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Ryan Waters Hits All the Right Notes with Debut Album “All I’ve Ever Known” (Exclusive)

The wait is over! Viral sensation and Alabama native Ryan Waters Band has officially released his highly anticipated debut album, All I’ve Ever Known. The 12-track project, now streaming on all major platforms, offers a rich blend of heartfelt lyrics, southern charm, and Ryan’s signature baritone voice that fans have grown to love.

Produced by Sean Rogers and Steve Solomon, the album includes fan-favorites like “Deer God,” “Leavin’ A Little,” and “Take It From Me,” alongside fresh tracks that showcase Ryan’s talent for storytelling. The October release of his “Double Shot” singles — “Whiskey Talkin’” and “Whiskey on a Weekday”— teased what was to come.

As Ryan explained to Celeb Secrets in an exclusive interview, “They tell two sides of the same story: one carefree and wild, the other reflective and full of regret.”

Photo by Brock Fetch

With over 40 million Spotify streams already under his belt, Waters became a household name after his TikTok-viral hit “Chevrolet You Down.” But for Ryan, music is deeply personal. “This album truly is all I’ve ever known,” he shared with us. “Everything I’ve been through or a part of finds its way into my songs.”

One standout track, “In The Mirror,” holds special meaning. Written about his late grandfather, it’s a heartfelt tribute to one of Ryan’s biggest supporters. “He was built differently,” Ryan said, “and this song is the most special to me because of what he meant to my life and career.”

Waters’ music is a refreshing blend of modern country with traditional roots, reflecting his upbringing in small-town Alabama. Whether reminiscing about Friday night football or penning odes to dirt roads, he brings authenticity to every lyric. And with plans to hit the road in March and a goal of playing the Grand Ole Opry, 2025 is set to be a big year for Ryan Waters Band.

For more on Ryan’s music and new album, make sure to keep scrolling to read our full Q&A below; and don’t forget to let us know what you think of it by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecretscountry.

Photo by Brock Fetch

Celeb Secrets: For those who aren’t aware of you or your music just yet, who is Ryan Waters and what story is he trying to tell with his music

Ryan Waters: “Honestly, I’m just a southern boy from a small town in south Alabama that loves to write and sing songs about my way of living. Everything I’ve ever been through or a part of tends to find its way into the words of my songs in some capacity. I love the small town country way of life and writing about it is something I thoroughly enjoy.”

CS: We know your new album “All I’ve Ever Known” is finally here! How are you feeling knowing that this body of work that you’ve been crafting is now out for people to hear?

RW: “I feel all of the emotions, really. I’m so thankful that I get to share such a huge piece of my life with listeners. I think those same listeners will find many similarities in our upbringing and what we’ve been through.”

CS: “All I’ve Ever Known” is such an evocative title. What inspired the theme of this album, and how does it reflect your journey so far?

RW: “‘All I’ve Ever Known’ is actually a direct lyric from one of the songs on the album (‘When It Don’t’) and was something from the album that I felt really embodied the main focal points of every song. This album from start to finish truly is all I’ve ever known.”

CS: Your songs are very personal and relatable. Can you walk us through your songwriting process, especially for the track “In The Mirror?” What makes that one so special to you?

RW: “I think ‘In The Mirror’ in particular was probably one of the hardest songs I’ve ever written. It being about my late grandfather, I knew I wanted it to be perfect. There was a lot of time that I wish I could have back, but I am so very thankful for all that I was able to learn from him, and all that he was able to show me in his life. We spent many mornings and afternoons talking about his many war stories and his love for my grandmother. The man was just built differently. This song is the most special to me because of how huge of an advocate my grandfather was for my music career – and for me in general.”

Photo by Brock Fetch

CS: You recently released the Double Shot with “Whiskey Talkin'” and “Whiskey On A Weekday.” What’s the story behind these two whiskey-themed songs, and how do they complement each other?

RW: “On one hand, in ‘Whiskey Talkin” you’ve got this guy (that’s not such a good guy) that just wants to party and soak up every moment of every minute, regardless of the disasters he’s causing, and then you’ve got a guy in ‘Whiskey on a Weekday’ (who regrets making all of those terrible decisions, but is forced to live with it) who would probably do anything to start all over again and make better choices. I think they were perfect served up together, and both of them truly tell the story that every choice you make ultimately has a consequence.”

