Eurovision star Sam Ryder admitted that he experienced a deep self-confidence crisis after his success. His new album Heartland is both the product of this difficult process and a story of recovery.
Ryder was long seen as the “always positive guy”. However, she describes that period as follows:
“I lost my positivity, my self-esteem, even my faith in music.
I felt worthless.
Every time I sang, my inner voice was saying ‘give up, don’t continue anymore.’”
The artist, who became known worldwide with the videos she shared on TikTok during the pandemic, reached the peak of her career by coming second in Eurovision in 2022. However, her first album after this success did not meet expectations. Following the dismissal of his team at his company, Ryder also went independent. The loneliness and uncertainty that followed this decision led him to depression. He turned off his phone and withdrew from society for a while. He found his balance again thanks to two things: his faith and his partner of 14 years, Lois Gaskin-Barber. The couple fulfilled their dreams and moved to Nashville. Here, Ryder rediscovered his music in a calm environment surrounded by nature. His new album, Heartland, reflects his inner transformation. His songs now contain not only hope, but also genuine emotions and vulnerability. In the song “Armour,” he says:
“Take off that armor, you can’t carry that burden.”
Ryder describes his new style as “Frontier Soul” — country-inspired, emotional, yet free-spirited. The album stands out with its mature vocal tone, in the style of artists like Hozier and Teddy Swims.
Despite all the difficulties, Sam Ryder now remembers this period with gratitude:
“True optimism
is revealed when tested. This test showed me who I am.”
