Ryan Hurd returns to his rock roots and draws inspiration for songwriting on his new album, ‘Midwest Rock & Roll’.
Ryan Hurd has recently released his latest album, “Midwest Rock & Roll,” which draws heavily from his roots in Kalamazoo, Michigan. This album comes after the end of his five-year marriage to Grammy-winning artist Maren Morris. Previously, Hurd had made a name for himself by writing songs for well-known artists such as Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton, but now he is taking center stage with his own music.
Despite not yet reaching the top spots on country music charts, Hurd is feeling more creatively liberated than ever. With his new album, he takes listeners back to his teenage years when bands like The Fray and Lifehouse dominated Midwestern airwaves alongside country icons like Toby Keith and Tim McGraw. Hurd sees this album as a coming-of-age reflection, capturing the essence of his hometown with garage band-inspired guitar riffs.
His musical journey has been shaped by a diverse range of influences, from The Beatles and Randy Travis to Dashboard Confessional and Wilco. Growing up near the Great Lakes in Michigan, Hurd has a unique perspective on how location influences musical styles. This proximity to major radio markets like Chicago and Detroit has contributed to his blend of country, pop, and rock sounds.
Hurd’s songwriting process is deeply rooted in his personal experiences, drawing from memories of his youth and relationships. Nashville’s rich songwriting tradition has also played a significant role in shaping his craft. Through his lyrics, Hurd aims to create songs that are both personal and cinematic, capturing the essence of his Midwest upbringing.
One of the standout tracks on his new album is “The Last Song I’ll Ever Write,” a poignant piano ballad that reflects on his divorce from Morris. While the song hints at the emotional turmoil of the breakup, Hurd’s focus remains on being a dedicated father to their young son, Hayes. The album as a whole, which includes tracks like “Funerals,” “Die For It,” and “All Night Long Days,” showcases Hurd’s depth as an artist and his commitment to creating a cohesive musical narrative.
Collaborating with talented musicians like Mark Holman and Randy Montana has allowed Hurd to further explore his rock influences on this album. Songs like “Go To Bed Sober,” a duet with Sasha Alex Sloan, highlight his evolving sound and his ability to connect with a new generation of artists. While drawing inspiration from classic rock icons like Randy Newman and Elton John, Hurd seeks to carve out his own unique place in the music industry.
“Paul,” one of the album’s standout tracks, reflects Hurd’s encounter with Paul McCartney at the 2022 Grammy Awards. This song pays homage to his musical influences and the impact they have had on his career. By blending personal anecdotes with melodic storytelling, Hurd creates a musical journey that is both introspective and nostalgic.
With “Midwest Rock & Roll,” Ryan Hurd showcases his growth as an artist and his ability to craft songs that resonate with listeners on a personal level. Drawing from his Midwestern roots and diverse musical influences, he has created a body of work that reflects his journey as a musician and songwriter. As he continues to explore new sounds and collaborate with emerging artists, Hurd’s music promises to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact on the music industry.