Jovin Webb is a singer/songwriter who you need to have on your radar.

The Louisiana native and multi-instrumentalist is known for his gritty vocal prowess, infectious songwriting, and energetic live performances. He has garnered much critical acclaim as an emerging voice for blues and soul music.

In 2020, Webb became a social media sensation, appearing on ABC's American Idol where he finished in the top 10.  

When he returned to the music scene of Baton Rouge and the New Orleans area, he was performing five to six shows per week. That dedication to his artistry allowed him to hone his gift.

After signing with Blind Pig Records,  Webb is now releasing his highly-anticipated debut album Drifter on Oct. 18--reintroducing him and his eclectic brand of musicianship to the masses.

For as long as he can remember, Webb believed that he was destined to be a “bluesman” but his early inspiration was the music of the Black Church.

“I was influenced by the gospel music of Baptist churches of the South as well as Michael Jackson who was an incredible performer,” Webb said. “Also, I loved Al Green, James Brown, and Otis Redding.”

Webb said that he fell in love with blues because all of the music that he grew up with in Louisiana has elements of the genre.

“When I was younger, in those Black Baptist churches, I remember loving hard blues. That's really what it was. There are so many songs you can look at from that era and it sounds like it could be part of a regular blues song,” Webb explained. “No matter what you hear, it's really connected. You're going to hear the blues somewhere in it.”

One of Webb’s goals was to audition for “American Idol”. He made it happen in 2020 and quickly became a fan-favorite with his unique style. He shared how much that moment meant to his career.

“I’m old enough to remember when the first season of “American Idol” came out and it was always a dream of mine to make it on the show--to possibly do that. I definitely was watching the first couple of seasons. And some way, you know, you get lost and watch that. Eventually, when I was able to hone in on my voice, I was like, ‘I think I can give it a try now.’ I was just shooting  in the dark and I made it.”

Upon hearing his voice, Lionel Richie, one of the most acclaimed artists of all-time, said, “This is what barbecue sauce sounds like.” Webb spoke about how Richie’s words of approval impacted him as an artist.

“What Lionel Richie said to me will stick with me for a lifetime. That's something that people know about me. I took it for what it was because it just happened and I was shocked,” he recalled. “That was the best thing I could have ever heard, and especially from him.”

Webb could not contain his excitement about the release of his debut project Drifter. The album explores “his own journey, touching on everything from heartbreak to redemption.” Grammy-Award winner Tom Hambridge produced the LP and each song  tells a story. He brings all the heartbreak vibes of “Bottom of a Bottle,” the socially conscious message of “Save Me,” and the stirring depth of the ballad “Mine Someday” to this project.

Speaking about the title of the album, Webb described his journey in life and specifically his journey as a musician.

“Drifter comes from my experience and how my father was. Sometimes you pick up some of the same traits and I just moved around a lot by myself,” he explained. “It’s like what Lionel said, ‘You can't sing the blues sitting in the back of a Black limousine.’ I definitely know what it’s like to be in the front seat of your own troubles.”

He also spoke about the creative process of the album and how everything clicked during the recording sessions with Hambridge.

“Recording the album was actually smooth. I came with a couple of songs that I had already and then I flew out to Nashville to write with Tom Hambridge. The guy is so decorated and he has his hands on everybody's album. We hung out in Nashville for six days and we used what I had, the material we wrote together from scratch, we brought some other songs in and it was a really cool creative process.”

“Then we put together this wonderful studio band full of these great musicians, and in a six, seven-day span, we knocked it out. We got to feel each other, and we went to work. It was really organic and It felt good.”

Along with a new debut album, Webb and his band are heading out for a European tour next year, which will mark the group’s first international performances.

“We’re looking for 2025 to tour Germany and France to get out and just get our feet wet. For a lot of guys in a band, it’s going to be their first time performing overseas. So it's going to be a real sentimental moment for a lot of us,” said Webb.

Above all, Webb wants his music to touch the world. He intends to create timeless art that leaves an indelible imprint on the industry.

“I want to make my mark and let everybody know that the blues booze is still alive, and to pull in as many people along with me on this journey,” he shared. “I just want to pave my way and give my version of my life right now so everybody can hear it.”