery, reshaping his outlook and commitment to music.

Yet a small legacy from his grandfather enabled the release of his debut album, earning critical praise and opening doors to publishing and label opportunities. Rob travelled to Nashville, collaborating with leading writers and producers, with his third - also recorded in Nashville - hitting top spot on the Country Download Charts, outperforming major American artists in their own backyard.

Supported by BBC Introducing and BBC Radio Stoke, this act is one to watch, as confirmed by his performance at and award nominations at the British Country Music Association awards, including picking up the Horizon Artist of 2025.