In a country music landscape increasingly shaped by viral moments and glossy production, Nathan Applegate is choosing something different — something real. With the release of his debut EP Over The Western Ridge, the Missouri Ozarks native is delivering five songs that feel less like tracks on a playlist and more like pages from a well-worn journal.
Blending small-town charm with Nashville ambition, Over The Western Ridge isn’t just Applegate’s musical introduction—it’s a mission statement. Produced by legendary hitmaker Kent Wells (Dolly Parton, Reba, Willie Nelson), the EP leans into time-honored storytelling while pushing gently, and purposefully, into modern terrain. Whether it’s the tongue-in-cheek twang of “Podunkville” or the tender ache behind “Chasing My Next You,” Nathan shows a rare ability to hold heartbreak and humor in the same breath—and make you believe in both.
“This project is about chasing great, big dreams and showing others they can do the same,” Applegate shares in a statement serviced in a press release. “If you harness the winds of hope and ride them with determination, your dreams can rise and soar as brightly and surely as the sun over the ridge.”
Raised just outside of Branson, Nathan’s world has always been steeped in performance—from backwoods bonfires to rhinestone stages—and that experience shows. His debut is part confessional, part celebration, and all heart.
On the morning the EP dropped, Nathan didn’t jump straight into celebration mode — he leaned into gratitude.
“The first thing I did was drop off a few small thank you gifts and handwritten cards to the folks I work with,” he tells Celeb Secrets. “They’ve seen the behind-the-scenes hustle of this release up close… I wanted them to know just how much I appreciate their support.”
The rest of the day? A mix of relief, quiet joy, and deep appreciation. “It felt good to finally share something I’d been holding onto for so long,” he adds.
When asked to sum up his musical journey from Hollister, Missouri to Nashville in a movie title, Applegate didn’t hesitate:
“Nashville, Nathan, and Me. It captures this wild, beautiful journey… the dream, the boy shaped by the Ozarks, and the man I’ve become.”
That narrative comes to life across the EP’s five tracks. From the cheeky charm of “Podunkville” to the emotional weight of “Chasing My Next You,” every song reveals another layer of who Nathan Applegate is—and who he’s becoming.
“‘Chasing My Next You’ would’ve caught little Natey off guard,” he reflects. “That kind of heartbreak? He wouldn’t have seen it coming.”
And about that fan-favorite “Podunkville”? It’s more than a song — it’s a whole world.
“There’d be a bronze raccoon statue that got struck by lightning and woke up strummin’ a banjo. And a diner with the slogan, ‘You kill it, we grill it!’” Nathan jokes. “It’s a real down-home dining experience… and probably a pie bake-off judged by the mayor’s cousin’s uncle who’s also the sheriff and part-time Elvis impersonator.”
Just like his music, the vision is equal parts hilarious and heartwarming.
Behind the scenes, Nathan soaked up wisdom from working with Kent Wells — moments he’ll never forget.
“Walking into the studio and seeing Kent working on projects for Dolly… I mean, Dolly Parton! That kind of thing humbles you real quick.”
That reverence for country legends mixes beautifully with Nathan’s own youthful, progressive energy—something that’s clear in both his lyrics and personality.
It’s no surprise that Nathan balances depth with delight—after all, he’s a dancer, choreographer, actor, and creative director in addition to being a singer-songwriter.
“Branson taught me early on that a great performer doesn’t just sing to a crowd—they connect with them,” he says. “Whether it’s a lyric, a dance break, or a sketch, the audience feels it. That’s where the magic happens.”
If he had the resources, Nathan would take each song on the EP into its own creative universe—from a rom-com for “Dreams That Find You,” to a boot-stompin’ music video for “Podunkville,” to a short film for “Chasing My Next You.”
At the heart of Over The Western Ridge lies a powerful message for young dreamers, especially those from small towns:
“I hope they can look at this project and think, ‘If he can do it, maybe I can too.’ Keep showing up, believe in yourself when no one else does. Your dreams can take root and grow too.”
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And finally, in true Celeb Secrets fashion, Nathan dropped a hilarious exclusive:
“I co-wrote ‘Been There, Miss That’ virtually from my truck… while I had food poisoning,” he confesses. “It was pouring rain, WiFi was out, I’m on the phone with Bill DiLuigi trying not to hurl while writing this song. And now it opens the EP!”
With Over The Western Ridge, Nathan Applegate doesn’t just introduce himself—he invites listeners into a story stitched with melody, honesty, and good ol’ country soul. The dream’s just getting started—and we’re here for every step.
Listen to Over The Western Ridge below and don’t forget to let us know what you think of the track by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecretscountry. You can connect with Nathan by giving him a follow on Instagram, TikTok, and by visiting his official website.
