Ryan Waters has a voice that feels like home – rich, impactful, and full of life's complexities. His debut album, All I've Ever Known, released on January 17, is more than just a collection of songs – it's a heartfelt exploration of identity, perseverance, and the power of storytelling. 

It has 12 tracks, including standouts like "Take It From Me," "Leavin' A Little," "Bloodstream," and "Wasn't The Truck." The project was produced by Sean Rogers and Steve Solomon. Waters has become a genre-bending artist who can't be boxed into a single sound. His buttery baritone effortlessly melds traditional country with rock influences – creating music that resonates deeply with fans across all genres. 

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Born and raised in the small town of Luverne, Alabama, Waters' upbringing feels straight out of a classic country song. Ahead of the release, Waters sat down with Fandom Daily to reflect on his rise to fame and how his life thus far has inspired his well-rounded LP. 

"I grew up out in the middle of nowhere – old rusty barns, chicken houses, fields… you name it," he recalled. Waters told Fandom Daily reporter Tiffany Goldstein that he graduated with 73 classmates, but did not have a small-town mindset because of the dedicated people around him. It was his family that inspired him to persevere forward and chase his music dreams. 

"I think the one thing that really helped me is the fact that I was from an area that believes in hard work," he explained. "I got to see my dad work hard for years, my mom work hard for years, my grandfather, and everybody before me. I think that has helped me develop my career." 

Though his early life revolved around the simple joys and challenges of rural living, music was not always in the cards. Waters always marched to the beat of his own drum, becoming the second person in his family to attend college. While on a baseball scholarship, he studied education but found his passion for music along the way. He opted to become a schoolteacher and musician instead of a professional athlete.  After graduation, he split his time between teaching and performing in Nashville, trying to get his name on the map. In the ever-changing music industry, Waters was forced to jump on a platform that he was attempting to avoid: TikTok. 

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"I didn't want to get on there," he laughs. "I'm introverted by nature, but I knew if I wanted to make this dream a reality, I had to step out of my comfort zone." His decision paid off when a song he shared on the app went viral, catapulting him from obscurity to international recognition.

His first taste of success was with  "Chevrolet You Down," reaching 1 million views in less than 24 hours. He now has 40 million Spotify streams and nearly two million social media followers combined. 

"One moment, no one knows who you are, and the next, people from the UK are inviting you to play shows at their homes," he marvels. Waters vividly remembers performing in Orlando, Florida, when a family from Wales flew in just to see him play. "That's when I knew I was doing something right," he added. 

What sets Waters apart is his ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level. His music doesn't just entertain – it heals and empowers. Take his debut album, for example. Every track captures each stage of his life. 

"I am obviously very excited for fans to be able to hear this album because I think it truly embodies what my life has been like until this point," stressed Waters. "Every one of these songs have one thing in common – they're truly stuff that I've either seen or been through. I think a lot of people will be able to relate to each song on this album. It's the perfect debut album because it has every high and every low that you could possibly think of," he added. 

This ability to channel raw emotion into his songs stems from Waters' authenticity. He writes from the heart, drawing from personal experiences and the stories of those around him. From the introspective "Shadow Of A Doubt" to the spiritually charged "Deer God," each track offers a glimpse into his journey. If you're a fan seeking a moody listen, Waters' grundy track "Bloodstream," may catch your attention. Meanwhile,  party anthem "Whiskey Talkin'" might encourage you to hit the town and throw a drink back. 

One standout on the stream-worthy collection is "Her & Nascar," a ballad that delivers a soul-stirring story about a kid that grows up without a father figure and finds what he's looking for in a NASCAR race. The track that is destined to tug at heartstrings resonated deeply with Waters.

"I think for me, that was probably my favorite track to write," he said. "When fans hear it, they're gonna be like, 'This is a tearjerker, but it's a tearjerker in a good way.'" 

He highly recommends fans listen from top to bottom because certain tracks correlate together. If one takes time on each song, they will hear the progression of a person's life. Waters would like his fanbase to listen like they are "watching a movie or reading a book, because it truly is a story." 

When asked what he hopes fans take away from All I've Ever Known, he shared a heartfelt list of intentions. 

"I want my music to be a safe space for people," he explains. "Whether they're grieving, celebrating, or just living life, I want them to feel seen and understood."

Waters' relationship with his fans is a cornerstone of his career. Despite his rising fame, he remains grounded and accessible. After each show, he takes the time to connect with fans, hearing their stories and sharing his own. 

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As Waters embarks on this new chapter with All I've Ever Known, he's keenly aware of the responsibility that comes with his platform. 

"Music has the power to change lives," he says. "If I can make even one person feel less alone, then I've done my job.  I've been on both sides – as a fan and as an artist. I never want to lose that connection."

Waters is not slowing down anytime soon. The powerhouse vocalist has plans to take his music on the road and is already working on his sophomore album. With his raw authenticity, unique sound, and genuine storytelling, he solidified himself as a newcomer to watch. 

Photo Credit: Brock Fetch.