Lane Smith Rides His Rodeo Roots into Country Stardom with Sophomore Album “Austin”
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
From the dusty arenas of bull riding to the bright lights of the country music stage, Lane Smith’s journey is a testament to grit, passion, and the unwavering pursuit of a dream. Today marks a significant milestone for the rising singer-songwriter as he unveils his highly anticipated sophomore album, Austin, available now on all major music platforms. This new collection of songs signifies a compelling evolution in Smith’s musical narrative, further solidifying his place as a genuine and authentic voice in the contemporary country landscape.
Long before he strummed his first chord for a crowd, Smith was immersed in the rugged world of rodeo, growing up as a bullfighter in Spring Branch, Texas, just north of San Antonio. The inherent toughness and unpredictable nature of rodeo culture, where resilience is paramount, have undoubtedly shaped his approach to building a career in country music. Much like the demanding circuit of rodeo, forging a path in the music industry requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to hit the road – a challenge Smith has embraced wholeheartedly.
Even before the release of Austin, Smith had already captured the attention of country music fans with a string of well-received singles. Tracks like the heartfelt “I Bought a Ring,” the raw and honest “Stone Cold Sober,” and the emotionally charged “Bleed” have resonated deeply with listeners, amassing significant streams across major music platforms. These fan favorites offered a glimpse into Smith’s ability to craft compelling narratives and deliver them with a genuine, lived-in vocal delivery, establishing him as an artist with a distinct and relatable style.
Austin represents more than just a collection of songs; it’s a deeper dive into the heart and soul of Lane Smith as a singer-songwriter. The album promises to showcase a broader range of his musical influences and storytelling capabilities, building upon the foundation laid by his earlier work. It’s an opportunity for listeners to connect with Smith on a more profound level, exploring the experiences and emotions that shape his music.
Smith’s dedication to his craft is evident not only in his songwriting but also in his commitment to live performance. He is actively carving out his space in the touring circuit, already achieving milestones like performing at the legendary Gruene Hall, a hallowed venue for Texas music. Furthermore, he has secured coveted supporting slots for established artists such as Kyle Park, Matt Stell, Colt Ford, and Chase Matthew, exposing his music to wider audiences and honing his stage presence along the way.
The release of Austin marks an exciting new chapter for Lane Smith. It’s the sound of an artist who has weathered the unpredictable storms of life, both in and out of the rodeo arena, and emerged with a clear vision and a compelling story to tell. With his raw authenticity, captivating storytelling, and a growing catalog of memorable songs, Lane Smith is not just riding onto the country music scene – he’s taking it by storm, one heartfelt song and one energetic performance at a time. Austin is poised to be the soundtrack to this exciting ascent, inviting listeners to join him on his promising journey.
- Austin (Lane Smith, Peter Daniel Newman, Kelly McKay)
- Good Thing Goin’ (Lane Smith, Parker Graye, Aron Rosing)
- Pieces (Lane Smith, Autumn Buysse, Frank Legeay)
- Bleed (Lane Smith, Wesley Pace, Frankie Courtney)
- I Bought A Ring (Lane Smith, Brandon Hood, Phil Barton)
- Ran Out Of Road (Lane Smith, Colton Venner, Dan Wilson, Brett Sheroky)
- Slow Burn (Lane Smith, Peter Daniel Newman, Levon Gray)
- Red Lights (Lane Smith, Cole Miracle, Fran Litterski)
- Déjà Vu (Lane Smith, Parker Graye, Aron Rosing)
- Stone Cold Sober (Lane Smith, Zachary Manno, Charles Walker)
- Austin (Acoustic) (Lane Smith, Peter Daniel Newman, Kelly McKay)