It’s no coincidence that half of your “RYMAN music” Google search results turn up links to the iconic Nashville auditorium. The mononymous songwriter was christened in honor of the local music mecca, a self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts that’s led up to the release of his debut album Growing Pains at the end of the month. Before then, RYMAN is sharing another pre-album single in the form of “Told Me Once, Tell Me Twice,” a melancholy—if not also somewhat upbeat—acoustic track that lurches and twangs like your typical Hovvdy composition. It’s no wonder the band’s Charlie Martin is credited as co-writer.
As for the lyrics, RYMAN notes that the song’s sadness derives from the fading of a long-term friendship—or, more accurately, from charting a way forward without this person. “It’s that moment when you come to the realization that even though that can be uncomfortable, things will be OK with or without them,” he shares.
Growing Pains is set for release on July 31 via Mom + Pop Music, with plenty of summer gigs planned to support the album—including stops at Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, and Borderland. Check out his upcoming tour dates here, pre-order the LP here, and watch the visual for “Told Me Once, Tell Me Twice” below.
