Ryan Hurd is a rising star in the world of country music. Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan in 1986, Hurd began his musical journey at a young age, learning to play guitar and writing his own songs. After graduating from Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, he moved to the city to pursue a career in music.
Since then, Hurd has made a name for himself in the country music industry, both as a singer-songwriter and as a songwriter for other artists. He has released several EPs and his debut album, Pelago, in 2019.
With his unique blend of country, pop, and rock influences, Hurd has gained critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. In this article, we will explore the life and career of Ryan Hurd, from his early beginnings to his current success and future plans.
Key Takeaways
- Ryan Hurd is a talented singer-songwriter and songwriter for other artists in the country music industry, blending country, pop, and rock influences.
- He has released several EPs and one album, Pelago, in 2019, which have been widely acclaimed by fans and critics.
- Hurd has been recognized by the Nashville Songwriters Association International and nominated for ACM and CMA Awards for Song of the Year for co-writing hit singles.
- He has collaborated with his wife, Maren Morris, on the single "Chasing After You,"which has been a commercial success and reached the top 20 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Ryan Hurd’s early life and musical beginnings are marked by a strong passion for country music and a dedication to honing his songwriting skills. Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Hurd grew up listening to an eclectic mix of music genres, including classic rock, pop, and country. However, it was country music that captured his heart and fueled his desire to become a successful songwriter and performer.
Hurd’s musical journey began at Belmont University in Nashville, where he honed his craft and learned the ins and outs of the music industry. During his time at Belmont, Hurd interned at Universal Music Publishing Group and began writing songs for other artists.
In 2013, Hurd signed a publishing deal with Parallel Music Publishing, which led to writing opportunities with notable country musicians such as Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, and Tim McGraw. Hurd’s passion for songwriting and his dedication to his craft have been instrumental in his success as a country music artist.
Moving to Nashville and Signing with a Record Label
After relocating to Nashville, a new chapter began for the musician as he signed with a prominent record label. Ryan Hurd signed with Sony Music Nashville in 2016, and this partnership provided him with a platform to showcase his talent to a wider audience. The record label recognized his potential as a singer-songwriter and invested in him by providing resources and support for his music.
Signing with Sony Music Nashville allowed Ryan Hurd to release several singles and an EP, which helped him establish himself as a rising star in country music. His debut single, ‘We Do Us,’ was released in 2016, and it received positive reviews from music critics and fans alike. The success of this single paved the way for him to release his self-titled EP in 2017, which featured five tracks that showcased his unique sound and style.
With the backing of a major record label, Ryan Hurd was able to take his music to the next level and build a strong fan base.
Debut Single: ‘We Do Us’
The debut single of the musician, Ryan Hurd’s partnership with Sony Music Nashville, received positive reviews and helped establish him as a rising star in country music.
‘We Do Us,’ released in 2016, was co-written by Hurd with fellow country artist, Aaron Eshuis. The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics about a couple’s unique relationship struck a chord with listeners, and it quickly gained traction on country radio.
‘We Do Us’ showcases Hurd’s unique blend of country and pop influences, with its upbeat tempo and electronic elements. The song’s music video, which features Hurd and his wife, fellow country artist Maren Morris, enjoying a day in Nashville, further added to its appeal.
The success of Hurd’s debut single paved the way for further releases, including his debut EP, ‘Panorama,’ and his full-length album, ‘Pelago.’ Overall, ‘We Do Us’ served as an excellent introduction to Ryan Hurd’s talents as a songwriter and performer, and established him as a promising new voice in country music.
EP Releases and Critical Acclaim
With the release of his EPs ‘Panorama’ and ‘Hold You Back,’ Ryan Hurd gained recognition for his musical artistry in blending country and pop influences. Both EPs showcase Hurd’s unique sound, which sets him apart from other artists in the genre.
The EPs feature songs that are lyrically and musically diverse, ranging from the upbeat and catchy ‘City Girl’ to the heart-wrenching ballad ‘Love in a Bar.’ Critics have praised Hurd’s ability to create music that appeals to both country and pop fans. His music has been described as a perfect blend of country storytelling and pop sensibility.
Hurd’s approach to songwriting is also noteworthy, as he often draws inspiration from his personal life experiences. Overall, ‘Panorama’ and ‘Hold You Back’ are solid EPs that showcase Ryan Hurd’s potential as a rising star in the country-pop genre.
Ryan Hurd’s EP releases have been widely acclaimed by both fans and critics. His ability to blend country and pop influences while maintaining his unique sound has earned him a place in the country music scene. With these successful EPs, Ryan Hurd has proven that he has what it takes to become a prominent songwriter and performer in the genre.
Songwriting for Country Music Stars
Crafting compelling and relatable narratives that resonate with audiences is a crucial aspect of successful songwriting for country music stars.
Ryan Hurd, a singer-songwriter who has written for some of the biggest names in country music, including Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, and Lady A, has made a name for himself in the industry by doing just that.
