Tyler Booth’s ‘Downtown’ EP is a Rootsy, Authentic Return Home
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
In an age of slick production and genre-bending experimentation, there’s a certain comfort in an artist who knows exactly who they are. For Kentucky native Tyler Booth, that identity is rooted in the rich soil of his Appalachian upbringing, and it’s on full display in his anticipated new EP, Downtown. This six-track collection is a masterclass in stripped-back, authentic storytelling, offering a warm, inviting sound that feels both familiar and refreshingly unique.
Co-produced by Booth, John Johnson, and Steve Blackmon, the EP is a heartfelt homage to the country greats who came before him. You can hear the ghosts of artists like Keith Whitley, Sturgill Simpson, and Tyler Childers echoing in his sound, but Booth isn’t merely copying his heroes. Instead, he’s filtering their influence through his own lived experience, creating a sound that is uniquely his. The project leans heavily into a “return-to-basics” ethos, with two tracks featuring just Booth and his guitar, creating an intimate, fireside feel. Mandolin-driven melodies and flat-picking solos are woven throughout, grounding the music in a traditional bluegrass and folk aesthetic.
The EP’s lead single, “Talkin’ White Trash,” released back in April, sets the tone with its classic country feel and a hint of Southern rock swagger. It’s a song that wears its influences on its sleeve while showcasing Booth’s easygoing baritone vocals and knack for a memorable hook. Another standout track is the heartfelt “Sunshine,” a song that beautifully captures the EP’s emotional depth. On the EP, Booth shared, “I wanted to bring it back a bit more grassroots. Bring it back a bit more to where I began.” This intention is palpable throughout the project, as each song feels carefully crafted and emotionally resonant.
What makes Downtown so compelling is its refusal to rely on studio polish. Instead, Booth lets his songwriting and musicianship speak for themselves. His ability to blend classic country, bluegrass, blues, and rock elements creates a rich, textured sound that feels both timeless and personal. With a staggering 100 million collective streams and over a million social followers, Booth has already connected with a massive audience. This new EP shows exactly why. It’s a powerful, intimate collection that solidifies his place as a genuine and authentic voice in modern country music. For fans of artists who honor tradition while forging their own path, Downtown is a must-listen.
DOWNTOWN Track Listing:
1. “Talkin’ White Trash” (Tyler Booth, Terry Lee Palmer)
2. “Bluegrass On My Mind” (Tyler Booth)
3. “Hummin’ Song” (Tyler Booth)
4. “Sunshine” (Tyler Booth)
5. “Freeborn Man” (Keith Allison, Mark Lindsay)
6. “Home Up Yonder” (Tyler Booth)