Koe Wetzel joined The Bobby Bones Show to discuss his new album The Night Champion as well as fatherhood, fitness, touring, and how his life has changed over the past few years.
Bobby complimented Wetzel's recent physical transformation after seeing a photo of him online. Wetzel joked that his abs appeared overnight before explaining that he had previously been in excellent shape while playing college football. Over the years, he gained weight through what he described as "fat and beer," but recently committed to improving his health. Wetzel has been preparing for touring by exercising regularly, eating healthier, and cutting back on drinking. His workouts include cardio and a traditional weight-training routine focused on different muscle groups throughout the week. He typically wakes up around 6 a.m. to work out before his one-year-old daughter starts her day. Wetzel's daughter recently turned one-year-old and has developed a consistent sleep schedule. He credited his fiancé Bailey, for establishing a routine that allows their daughter to sleep through the night. Bobby, who recently became a father himself, said he was amazed by how babies eventually transition from waking every few hours to sleeping for long stretches. Wetzel agreed and said the early months were challenging but assured new parents that things improve significantly with time. When asked whether having a daughter had softened him, Wetzel admitted that becoming a father had changed him. Bailey often tells him he was meant to be a girl dad and acknowledged that he has become more emotional and protective over the past year.
Wetzel recently went to Australia, where he performed in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney. He said it was rewarding to see fans on the other side of the world singing his songs back to him. Australia reminded him of a larger version of Texas because of its friendly people and growing appreciation for country music. Reflecting on lessons learned from previous overseas travel, Wetzel admitted that he and his team approached the trip differently this time. Instead of immediately jumping into performances and heavy drinking, they arrived several days early to adjust to the time difference, rehearse, and focus on hydration before beginning the tour.
Wetzel's new album The Night Champion was never intended to become a full album. Initially, he planned to record only a few songs following the success of High Road. However, one song led to another, and before long he had enough material for a complete record. Wetzel described himself as a melody-first songwriter who often begins with musical ideas before developing lyrics. He constantly records ideas on his phone and enjoys writing organically without imposing strict deadlines. He credited collaborators including Ashley Gorley, Steph Jones, Gabe Simon, and Carrie K for helping create songs that developed naturally rather than being forced. Wetzel revealed that the album's title reflects both his personal growth and family history. The album symbolizes overcoming years of partying and unhealthy habits while entering a new chapter of life focused on family and responsibility. He also revealed that his grandfather raised hunting dogs and that "Night Champion" is a title awarded to dogs that achieve success in night hunting competitions. Only one of his grandfather's dogs ever earned the distinction, making the title especially meaningful. When discussing how his lifestyle has evolved, Wetzel said becoming a father and getting older naturally changed his priorities. He no longer feels compelled to stay out all night, close bars, or seek out trouble. Instead, he focuses more on family and maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Speaking on the track "Hurts Like You," Wetzel initially wasn't sure about the track because it leaned more toward mainstream and pop influences than his usual style. However, the more he listened to it and worked through the recording process, the more he connected with its message about being unable to let go of something that is ultimately bad for you.
Speaking of the bar life, Wetzel also owns a restaurant and bar business with locations in Fort Worth and Houston, Texas. The idea for the business stemmed from his love of socializing and frequent experiences getting kicked out of bars when he was younger. He joked that opening his own establishment solved that problem. The venues operate as sports bars during the day before transforming into nightlife destinations in the evening. He still regularly visits and enjoys spending time there with friends. Wetzel still misses playing sports and often finds himself reminiscing about football and baseball before falling asleep. Some of his favorite memories include making more than 20 tackles in a game and returning an interception nearly the length of the field as a freshman. Wetezl was a linebacker throughout high school and later played football at Tarleton State University before suffering a serious leg injury. After surgery, he found himself focused on music, eventually choosing that path over football.
While in studio, Wetzel participated in a grip-strength challenge, recording a score of 130. Bobby joked that the result confirmed why he avoids getting into fights.