As the streets of Nashville filled with country music fans, rising country artist Tayler Holder prepared for his debut at CMA Fest 2023.

During CMA Fest, Holder made several appearances including participating in Craig Campbell’s Cornhole Tournament, full-band performances at the Boot Barn Stage and Wildhorse Saloon, and a meet and greet during Fan Fair X.

“I’m so excited man,” tells Holder. “I’m not going to lie, I’m nervous as hell as well because this is my first CMA Fest. Last year, I came out with my good friend Rayna Roberts and performed our song together but it’s the first time I have my own full set.”

It’s no denying that TikTok played a major part of Holder’s career, however, that fan base is transitioning alongside Holder as he makes his transition into country music.

“I didn’t blow up as an artist on TikTok, so it has made it very complicated for people to see the vision of being an artist, let alone a country music artist,” tells Holder.

As announced recently, Tayler will be joining Dylan Scott alongside Matt Schuster on his upcoming “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” tour this fall. The relationship with Dylan came over TikTok as Dylan created a TikTok poking fun at the “fake country boys.“

“We [Dylan] eventually like met each other. We went on a hunting trip together. Our friendship was just supernatural from there,” tells Tayler “I was with him when he played Whiskey Jam recently and just being on the tour bus and watching how fun they are I can already tell this tour is going to be freaking wild.“

As Tayler continues to go through country music, he isn’t slowing down on releasing music. On June 30th, Tayler will be dropping his upbeat single “Time In This Truck.” You can pre-save the new single here.

“It’s a really fun summer song, man. I’ve been doing a lot more slow stuff and this song is going to be fun,” tells Tayler.

Alongside new music on the horizon, Holder is also preparing for the release of his debut EP later this year.

“These songs are going to be special,” tells Tayler. “I think these new songs are going to show people that this kid’s here to stay.“

You can watch the full interview with Tayler Holder and guest host Cody Cozz below.

Hosted by Dierks Bentley, Elle King, and Lainey Wilson “CMA Fest,” the Music Event of Summer, airs Wednesday, July 19 at 8/7c on ABC.