Bryce Leatherwood: Carrying Country’s Torch with Self-Titled Debut Album
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Bryce Leatherwood, the Mercury Nashville singer-songwriter, is poised to make a significant mark on the country music landscape with his highly anticipated self-titled debut album, set for release on May 16, 2025. This collection of 12 tracks, a blend of original compositions and carefully selected outside cuts, showcases Leatherwood’s deep-rooted connection to traditional country while exploring the genre’s contemporary edges.
Leatherwood’s musical foundation was laid during his formative years on his grandfather’s farm, where the timeless sounds of George Jones, Merle Haggard, and Conway Twitty echoed from an old pickup’s speakers. These legends instilled in him a passion for authentic country music, a passion he now channels into his own artistry.
Working closely with producer Will Bundy (known for his work with Riley Green and Ella Langley), Leatherwood has crafted an album that seamlessly bridges the gap between the classic and the modern. His resonant vocals, a hallmark of his sound, are showcased across a diverse range of tracks, from heartfelt ballads to more contemporary country tunes.
“I’ve dreamt of making a record since the first day I picked up a guitar at 12 years old,” Leatherwood reflects. “I’ve spent the past two years developing this album, choosing each song with intention, creating the best introduction to who I am as an artist. I’m beyond proud of how it turned out, and can’t wait to share it with y’all.”
A standout track from the album, “Shenandoah,” released as a preview, exemplifies Leatherwood’s ability to blend evocative lyrics with lush, melodic instrumentation. Co-written by Leatherwood, Jeffrey East, and Josh Kelley, the song is a sweeping romantic ballad that captures the breathtaking beauty of the natural world and the depth of romantic devotion.
“Growing up in North Georgia surrounded by the mountains, I was always inspired by the natural beauty around me. I really wanted to carry that inspiration into a song that reminded me of home while I’m in Nashville, and this was that song for me,” Leatherwood explains.
The song’s evocative lyrics, particularly the chorus, paint a vivid picture of love and longing:
Shenandoah My songbird on a sunset night Your beauty is the yearning kind Oh yeah Don’t you know ya Live inside my heart and mind Every morning noon and night I want ya I need ya I love ya Shenandoah
Leatherwood’s journey to this moment has been marked by significant milestones. As the season 22 winner of NBC’s “The Voice,” he quickly gained national recognition. He subsequently signed a management deal with Morris Higham Management in December 2022. In 2024, he achieved a landmark year, making his Grand Ole Opry debut, performing at CMA Fest, and headlining his first tour, “The Neon Does Tour.”
His debut single, “Hung Up On You,” has already made waves at country radio, garnering significant early adds and climbing the charts. This early success signals a promising future for Leatherwood.
Leatherwood’s self-titled album tracklisting reveals a diverse collection of songs, with contributions from notable songwriters like Jessi Alexander, Jonathan Singleton, and J.T. Harding. The album’s titles, such as “Neon Does,” “Something Bout A Girl,” and “God Made,” hint at the range of themes and emotions explored within the collection.
Bryce Leatherwood Tracklisting:
- “In Lieu of Flowers”
- “Neon Does”
- “Something Bout A Girl”
- “Still Learning”
- “What If She Does”
- “Cheap Cologne”
- “Where the Bar Is”
- “God Made”
- “Shenandoah”
- “The One My Daddy Found”
- “The Finger”
- “Hung Up On You”
Bryce Leatherwood is more than just a rising star; he is a next-generation traditionalist, carrying the torch of country music’s legacy while forging his own path. With his self-titled debut album, he is poised to solidify his place in the genre, captivating audiences with his authentic sound and heartfelt storytelling.