Nashville Welcomes New Country Duo: Ryan and Rory
Head down to the vibrant streets of Nashville, and you’ll find a fresh new sound taking the country music scene by storm – meet Ryan Follesé and Rory John Zak, the dynamic duo now recording under the label BMG Nashville. Their self-titled debut EP, released in July, combines polished commercial appeal with heartfelt storytelling that feels as warm and inviting as a summer day.
A Blend of Experience and Youth
Although Ryan is a dozen years older than Rory, their friendship and chemistry create a delightful blend of experience and youth. Ryan has been in the music business for over half his life, previously finding fame as part of the pop-rock quartet Hot Chelle Rae. You might remember their catchy hit “Tonight Tonight,” which captivated the Top 40 charts for three years and won them several awards. Listening to Ryan reflect on his musical journey is as engaging as the tunes he so expertly crafts.
“Whether it’s ‘Tonight Tonight’ or songs my parents wrote—my roots run deep in country music,” Ryan shares with a chuckle, hinting at his well-known lineage. He is indeed the son of famed Nashville songwriters Adrienne and Keith Follesé whose work includes hits like Faith Hill’s “The Way You Love Me.”
Rory’s Rise to Stardom
And then we have Rory, who, at just 24, is no stranger to the stage either. His experiences began as a teen at the Carolina Opry in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where he quickly earned the title of the youngest lead singer in the opry’s almost four-decade history. Despite a promising college path at Belmont University, Rory opted instead to dive headfirst into the country music scene.
“I cut to the chase and started my country career—no classroom, just the power of music,” Rory says, emanating the kind of enthusiasm that is simply contagious. With a killer handshake and a smile that brightens the room, it’s hard not to feel that stardom is just on the horizon for him.
The Power of Their Music
Their debut EP has a nostalgic feel that might remind listeners of country’s golden days, particularly around 2014 when pop and country played in a delightful harmony. Ryan points out how even with music trends swirling like a whirlwind, the magic of crowd-pleasing sing-alongs continues to resonate in the country realm.
“Songs that connect—songs that get a crowd involved—still have a place in the heart of country music,” he says passionately. “Take ‘Cowboy Cry,’ for example. It’s a bittersweet exploration of heartache that came together in just hours, almost like a band practice.”
Melody Meets Storytelling
As they dive into their songs, lines from tracks like “Cowboy Cry” evoke imagery that feels vivid and relatable. The lyrics sing, “No, you can’t make her stay, make her love you,” pulling on the heartstrings of anyone who’s ever faced love’s trials. Ryan’s warm tenor brings to the forefront the feelings born out of ’90s country, similar to what fans loved from artists like Tim McGraw.
In addition to “Cowboy Cry,” tracks like “Pour Decisions,” “Thanks Mama,” and “This Town” showcase a shiny modern country essence that honors traditional vibes. “When songwriting quality meets catchy melodies, it creates music that feels compelling and authentic,” Ryan notes, likening it to a thrilling finish at a NASCAR race.
A Tribute to Family
In “Thanks Mama,” we hear a beautiful homage to Ryan’s family. Co-written with his father and siblings, the track features family-friendly advice wrapped in playful rhymes: “Don’t brag when your team is winnin’ / Never politic at Thanksgivin’.” It’s these personal touches that make their music feel like a warm hug, reminding listeners of the best moments of their lives.
Creating Lasting Memories
At the heart of Ryan and Rory’s mission is a desire to create songs that listeners will connect with—music that’s not just heard but remembered. “We want to inspire the freedom that country music offers, so that everyone can have their best days and nights while listening to our songs,” Rory reflects, clearly excited about what lies ahead.
Nashville, with its lively spirit and ever-evolving music scene, has certainly gained two remarkable talents in Ryan and Rory. As they set out to carve their mark, fans look forward to sharing unforgettable moments along the way.
