NXT Series: Brewster Durbin - Rookie: An Album Experience

Brewster Durbin is a Louisiana-based singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist. Blending together musical experimentation and ambitious concepts with snappy pop choruses and classic rock structures, he forms his own distinct brand of indie rock songwriting.

The young musician began crafting songs in high school under the moniker “The Durbulence,” under which he received wide recognition for his album The Kingfish, a concept album about Louisiana’s 40th governor, Huey P. Long. The record explored topics such as poverty and universal healthcare (“$1”), the isolation caused by ambition (“Huey P. Long’s Handshake”) and the desire to leave a legacy (“The Kingfish”). Afterwards, Brewster released the smash single “Sportsman’s Paradise” with collaborators One South Lark as well as the 2021 album Popgirl, an exercise in pop songwriting. He ultimately chose to relinquish “The Durbulence” moniker in favor of creating more authentic music under his own name.

Pulling inspiration from artists such as Sufjan Stevens, Porter Robinson, and The 1975, Brewster took the opportunity to refine his sound and began work on his debut album, Rookie. Another concept album, Rookie tells the story of a fictional UL Lafayette football player who disappeared after a record-breaking season.