Chet Hanks Debuts EP ‘Leaving Hollywood’
Actor-turned-artist Chet Hanks goes indie with a bold first EP, mixing memoir and melody!!
Image: Instagram
From Screen To Studio
Chet Hanks, known for roles in Empire and Sharknado 5 and as the son of Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson, has officially stepped into the music world. On June 1, he announced on Instagram that “Our debut EP ‘Leaving Hollywood’ is now out on all streaming platforms. This is the first project I’ve ever put out. Hope yall enjoy. Live shows and more music coming soon. Love ❤️.” The post featured a gallery of candid studio snapshots, a moody cover image and Hanks holding a guitar, signaling a new creative chapter.
A First Look At ‘leaving Hollywood’
Leaving Hollywood marks Hanks’s first extended play release. While he hasn’t released an official tracklist, early listeners note a blend of laid-back indie rock and introspective lyrics. Across streaming services, the EP showcases Hanks’s husky vocals over warm guitar riffs and understated percussion. It appears he’s mined his own experiences—navigating expectations in Los Angeles and carving out an authentic identity apart from his acting career.
Fans have praised the lead single’s hook and the EP’s heartfelt bridge. On social media, listeners shared clips of their favorite moments, from a chorus that nods to leaving the spotlight to closing lines that suggest starting fresh “off the boulevard.”
Building On Past Singles
Before this EP, Hanks had dipped his toes into music with standalone tracks. In April, his Instagram post for “#BIPOLARHEART” read, “#BIPOLARHEART out now on all streaming platforms… video dropping Tuesday… share, repost, and drop a 🤟🏽 in the comments if you’re vibing to it like we are!” That single’s raw energy and candid verse structure hinted at his willingness to experiment beyond conventional pop formulas. Earlier still, he teased a summer anthem—“#COWBOYSUMMER – CONFIRMED !!!! SHOUTOUT BEYONCÉ !!!” —showing an appetite for genre play and a touch of playful bravado.
Reception And Live Plans
Since dropping Leaving Hollywood, Hanks’s comment section has filled with fan praise. Many tag friends, rave about the instruments and encourage “more music soon.” He responded to early listeners in his Story, thanking supporters and teasing “live shows and more music coming soon” in his caption. Though tour dates have yet to be announced, insiders say he’s eyeing intimate club gigs later this year to road-test his new material.
Industry watchers note that artists with acting backgrounds often face skepticism, but Hanks’s organic approach—recording in home studios, sharing in-the-moment snaps—may help him bypass preconceptions. His family ties give him name recognition, but leaving Hollywood suggests he’s ready to define success on his own terms.
An Artist’s Next Steps
Looking ahead, Chet Hanks has promised a string of singles and videos to follow. In his Instagram announcement he wrote, “Live shows and more music coming soon,” underscoring his commitment to touring and visual storytelling. Given the traction on streaming platforms and social feeds, his team is reportedly in talks with indie labels and booking agents to support a small U.S. run.
For Hanks, Leaving Hollywood isn’t just a title—it’s a statement. He’s stepping off a well-lit path laid by family fame to forge an authentic musical identity. Whether this EP becomes a springboard or remains a personal milestone, it reveals an artist daring to pivot and share his story in song.
As listeners queue the title track and coil their headphones around this new chapter, Chet Hanks stands ready to prove that sometimes leaving the biggest stage is the first step toward finding your own voice.
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