CS: Is there a particular song on this project that feels especially close to your heart or captures a pivotal moment in your life?

RW: “I really relate closely to the track ‘Back Way Back’ because I feel like, even still today, I have moments where I wish I could go back and relive some of the younger years of my life, make some different decisions, run those laps again on the baseball field. Just step back in time one more time.”

CS: Your brand of pop country with warm baritone vocals really stands out. How do you balance modern sounds with traditional roots in your music?

RW: “I think it’s pretty easy actually. I don’t really tie myself down into a specific category and I think that has helped me tremendously as a songwriter. I don’t go into a write thinking ‘this has to sound a certain way.’ I just go in and write whatever is on my heart and mind. I think when you are truly writing about what you love or what you believe in, the rest kind of falls in place. Your voice sounds perfect on the song because it was always meant for that song in that specific moment.”

CS: Your breakthrough TikTok with “Chevrolet You Down” was incredible. How has that moment shaped your approach to connecting with fans and building your career?

RW: “I think that was the first time that I truly believed in myself as a songwriter. To see all those commenting, to see the love that others had for something that I had written, was life-altering. It gave me what I felt like I always needed when it comes to songwriting and even singing, which is just simply confidence. Confidence that this career choice isn’t just a silly dream, but that I have the ability to turn my dream into reality.”

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CS: Growing up in a small town like Luverne, Alabama, clearly influences your music. What elements of your upbringing find their way most into your songs?

RW: “I think everything. The hunting, the dirt roads, the small town Friday night football rivalries, the up to no good (middle of nowhere) rendezvous.. Small town life, and real country living being brought to life in every part of my songs. I believe it’s really easy to write about when you’ve actually lived it.”

CS: You once aspired to be a professional baseball player. What lessons from that chapter of your life have carried over into your music career?

RW: “I think the lesson I took the most from that was baseball, music, and life isn’t always about the home runs. Nine times out of ten, doing the little things, wins you the game. Sometimes all you have to do is just put the ball in play. I think that correlates well with my music career also. I took a chance on me and, to this point, it has paid off.”

CS: Nashville is known as the ten year town. What have been some of the biggest challenges and learning moments in your journey so far?

RW: “Biggest thing I’ve learned is that no matter how big or small you are as an artist, your career will have the highest of highs and sometimes the lowest of lows. How you respond when you’re going through one of those dips will determine where you are long after your first ten years are up. Nashville has taught me to always be prepared for the unexpected.”

CS: With over 40 million Spotify streams and a growing fan base, what are some goals you’re setting for yourself in 2025?

RW: “I plan to tour with another major artist at some point in 2025. I also want to play the Grand Ole Opry, as it was something my grandfather wanted so badly to see me achieve. One of my biggest goals though would be to continue to deliver music that my fans – and even new listeners — can relate to.”

CS: Can we expect a tour or any upcoming announcements soon?

RW: “We plan to start hitting the road again heavily in March, and also are in talks of being in a supporting role on a tour with a bigger artist.”

CS: Since we’re Celeb Secrets, what’s a behind the scenes secret from making the album that we wouldn’t know just by listening to it?

RW: “Nearly half of the song ‘Deer God’ was written on my way back to Nashville while traveling up I-65 N from Birmingham using voice memos on my iPhone. Fun fact: there really were only two days of hunting season left when this one was written. Also fun fact: :got a buck on the last day of season, AFTER writing ‘Deer God.'”

LISTEN TO “ALL I’VE EVER KNOWN” HERE:

Author

  • Juliet Schroder

    Juliet is the founder and executive producer/host of Celeb Secrets and Celeb Secrets Country. When not reporting on the latest news in pop culture and country music, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, watching sports and exploring the latest fashion trends. Juliet holds a B.S. in marketing from St. John's University.

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Juliet is the founder and executive producer/host of Celeb Secrets and Celeb Secrets Country. When not reporting on the latest news in pop culture and country music, she enjoys traveling, spending time with friends and family, watching sports and…

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