The Glastonbury Glow and Album Birth
Sam Ryder’s infectious energy was on full display at Glastonbury, where he shared an early morning hug backstage while hunting for caffeine. Fresh off submitting his new album Heartland on his birthday, despite battling hay fever, Ryder made a bold last-minute choice to keep his allergy-affected vocals on the single “Better Man.” He ditched the original take, feeling it lacked authenticity, opting instead for a raw, truthful performance recorded just hours before the deadline. This shift marks a departure from the upbeat retro rock of his Eurovision hit “Space Man,” embracing a more introspective sound that reveals deeper layers beyond his “bearded hippie with the big voice” persona.
Crisis of Confidence and Label Exit
Following his second-place finish at Eurovision 2022, Ryder’s long chase for musical success, from teenage bands and odd jobs in construction and a vegan cafe to TikTok fame during the pandemic, seemed validated. However, his debut album faced criticism for being safe and underwhelming, despite topping charts and selling out tours. The real blow came on the tour’s final night when his label dismissed his core team, prompting Ryder to leave in solidarity and go independent. Initially empowering, the move led to a profound loss of resources and self-doubt. He spiraled into depression, questioning his worth and music’s value amid global suffering, even contemplating quitting after locking away his phone and withdrawing for nearly a year.
Renewal in Nashville and Frontier Soul
Recommitting to his faith and leaning on his partner, Lois Gaskin-Barber, helped Ryder rebuild. Fulfilling a 14-year dream, they relocated to a log cabin in Tennessee’s woods, where Nashville’s creative vibe, writing outdoors or on lake boats, inspired Heartland. The album showcases maturity, with tracks like “Armour” shedding his perpetual positivity facade and the title track defiantly addressing critics. Blending shuffling drums, impassioned vocals, and a “desert aesthetic” Ryder dubs Frontier Soul, evoking Tarantino soundtracks or Nancy Sinatra, it fits alongside artists like Teddy Swims and Hozier. Tributes to Lois shine in “Better Man” and “Electric Marine Blue,” though Ryder humorously admits to forgetting their anniversary, which is redeemed by a luxurious getaway. Ultimately, he views his trials as strengthening his genuine optimism, making it resilient rather than superficial.
