When singer-songwriter Tyler Nance moved from a small town in Missouri to the bright lights of Nashville, the relocation from farm to city life was an adjustment.
“At first it was definitely strange to me. Once I started networking and getting into writes with other artists, I became a lot more comfortable,” he told The Epoch Times.
The biggest adjustment?
“I’m getting used to the traffic,” he joked.
Nance is currently working on a big undertaking, a 16-song debut album, but his singles and six-song EP, “Wasted Chances,” are already registering with country music fans hungry for roots-oriented artists.
The influence of roots music like folk and Americana simmers throughout his budding catalog. The performer was also heavily influenced by bluegrass while growing up. Bluegrass is often said to produce a trademark “high lonesome sound,” a sound that certainly drives his breakout tune, “Keeps Me Sane.”
“I grew up listening to [the] Stanley Brothers. … I love bluegrass. I get inspired by … roots [music] ... that’s the kind of music I’ve been listening to my whole life.”
Past and Present
Fellow musicians aren’t the only influences for Nance. He’s also artistically affected by the big picture of life.“Writing about the present and past, and all that emotion and everything, that’s [also] my influence.”
For the recording artist, music in general often puts him in a creative mindset, and his own songs serve as a way for him to get his thoughts out on paper.
‘One and Only Son’
The son of a farmer, Nance and his family have been on the same Missouri land for generations. His father taught him much of what he knows about the land. And though he made the move to Nashville, the farming side of his life will always work its way into his music.“My dad, [and] my dad’s dad before that, have been on the same farm, so I was born into it. I still go home and I do my part, and still reach out. It’s something I’ve always been passionate about. It’s still a big influence on my writing.”
One of the Missouri native’s songs that especially tugs at fans’ heartstrings is his single, “One and Only Son.”
The uplifting song is a tribute to Nance’s father, and the idea came to him during a lunch break while he was working a couple states away.
“I was still working in South Dakota, and I was looking for an idea to show appreciation for my dad because he’s taught me so much. ... I had the thought process of stuff he did and what we did while I was growing up. He loves to hunt, and he taught me … about cattle and farming.”
The songwriter wanted to show his gratitude to his father in a genuine way—through his original music.
“It’s the only way that I was able to get my expressions and gratitude out,” he said.
Because the song is so personal, Nance wondered if listeners would relate to it. He was surprised when “One and Only Son” became such a crowd-pleaser.
“It’s definitely a favorite for a lot of people that they relate to, which I never really expected. The song’s so specific. But [it] carries a lot of weight and emotion too.”
The single was something of a birthday gift. Nance released the track during his dad’s birthday month of January, saying, “I think he really enjoyed that.”
Playing Live
Nance is ready to strike while the iron is hot. In September, he’s scheduled to be the opening act for two shows featuring contemporary country greats Justin Moore and Easton Corbin. His full-length album is set to debut in 2026, and the performer is excited to release his latest batch of originals—originals that help tell the story of his life so far.
The singer shares, the album will feature “really good songs that I’m really proud of, and it’s gonna be based around where I’m from.”
For him, the recording process has been a fun way to find his groove.
“I’ve been ... just rolling with my own sound,” he said.
He hasn’t yet landed on an official title, but he’s already excited about the forthcoming record release. He’s even more excited to hit the road and tour it.
“I really look forward to playing live shows and connecting with the audience that’s helped me grow.”
He said that connecting “with them on more of a personal level” is important because it’s all about “staying true to what got me to where I am now.”
