Recommended Tracks: “AMERICAN DREAMIN,” “WITHOUT YOUR LOVE,” “EASY”
Similar Artists: Walker Hayes, Russell Dickerson, Sam Hunt
An album needs to have a story. Why was it written? Practiced, recorded, produced, perfected? Maybe it was a trip or a life lesson learned. Most likely a breakup or a meet-cute. That is what makes them so enjoyable: because you can relate to them. You listen to the lyrics and feel like the one being listened to is you.
It is no mystery why Texas-born singer, songwriter, and producer Niko Moon has hit the nail on the head with his new album, ROOTS. Not only does it explore his upbringing in Texas and Georgia, but it also honors his family and his determination to make a difference in the world as a kid, thanking the Southern sounds that shaped him into the musician he is today.
Moon made it easy on his fans. With songs like “AMERICAN DREAMIN’” reflecting on his parents and their hard work to raise him while living in motels and trailers, and “Rich Man” focusing on themes of family, love, and having a simple life filled with meaning instead of money, Moon wrote an album that acts as an homage to the South.
He effortlessly blends swampy influences from the South with pop accents. He primarily uses instruments like acoustic and electric guitars, further strengthening that blend, creating an organic and relaxed feeling that seeps into your bones. Paired with his masterful lyrics, Moon makes ROOTS into a deeply autobiographical project with an honest origin story that shows exactly why he is on his way to the true American dream.
“I’ve spent a long time building my life as a singer, songwriter, husband and father,” Moon says, “and while that journey has taken me to some beautiful places — including my home now in Nashville — I started feeling pulled back toward the places that raised me: Tyler, Texas, Atlanta, and Georgia.” He continues:
“This album is an homage to those places, those memories and the stories that shaped me. ‘ROOTS’ draws not only from my own life, but from the musical history of Texas, Atlanta and the South as a whole. Sonically and personally, this album is a bit of a change for me. Instead of writing about taking somebody to the beach or out to a party, I wanted to take people back to where I come from — back to my roots, and back to the life I’m living today with my family.”
And he has certainly reached these goals with ROOTS. Take a listen below.
Keep up with Niko Moon: Instagram // Spotify // TikTok // YouTube // Pandora // Apple Music
