Artist Spotlight: Dylan Cotrone Brings Sunshine, Surf Rock, and Endless Summer Vibes to WXRY
If your daily playlist needs an immediate injection of beach-town escapism, roll down your windows and turn up Dylan Cotrone.
Hailing from Bradenton, Florida, Cotrone is one of the most compelling artists breaking out of the coastal alternative scene. Blending the laid-back, sun-soaked spirit of Jack Johnson and Sublime with crisp, modern alt-pop hooks, his music captures the effortless feeling of ducking out of work early and chasing a sunset.
From Dorm Room Covers to Breakout Records
Cotrone’s journey started at home in Florida, learning guitar from his father’s old chord books. While studying at Florida Atlantic University, he turned his dorm room into a creative sanctuary, churning out acoustic songs to process life transitions.
He first built a massive social media following when an organic TikTok cover of Zach Bryan’s “Burn, Burn, Burn” exploded online, gathering millions of views. But rather than riding the coattails of viral internet fame, Cotrone quickly proved his staying power as a songwriter with original singles like “Lazy” and “Cigarette,* followed by his acclaimed Dog House EP and 2025’s Weekend Religion.
The Sound: Sun-Drenched Alt-Pop & Surf Rock
Cotrone’s catalog is built on feel-good rhythm and breezy nostalgia:
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Sun-soaked instrumentation: Chugging acoustic rhythms, warm lead guitar lines, and light, weightless vocals.
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Relatable, unpretentious lyrics: Anthems that romanticize freedom, spontaneous road trips, long weekends, and good company.
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High-energy evolution: Recent tracks like “Far Out,” “Whoa Nelly,” and “Voodoo” step into full-band energy—songs built for festival crowds and outdoor venues.
Why We Have Him on Repeat at WXRY
At WXRY, we’re always hunting for music from the Southeast that feels genuine, vibrant, and alive. Cotrone embodies that independent, DIY ethos while delivering tracks polished enough to sit alongside modern alternative heavyweights.
When asked about his goal as a musician, Cotrone puts it simply:
“I want people to hear these songs and feel lighter. Even if it’s just for three minutes, I want it to feel like summer.”
Quick Track Guide: Where to Start
| Track | The Vibe | Best Played When… |
| “Far Out” | Bright, driving coastal alternative | Cruising the highway with the windows down |
| “Whoa Nelly” | Catchy, high-energy, live-band rock | Pumping up for a weekend night out |
| “Lazy” | Easygoing, acoustic-forward laid-back pop | Unwinding on a Sunday afternoon |
| “Florida California” | Nostalgic, open-road surf rock | Long drives along the coast |
Keep an eye out for Dylan Cotrone on the WXRY airwaves and playlist rotations. Catch his latest releases “Voodoo” and “Far Out” on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube!