Two days before the world shut down and the lights in cities around the world shuttered temporarily, Luke Laird played a sold-out songwriter’s circle to New Yorkers at The Public Theatre. In a time of uncertainty and fear, he played everything from Sam Hunt’s “Hard To Forget” to Kenny Chesney’s “American Kids”. He announced that night that after almost two decades in Nashville, he was to release his debut album titled, Music Row. He then performed the title track, out today, and just as it did with me all those months ago, it’ll stick with you like a popsicle on an everlasting summer day.

The same groove and effortless breeze that Laird has brought to a song like “Pontoon” is found in “Music Row”. Laird wrote and produced it by himself, and lyrically, it details his childhood and a family trip to his dreams to make it big in Nashville. “[It’s] about the journey from Pennsylvania to Nashville, and this album is filled with songs that are super personal to me that I hope others will connect with,” he shared in a statement.

Sonically, “Music Row” combines the best of 90s country and singer-songwriter. It’s almost reminiscent of an old Duncan Sheik record; it’s carefree and all about the story. “That night I hit the Bluebird I saw Tony Arata/And just like that I knew what I wanted,” he sings on the first verse, sharing the time when he knew he wanted to be a professional writer. It’s a sweet reminder of how infinite life feels when you’re young, and how no dream is ever that far out of reach.

It’s hard to forget a night like the one where Luke Laird showcased “Music City”. With everyone on edge, eagerly listening to “Music City” and tentatively, singing in unison to “American Kids”, there was an energy in the room that felt unprecedented and unanticipated. Music is all about the memories and moments that are tied to it. No matter where I am, since March, whenever I hear a song written by Luke Laird, I am immediately transported back to that songwriter’s round and that last week before everything changed.

To keep up with Luke Laird, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

‘Music City’ is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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