Chet Hanks and Drew Arthur Share How Their Sobriety Influences Their Music: ‘Don’t Want to Let Your Buddy Down’ (Exclusive)

Chet Hanks and Drew Arthur Discuss How Sobriety Shapes Their Music

Chet Hanks and Drew Arthur, known collectively as Something Out West, delve into the impact of their sobriety on their musical journey in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. The duo sheds light on their latest EP, “Leaving Hollywood,” and the profound influence their commitment to sobriety exerts on their artistic expression.

The connection between Hanks, aged 34, and Arthur extends beyond their musical collaboration. Both artists have been vocal about their respective paths to sobriety and find strength in supporting each other through the challenges. Hanks emphasises the importance of accountability, stating, “You don’t want to let yourself down. You don’t want to let your buddy down.”

Arthur echoes this sentiment, sharing anecdotes of receiving messages from individuals inspired by their journeys. The duo recognises the significance of their openness about sobriety, acknowledging the potential impact on others who may be navigating similar struggles.

Their musical partnership evolved organically, facilitated by a shared commitment to sobriety. They recount how their paths crossed through a mutual friend, leading to collaborative projects that leveraged their individual strengths and musical inclinations. Hanks, who initially explored acting and rap, discovered a newfound passion for music through their collaboration.

The duo’s diverse musical backgrounds added depth to their creative synergy, with Arthur bringing a contemporary edge to their sound while Hanks injected his unique perspective drawn from his eclectic artistic pursuits. Their debut single, “Leaving Hollywood,” served as a poignant reflection of their collective experiences and aspirations.

Reflecting on the serendipitous alignment of their single release with the premiere of a popular Netflix show, Hanks expresses gratitude for the fortuitous timing, attributing it to a higher power. The subsequent release of their music video, “You Better Run,” further showcased their creative vision and paid homage to cinematic classics.

With their EP, “Leaving Hollywood,” now available for streaming, Something Out West invites audiences to immerse themselves in a melodic journey marked by honesty, vulnerability, and a shared commitment to personal growth. The duo’s musical evolution serves as a testament to the transformative power of sobriety and collaborative artistry.

As Chet Hanks and Drew Arthur continue to navigate the music industry with authenticity and resilience, their story resonates with audiences seeking inspiration and connection through the universal language of music. Through their creative partnership, they have crafted a narrative that transcends barriers and invites listeners to embrace their own journeys of self-discovery and renewal.

In a landscape brimming with musical diversity, Something Out West emerges as a compelling voice, blending personal narrative with artistic innovation to create a sound that is both authentic and resonant. Their commitment to sobriety not only informs their music but also underscores the strength found in vulnerability and mutual support.

As audiences immerse themselves in the emotive melodies and introspective lyrics of Something Out West, they are invited to share in a journey of transformation and resilience. Chet Hanks and Drew Arthur stand as beacons of creativity and authenticity, embodying the enduring power of music to inspire, heal, and unite individuals across diverse backgrounds and experiences.

In a world where artistic expression intersects with personal growth, Something Out West navigates the complexities of sobriety with grace and candour, offering a musical narrative that transcends boundaries and resonates with the shared humanity of audiences worldwide. As their music continues to captivate listeners, Chet Hanks and Drew Arthur remain steadfast in their commitment to authenticity and creative collaboration, defining their journey with each heartfelt chord and poignant lyric.