It’s New Music Friday, and there’s plenty to dig into this week. From Maddie Lenhart’s personal country songwriting and Sarah Hardwig’s sharp breakup track to Paul Minnich’s nostalgic look back and Sleep Nation’s darker Americana experiment, these four releases each bring something different to the table.
If you’re looking for something new to add to your weekend rotation, here are four releases that caught our attention this week.
Maddie Lenhart – “Why in the World”
Maddie Lenhart brings a distinctly personal country edge to this week’s NMF lineup with “Why in the World,” the title track from her debut EP of the same name. Rooted in honest storytelling and contemporary country production, the song gives a glimpse into the Virginia-born, Nashville-based songwriter’s voice as she steps into this next chapter.
The track has already picked up attention from Sheryl Crow, who praised the song on social media, while it also landed at No. 31 on the iTunes Country chart. With its blend of emotional songwriting and modern country polish, “Why in the World” is a strong introduction to Lenhart’s debut era.
Sarah Hardwig – “You Lied”
Sarah Hardwig brings some early-2000s country attitude into the present with “You Lied,” a sharp breakup track about finally being done with someone who never gave her what she deserved. Written by Hardwig and Bridget Marie, the song pairs playful details with plenty of bite, letting Hardwig turn a messy breakup into a confident walk-away moment.
With its catchy storytelling and unapologetic energy, “You Lied” gives Hardwig plenty of room to show off both her vocals and personality, making it a fun addition to this week’s NMF lineup.
Paul Minnich – “Memory Lane”
Paul Minnich gets nostalgic on “Memory Lane,” a warm country single about the people, places and little moments that stay with us long after they have passed. Written by Minnich and Dave Lenahan and produced by Dr. Ford, the track pairs an infectious melody with the kind of storytelling that makes looking back feel surprisingly easy.
The single arrives ahead of Minnich’s debut album, Pretty Damn Proud, due October 23, offering a first taste of the stories and memories at the heart of his upcoming project.
Sleep Nation – FAMINE THE DESOLATE
Sleep Nation takes a darker turn with FAMINE THE DESOLATE, the second chapter in the Nashville duo’s Four Horsemen series. The EP grew from frontman Bran Merritt’s interest in the stripped-back, darker side of Americana and country, sparked by discovering Stephen Wilson Jr. Rather than starting a separate project, Merritt folded that influence into Sleep Nation’s existing sound.
Following the electronic and industrial leanings of The Spaceman – Conquest, the new EP continues the series in a different sonic direction, with vocal contributions from the Sisters Mann and Flip Cooper on bass.
What are you listening to this New Music Friday? Share your picks with us on Instagram, and visit Lyrical Muse for more music updates.
Missed last week’s picks? Catch up with the full NMF archive here.
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