New  “Western Amerijuana” on the way. Since the release of Tyler Halverson‘s debut single, “Beer Garden Baby,” in 2021, the South Dakota native has solidified himself as a staple among Texas and red dirt country fans, releasing other stellar singles like “Mac Miller,” “Her,” and “Codigo GoGo.” In April of last year, Halverson released his first EP, Western Amerijuana (Pt. 1), which was quickly followed up in October with the release of his second EP, Western Amerijuana (Pt. 2). It’s been a long time coming for fans to get a full-length LP from Halverson, and today he announced that he’s been in the studio working on just that. On February 13, Halverson will gift fans his debut album, In Defense of Drinking. Recorded at Amber Sound in Hermitage, Tennessee, and produced by Halverson, Ryan Youmans, and Gary Stanton (of Muscadine Bloodline), fans can expect this 11-song record to build off the sound established on his Western Amerijuana EPs. Growing up ranching, throwing salt blocks to heifers, but listening to artists like Drake, Mac Miller, and the country classics like Merle Haggard, Halverson’s sound blends a modern-day outlook on the outlaw life with elements of partying and living in the moment. It’s a work-hard play-hard mentality–that sometimes does not always pan out in your favor. “You can lose yourself in the troubadour lifestyle, where every night is a damn party and you’re far from your family, your home, and your faith. So, this album may be a little bit of a personal battle: Who are you on the road vs. who are you at home. These songs are often about me admitting that I can be reckless and impulsive, but that I’m trying my best. Conflict isn’t always bad if you can make some good out of it.” In celebration of the album’s announcement, Halverson is releasing a new single to give fans a taste of what’s in store, playing into his words that you can “lose yourself in the troubadour lifestyle.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tyler Halverson (@tylerhalverwho) “More Hearts Than Horses” is a confession about being more of a heartbreaker and player than a cowboy, spending more time as a womanizer than working for a buck flipping young fillies and colts. “I wrote ‘More Hearts Than Horses’ with two of my favorite writers in town, Colton Venner and Johnny Clawson. This song serves as a warning not to love what’s always leaving, but damn if it ain’t fun to try!” Halverson continues: “That comes with the territory of being a troubadour. It’s a warning: whatever you’ve heard about cowboys and cowboy singers is probably true, and sometimes you best just leave it alone.” A warning is true. In the lyrics, Halverson sings about the poor choices that he’s made in his life. He shares that he feels falling in love takes you away from work and, in the end, leads to heartbreak, knowing you have to pay the bills. The melody brings the words to life with a haunting feel that honors the traditional roots of country music. “If you come walking my way I’ll send you running someday, Good times a shortcut to a long goodbye Ask any ghost of my past, my gone don’t ever come back Ain’t gonna stop you babe, but know that I’ve Broke more hearts than I’ve horses, Cheers and beers on dancin’ floors Just lead to lust, won’t get enough Shine like gold then turn to rust I’ve done all that I can do It’s your game to play and lose” Tyler Halverson hit the ball out of the park with “More Hearts Than Horses.” I can’t wait to hear what’s in store for In Defense of Drinking come February. In Defense of Drinking Tracklist:  More Hearts Than Horses Beer Garden ft. Parker McCollum Second High Ft. Worth Losing Smoke You Out In Defense of Drinking Like The Rodeo Cowboy Babies Old Men Younger Women The Dreamer Son Brother Believer 2025 Tour Dates: Oct 24 Fri – Tulsa, OK – Vanguard Oct 25 Sat – Manhattan, KS – The Hat Nov 6 Thu – Little Rock, AR – Rev Room Nov 7 Fri – Broken Bow, OK – Hochatown Saloon Nov 8 Sat – Victoria, TX – Red Dirt BBQ & Music Festival Nov 14 Fri – College Station, TX – Wolf Pen Creek Amp Nov 15 Sat – Helotes, TX – Floores Country Store – Indoor Dec 6 Sat – Las Vegas, NV – Wingate Resort & Casino Dec 31 Wed – Sioux Falls, SD – Alliance Center (Private Cattle Auction) Confirmed 2026 Tour Dates: Jan 5 Mon – Steamboat Springs, CO – The Musicfest Steamboat 2026 Feb 5 Thu – University, MS – Pavilion at Ole Miss* Feb 6 Fri – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena* Feb 7 Sat – Salem, VA – Salem Civic Center* Feb 12 Thu – Winston Salem, NC – Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum* Feb 13 Fri – Auburn University, AL – Auburn Arena* Feb 14 Sat – Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena *with Parker McCollumThe post Tyler Halverson Announces New Album, ‘In Defense Of Drinking,’ Releases New Heartbreak Ballad “More Hearts Than Horses” first appeared on Whiskey Riff.