Have you heard about Barefoot with a Stetson? Chances are, you’ve already come across the name. Over the past few years, Ben Thompson, the man behind the moniker, has been carving out his own lane in the growing world of Trop Rock and Barefoot Country. He’s been spotlighted by outlets like New Edge Times, Daily Music Roll, and USA-Music, steadily building a reputation for blending country grit with sun-soaked island vibes. With streaming numbers climbing and radio play on stations from Texas to Key West, he’s not some overnight newcomer—he’s a storyteller who’s been finding his groove one track at a time.
His latest release, “Barefoot and Ready to Party,” clocks in at just under three minutes, but it packs more fun than some albums do in a half hour. The song is a lively cocktail of playful lyrics, barroom imagery, and easygoing rhythms that invite listeners to kick off their shoes, pour a strong drink, and get lost in the moment. From the opening lines, Thompson makes it clear this isn’t a ballad about heartbreak or hard times. This is about celebration—whether you’re on a beach in Puerto Rico, a pier in Galveston, or just standing around a backyard cooler in small-town Arkansas.
The track is a salute to tropical indulgence. It name-checks classic cocktails like Long Island iced teas, hurricanes, and zombies, weaving each recipe into the rhythm of the song as if the drinks themselves are part of the chorus. There’s a cheeky charm in the way Thompson sings about the mixology of good times, tossing ingredients together like a bartender who knows the real magic is in the mood, not just the measurements. When the refrain kicks in—“Barefoot with a Stetson and ready to party”—no cover charge needed, no dress code. Just grab your drink, find your spot, and let the music take over.
“Barefoot and Ready to Party” walks the line between outlaw country grit and tropical ease. The instrumentation has just enough twang to remind you of its country roots, but it’s layered with breezy melodies that feel right at home under palm trees. It’s not trying to be polished Nashville pop, nor does it veer into overly slick beach music. Instead, Thompson keeps it grounded in his own lane—a hybrid sound that has as much room for cowboy boots as it does for flip-flops. The groove is lighthearted, a touch mischievous, and designed to keep your head nodding.
One of the charms of Barefoot with a Stetson is that Thompson never pretends to be something he’s not. He’s the first to admit he isn’t chasing the career of a traditional musician. By day, he’s a trucking company founder and senior VP in the automotive industry. Music, for him, is release—a way to tell stories, to laugh about life’s quirks, and to tap into the carefree spirit of the tropics. That authenticity carries over into “Barefoot and Ready to Party.” The lyrics are playful without being gimmicky, fun without trying too hard, and delivered with a grin you can almost hear through the speakers.
The new single is also the closing track of his latest album, Trop Rockin’ from Texas, a ten-song journey that embraces sunshine, salt air, and the beach-bar lifestyle. Earlier cuts like “Salt in the Air” and “I Need Some Sunshine” set the scene with warm imagery and breezy rhythms, while “Board Shorts and a Killer Tan” dives straight into seaside storytelling. Ending the album with “Barefoot and Ready to Party” feels fitting—it’s the musical equivalent of last call, the moment when the band keeps the crowd on their feet one more time before the lights come up.
Beyond the studio, Thompson has been keeping his calendar full. He recently performed at Gulf Coast Days in Galveston, Texas, and will be heading to Key West in October for Trop Rock’n Duval. His songs are already spinning on stations like Beachfront Radio and Radio Trop Rock, and he’s been steadily expanding his market presence. At the same time, he’s launching a new lifestyle website and webstore, offering everything from original music and videos to tropical apparel. It’s a reflection of the world his songs live in, one where the sun is always warm, the breeze is always blowing, and the party is always within reach.
With “Barefoot and Ready to Party,” Thompson delivers exactly what the title promises. It’s not a track that demands close study or rewinds for hidden meanings. It’s a reminder that music can be a simple joy—a good time wrapped in a melody, best enjoyed with friends, laughter, and maybe a drink or two. That’s the charm of Barefoot with a Stetson: it doesn’t overcomplicate, it just invites.
Barefoot with a Stetson’s Official Website: https://barefootwithastetson.com
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