After a hiatus spanning over two decades, Cyndi Thomson, the acclaimed country music sensation behind the 2001 hit album My World, is making waves once again in the industry. Her latest single, "The Georgia In Me," serves as both a reintroduction to her devoted fanbase and an invitation for new listeners to join her on a musical journey deeply rooted in her Southern roots. 

Following the success of her debut album, Thomson chose to step away from the music scene to explore other creative pursuits. Among these was her venture into jewelry making, which saw her designing one-of-a-kind pieces worn by A-list celebrities, particularly within the country music realm.

"Within two weeks of designing and making jewelry for Haybelle Co., I was on the red carpet at the CMA Music Awards. At the time, I wasn't doing music. It was interesting to be back in the music scene, but in a different capacity," she recalled during an exclusive interview with Fandom Daily. "After that, stylists started seeing it and calling. The big moment for me was recently when Lainey Wilson won all her CMA Awards – she was wearing a one-of-the-kind piece. I had other country artists wear my jewelry, from Little Big Town, Lauren Alaina, and even Lizzo." 

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However, it wasn't her thriving jewelry business that reignited Thomson's passion for music – it was a deeply personal moment with her late father that sparked the flame. Reflecting on his passing and their poignant conversation about life and dreams, Thomson felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination to pursue her musical aspirations once more.

"A couple of years ago, my dad was very sick, and he passed away. The day he passed, he spent time with each of his daughters. So, I went in and just had time with him. We talked about life and about music," explained Thomson. "I was so thankful that he and my mom had sold a car and really worked hard to get me to Nashville to follow the dream of being a country music singer. He passed that night, and the next day, I just drove around town, and I was like, 'I want to make a record.'" 

It wasn't long before Thomson joined forces with established writer Paul Sikes to pen "The Georgia In Me." However, the majority of her forthcoming music was created alongside longtime collaborator and friend Tommy Lee James. The album blueprint came to life in Charleston, South Carolina, while on spring break with both their families. Within days, James flew to Nashville to kick off the writing-recording process. 

"We pulled the team together fairly quickly. I would say in September, we had all the pieces we needed to begin the work. I've been gone for so long that there are all these new ways to release music," said the independent artist. " I was reading all the Cliff Notes and meeting with people who left major record labels to start their own companies to launch artists." 

As she navigated the evolving landscape of digital platforms and independent releases, she remained steadfast in her commitment to staying true to her signature sound while infusing a sense of nostalgia that resonates with fans, old and new.

With "The Georgia In Me," Thomson pays homage to her roots, weaving together elements of her Southern upbringing with heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies. Thomson crafted a song that celebrates the simplicity and beauty of life in Georgia while capturing the essence of her father. 

"I think for me, I can only be me. I can only write like me and sing how I do. I've never really tried to be anybody else," stressed the seasoned artist. "When you think about nostalgia, it's that southern country style for me. I have always stayed true to my sound. I don't know why fans are drawn back to nostalgia, but I'm happy about it." 

She continued, "Without a doubt, I needed to pay homage to Georgia. I felt like I needed to do that because the older and new fans needed to know where I was from. Georgia is a big part of my life, even though I live in Tennessee. Just growing up there, really living that simple lifestyle. I wanted to talk about the interstate that got me back and forth to my dream, growing up barefoot, and the creeks in my backyard that my dad built bridges over." 

The guitar-soaked track is a roll-your-windows-down type of anthem. Not only does her storytelling encourage fans to reflect on their upbringing, but it also serves as a reminder never to forget where you came from. Thomson's vocals are destined to leave a chill down listeners' spines, as her sound is as peaceful as a southern sunrise. 

The release of "The Georgia In Me" marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Thomson, with plans to roll out additional singles in the coming months leading up to an eagerly anticipated EP and, eventually, a full-length album. Fans can expect more stories, memories, and more of Thomson's unmistakable charm as she invites them to rediscover her music and embark on this next phase of her musical career.

"The listeners can get to know me fairly quickly with this music that's going to follow—it's just going to unravel before you. I'm so excited about this music," Thomson stressed to Fandom Daily. The plan right now is a song every month, then there will be an EP, and we'll do something special for the fans. My hope is to tour fairly quickly, jumping on some tours, hitting different cities, and re-engaging with fans," she added. 

@cyndithomson New song.  #fyp #newmusic #singer #countrymusic #fyp #love ♬ original sound - Cyndi Thomson

As she prepares to hit the road and reconnect with audiences through live performances, Thomson leaves fans with a message of anticipation and gratitude. "Stay tuned," she says, "there's a lot coming your way, and I hope you love it. I look forward to seeing you guys out on the road."

With her triumphant return to the country music scene, Thomson proves that some stories are worth the wait, and the journey back home is always sweeter than imagined. As "The Georgia In Me" plays on, fans old and new find themselves captivated once again by the timeless allure of Thomson's music.

Photo credit: © Grand Ole Opry, photos by Chris Hollo