Atlus Shifts From Driving Trucks to Driving Songs Up the Charts

The country rookie talks overcoming adversity and finding inspiration to chase his musical dreams.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Atlus, a singer-songwriter who got his start driving semi-trucks, has signed a deal with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville and is set to release his debut album 'Art of Letting Go' next month. The album marks a career triumph for Atlus, who grew up in a single-parent home marked by poverty in Denver. He hopes his story of overcoming adversity will inspire others to pursue their own dreams.

Why it matters

Atlus' journey from truck driver to country music hitmaker is an inspiring story of perseverance and the power of music to help people overcome challenges. His debut album will give voice to his personal experiences and provide a platform for him to share messages of hope and resilience with his listeners.

The details

Atlus, whose real name is Sean Haywood, first started gaining attention in 2021 with indie projects like 'Low Expectations' that earned him millions of streams. In 2022, he caught the eye of fellow artist Jelly Roll, who encouraged Atlus to pursue music full-time instead of continuing his day job as a truck driver. Atlus then signed with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville and is set to release his 15-song debut album 'Art of Letting Go' next month. The album covers deeply personal topics like his mother's struggles as a single parent, his sister's battle with addiction, and his own journey to chase his musical dreams.

  • Atlus released his first indie album in 2021.
  • In 2022, Atlus was discovered by Jelly Roll and started pursuing music full-time.
  • Atlus signed a deal with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville in August 2025.
  • Atlus' debut single 'Devil Ain't Done' is currently at No. 54 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
  • Atlus' debut album 'Art of Letting Go' is set to be released on March 20, 2026.

The players

Atlus

A singer-songwriter whose real name is Sean Haywood. He is a country music newcomer who is set to release his debut album 'Art of Letting Go' after previously working as a truck driver.

Jelly Roll

A fellow artist who encouraged Atlus to pursue music full-time instead of continuing his day job as a truck driver.

BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville

The record label that signed Atlus and will be releasing his debut album 'Art of Letting Go'.

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What they’re saying

“Dude, you've got millions of streams. What are you doing driving trucks?”

— Jelly Roll (Billboard)

“If you came from somewhere like how I grew up, then maybe you can use it as a way to help you chase your dreams. If can do it coming from where I came from, other people can, too.”

— Atlus (Billboard)

What’s next

The judge in Atlus' case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

Atlus' journey from truck driver to country music star is an inspiring story of overcoming adversity and using music as a platform to share messages of hope and resilience. His debut album 'Art of Letting Go' will give voice to his personal experiences and inspire others to chase their own dreams.