Meet Dylan Cotrone, the Bradenton singer-songwriter whose music dream is going viral

Dylan Cotrone says it was a happy accident that made his music go viral and set the Bradenton native on a path toward becoming a full-time musician.

It all started about a year ago. Cotrone was on the way home from a long day of work bussing tables at The Waterfront Restaurant on Anna Maria Island. Country artist Zach Bryan’s “Burn, Burn, Burn” came on the radio, Cotrone said.

“On my way home I heard that song by Zach Bryan and I thought, ‘I’ll cover it when I get home,’” Cotrone said.

Later, he sat down in front of his phone with his guitar and recorded the song.

“I didn’t post it. I drafted it and kept it in my files, and then that next morning I was listening to it and accidentally posted the video on TikTok,” Cotrone said.

Then there was no going back.

Friends told him that his video was showing up in their social media feeds. And strangers were seeing him too.

In the coming weeks, the video gained thousands of views and admirers who loved Cotrone’s voice.

“It accidentally made my dreams come true,” Cotrone said. “It also gave me the confidence to post more videos.”

As he posted more songs, both covers and originals, his social media following continued to soar. Now Cotrone’s TikTok videos have attracted over 12 million views and 620,000 followers.

TikTok helps Bradenton artist launch music career

Seizing on the social media success, Cotrone began recording some of his songs in the studio and releasing them to an even wider audience on streaming services like Spotify.

His song catalog so far reflects the diversity of musical taste and subject matter, from introspective pop-folk songs like “Remedies” to fun jams like “Redneck Hippie” that infuse rock and reggae.

At 22 years old, Cotrone now stands at the beginning of a fledgling music career with a debut album coming soon.

He’s been splitting his time between Florida and Los Angeles, where he records his music. This Friday, he’ll play a show at Oscura, a coffee house and music venue in Bradenton.

It’s the first time Cotrone will play backed by a full band, and he’s excited to share his music, energy and heart with his hometown.

The Bradenton Herald spoke with Cotrone ahead of the show. Here’s what he had to say.

Bradenton singer shares his musical journey

What part of Bradenton are you from, and how has the area shaped you?

I’ve grown up in Cortez pretty much my entire life. It feels like I grew up on the island too, because I was staying at so many friends’ places growing up and sleeping on couches there.

This area has definitely shaped my entire life. I even feel it in my writing. I’ve recently been living in L.A. for a little bit and it’s completely different.

It’s like a weight off my shoulders when I’m in town here. It’s where I made all my memories and where I’ve written all my first songs.

How did you get into playing music?

I fell in love with music at a very young age. My dad was in a band growing up. He always played the guitar when I was at home, and I fell in love with the guitar listening to him.

If I was restless as a kid, he would take me on a drive and play his music and I’d eventually fall asleep. He listened to a bunch of Bad Company and Red Hot Chili Peppers and Sublime. I think a mix of all those old timers and legends and all the artists that I’ve grown up and listened to on my own, I’ve kind of merged the old and new genres and made it own.

What’s your favorite part of making music and why?

My favorite part would be writing music. Not only as an artist but as a person, writing music has helped me in so many ways. I’ve never been the kind of person to talk about my feelings and emotions and thoughts I’ve had growing up. I’ve always used music as a way to express myself.

What are some songs that represent who you are as an artist?

I would point to “Dog House” and “Remedies.” I think the contrast between the excitement in “Dog House” and the realness in “Remedies” really shows who I am as an artist. I want to be able to have a song for every emotion and every point in time in someone’s life.

“Dog House” is more like “Screw this, I’m having fun,” and “Remedies” is like, “I’m sad and I need a hug.” I think both of them show who I am as a person.

See Bradenton native Dylan Cotrone play at Oscura

Cotrone will play Friday night as Oscura. Fellow Bradenton native Lennon Cripe opening the show.

Details: Friday, Dec. 20. Doors open at 7 p.m., music begins at 8 p.m. Oscura, 816 Manatee Ave. E., Bradenton. Tickets: $15 with advanced purchase; $20 at the door. All ages. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Info: DylanCotrone.com

This story was originally published December 20, 2024 at 5:50 AM.