R. SHAYNE FLOYD’s musical journey reaches a new milestone with his forthcoming third album, Heights of the Land, a bold departure from the traditional bluegrass sound that defined his earlier work with the band River Boy. While Floyd’s previous albums celebrated the rich traditions of bluegrass, this latest project showcases the diverse musical influences that have shaped Shayne’s artistry over the years. The new single from Floyd’s album is called “I’m Alive Today,” which finds a way to put a positive spin on unrequited love. R. Shayne Floyd explains: “I think ‘I’m Alive Today’ is sort of unique for a heartbreak song because it’s upbeat and encouraging. I was friends with this woman and and wanted it to be more (i.e. romantic), but it just wasn’t happening. Instead of being down in the dumps about it, I thought – ‘hey, my life is great! I want you, but I don’t need you. And I’ll get over you, given a little time’.” In Floyds songs, listeners will find echoes of Tim O’Brien’s storytelling, the nuanced melodies of Watchhouse, and the genre-blurring styles of Tyler Childers, Lyle Lovett, Gordon Lightfoot, and Sierra Ferrell.
The harmonious voices of Alexa Rose and Clare Elich add richness to the album and provide an extra layer of depth and emotion. Shayne’s collaboration with ultra-talented musician and producer Ryan Stigmon has brought these songs to life with a fresh, dynamic sound that reflects his broadening musical horizons. Musicians R. Shayne Floyd: Lead Vocal, Ryan Stigmon: Acoustic Guitar and Hammond Organ, Norbert McGettigan: Bass, Chris Gelb: Drums, James Schlender: Violin.
