Join Mike Kuster in the “Friend Zone” – Radio/Media Download

Country singer-songwriter Mike Kuster is back with a fresh twist on modern romance in his latest single, “Friend Zone,” available September 12 on all major streaming platforms. Mixing sharp wit with heartfelt storytelling, Kuster takes the universal sting of being “almost more than friends” and turns it into a foot-stomping anthem that will leave listeners smiling, nodding, and pressing repeat.

With clever sports metaphors, “Friend Zone” follows the story of a guy who seems to have it all-the laughs, the late nights at the bar, and even cheering for the Baltimore Ravens side-by-side with his crush-except for the girl herself. Balancing laugh-out-loud humor with a relatable dose of heartache, Kuster captures the all-too-familiar frustration of being “blocked from the end zone.”

“It’s a song for anyone who’s ever been almost more than friends,” says Kuster. “I wanted to capture that frustration in a way that still makes you smile-because sometimes, all you can do is laugh.”

Known for his smooth vocals, sincere songwriting, and ability to spin everyday life into timeless country tales, Kuster has earned a reputation as one of the genre’s rising troubadours. Raised in Frederick County, Maryland, his love for country music began with his father’s guitar and the Classic Country greats-Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Merle Haggard. His sound, rooted in tradition but polished with a contemporary edge, speaks to both die-hard country fans and new listeners alike.

Kuster’s critically acclaimed debut album, Better Late Than Never, produced multiple Independent Music Network (IMN) chart-toppers, including the award-winning single “Daddy’s Blue Jean Jacket,” which was named IMN’s Favorite Country Song of 2021. His success has continued with a string of Number 1 hits and the honor of being named Country Impact Artist of 2022, Favorite Male Country Artist of 2023, and Songwriter of the Year for 2024.

With “Friend Zone,” Kuster once again proves his knack for blending humor, heart, and genuine country grit into a song that resonates across audiences.