Angel White joins the Gibson Spotlight Artist program
In line with the brand’s ongoing commitment to elevating new music from emerging musicians around the world, the annual Gibson Artist Spotlight program continues showcasing an evolving roster of musicians. These artists will be featured across Gibson’s global and international channels monthly.
The Artist Spotlight program debuted in January 2024 with Austin Sexton, and now Kapali Long and Angel White have joined the new 2025 roster.
Angel White is a fifth-generation Texas cowboy, beekeeper, and singer/songwriter whose unique sound merges folk, country, soul, and rock. His forthcoming full-length debut, GHOST OF THE WEST: THE ALBUM, takes listeners on a journey driven by captivating stories and introspective lyrics, all inspired by his hometown of Cleburne, TX. With deep roots in a family of cowboys and a century-old tradition of raising horses, White’s music is steeped in authentic Western heritage.
Image: Angel White and his Epiphone Riviera, Credit: Chloe Barney
White found the power of his voice after years of busking in Deep Ellum, Texas, which shaped his narrative-driven songwriting. On this album, White honors the sidelined histories of Mexican, Black, and Native cowboys—figures often overlooked in both historical accounts and mainstream depictions of the American West. By doing so, he celebrates his own journey and pays tribute to those who came before him.
He says, “Gibson has played an integral role in so much of the music that has shaped me as an artist, and their guitars have been right by my side throughout the process of writing and recording my debut album. I can’t begin to express what an honor it is to be working with a brand that I’ve admired since day one.”
In the past year, White has toured with Shane Smith and the Saints, Whiskey Myers, Kaitlin Butts, Paul Cauthen, The Arc Angels, and the Josh Abbott Band. He has also appeared at major festivals including Austin City Limits, FORMAT, Luck Reunion, Bonnaroo, CMA Fest, and SXSW. In 2025, he will make his debut at Stagecoach Festival.
We caught up with White to deep-dive into his story so far.
How would you describe your music?
“Western Soul or Contemporary Outlaw, but at the end of the day, it’s all music.”
What is your favorite piece of gear?
“My Gibson J-45™ and 1995 Riviera (that was just stolen out of my truck). The J-45 is a workhorse of a guitar and was my dream acoustic for so long. From the recording studio to the big stage, it can do anything. And I write most of my songs on it so it’s like my best friend. Always there no matter what.
“I got my Riviera in New York in 2022, cherry red, and it was made the same year I was born. It had a big chip on the neck and it reminded me of my chipped tooth. It just made sense, and a semi-hollow is my favorite electric body.”
What has been the highlight of your musical career so far?
“The highlight has probably been my mom being able to see me truly bear the fruit of the work I’ve put in over the years. Also, I’m playing Stagecoach Festival this year, so that’s pretty cool.”
What would be your dream artist or producer collaboration, and why?
“Bon Iver. His sonic palette is out of this world, and I’m just curious to see what could be made with him.”
What does being part of the Gibson Artist Spotlight program mean to you?
Being a part of Gibson is being a part of the culture, a family—you can spot a Gibson from miles away. They’re distinct and have shaped the majority of the music we hear today. It’s amazing to be represented by a brand you’ve loved your whole life—a bit surreal.
What’s next on the horizon for you?
“March 7th, 2025, my debut album GHOST OF THE WEST will be here. I’ve been working on this album for so long and these songs mean so much to me, I can’t wait to finally be able to share them. We have a ton of festivals coming up this year that I dreamed of being on—Stagecoach and Under the Big Sky, to name a couple! And with this album finally being done and ready to go, I’m eager to see the impact it can have and how people live with the songs.”
Check out the 2025 roster for the Gibson Artist Spotlight program.