Hurd’s ability to write about universal themes like love, heartbreak, and small-town life in a fresh and authentic way has made him a sought-after songwriter in Nashville.
Hurd’s songwriting style is marked by his ability to tell stories that are both personal and relatable. He often draws from his own experiences and observations to craft lyrics that capture the essence of the human experience.
For example, his hit song ‘To a T,’which he co-wrote with Laura Veltz and Nathan Spicer, is a heartfelt tribute to the small details that make a relationship work. The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of the ups and downs of a long-term relationship, and its catchy melody and relatable message have made it a favorite among country music fans.
Co-Writing Lady A’s ‘What If I Never Get Over You’
Collaborating with successful country music trio Lady A, a co-writing effort resulted in the creation of the hit song ‘What If I Never Get Over You’, which explores the aftermath of a failed relationship and the lingering feelings of heartbreak. Ryan Hurd, a rising star in the country music scene, was one of the songwriters involved in the creation of the track.
The song was released in 2019 and quickly became a hit, reaching the top 5 on the Billboard country music charts. Hurd has stated that the inspiration for the song came from a personal experience, where he had to confront the reality of not being able to move on from a past relationship.
The song’s lyrics, along with the haunting melody, perfectly capture the emotions of heartbreak and loss, making it an instant fan favorite. The success of ‘What If I Never Get Over You’ solidified Hurd’s reputation as a skilled songwriter and helped Lady A maintain their position as one of the most successful country music acts of the decade.
Debut Album: ‘Pelago’
Ryan Hurd’s talent as a songwriter has earned him numerous accolades in the music industry. His contribution to Lady A’s hit single, ‘What If I Never Get Over You,’has cemented his reputation as a skilled wordsmith.
However, Hurd is not content to rest on his laurels as a co-writer. He has recently released his debut album, Pelago, which showcases his unique sound and style as a solo artist.
Pelago is a 10-track album that explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Hurd’s rich baritone voice is the centerpiece of the album, accompanied by a mix of acoustic and electric instrumentation.
The album kicks off with the upbeat ‘Every Other Memory,’which sets the tone for the rest of the record. Other standout tracks include ‘Wish for the World,’a poignant ballad that tackles the issue of gun violence, and ‘Diamonds or Twine,’a romantic ode to his wife Maren Morris.
Overall, Pelago is a strong debut effort that showcases Hurd’s versatility as a songwriter and performer.
Awards and Nominations
Throughout his career, Ryan Hurd has been recognized for his songwriting talents, receiving award nominations from prestigious organizations such as the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association.
In 2018, he was nominated for the ACM Award for Song of the Year for co-writing the hit single ‘Lonely Tonight’by Blake Shelton featuring Ashley Monroe. The same year, he also received a nomination for the CMA Award for Song of the Year for co-writing the chart-topping single ‘What Ifs’by Kane Brown featuring Lauren Alaina.
In addition to his nominations for major awards, Ryan Hurd has also been recognized by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). In 2019, he was included in the NSAI’s ’10 Songs I Wish I’d Written’list for his co-writing credit on ‘What Ifs’. This honor is given to songwriters whose work is considered exceptional by their peers in the industry.
These awards and nominations are a testament to Ryan Hurd’s talent as a songwriter and his contributions to the country music industry.
Collaborations and Tours
One of the highlights of Ryan Hurd’s career has been his extensive touring schedule and collaborations with some of the biggest names in country music. Hurd has toured extensively throughout the United States, playing at venues ranging from small clubs to major festivals. He has also toured internationally, playing shows in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Hurd has opened for acts such as Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, and Florida Georgia Line, and has also headlined his own tours.
In addition to his touring schedule, Hurd has collaborated with a number of well-known country artists. He co-wrote Blake Shelton’s hit song ‘Lonely Tonight,’which earned him a nomination for Vocal Event of the Year at the 2015 CMA Awards. Hurd has also co-written songs for Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum, and Tim McGraw, among others.
Hurd’s collaboration with his wife, Maren Morris, on the single ‘Chasing After You’was a commercial success, reaching the top 20 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Hurd’s collaborations and touring schedule have helped him establish himself as a prominent figure in the country music industry.
Future Plans and Projects
Looking ahead, Ryan Hurd has several exciting projects in the works, including the release of his highly anticipated second album and upcoming tour dates.
Fans of the country singer-songwriter can expect a new collection of songs that showcase Hurd’s unique sound, which blends elements of traditional country with pop and rock influences. The album is set to feature collaborations with other notable artists, and Hurd has hinted that fans can expect some unexpected musical surprises as well.
In addition to his new album, Hurd is also gearing up for a busy touring schedule. He will be hitting the road for a series of shows across the country, including several festival performances.
Hurd is known for his high-energy live performances, and his shows are always a crowd-pleaser. Fans can expect to hear some of their favorite hits, as well as new material from his upcoming album.
With his talent and work ethic, it’s clear that Ryan Hurd is poised to continue making waves in the country music scene for years to come.