Dylan Schneider Shares the Process of Finding Himself With Debut Album, PUZZLED

Eight years after first moving to Nashville to pursue his dreams as a country singer-songwriter, Dylan Schneider's debut album, PUZZLED, is here at last, feeling like a culmination of his incredible career so far.

The Gold-certified artist's music has nearly 400 million streams thanks to his infectious energy and the universality of his songwriting, creating tracks that are both relatable and genre-busting with his own blend of classic country infused with pop and rock vibes. They're on full display in this album of 16 songs, featuring fan-favorites "Ain't Missin' You," "Bad Decisions" and "Carhartt." He co-wrote every song on the album besides the title track, "Puzzled," which he wrote by completely on his own. We had the pleasure of catching up with Dylan on the interview below to find out more about these unforgettable songs and what they mean to him at this point in his life.

Sweety High: What does the album title PUZZLED mean to you? Why did that closing track title feel like the perfect summation of this group of songs?

Dylan Schneider: The album PUZZLED is about the growth and lessons I've learned in life since moving to Nashville in 2016. It's been eight years of ups and downs, from my career to my family as well as relationships. The final track sums it all up as best I could, and I can't wait for everyone to hear it.

(PUZZLED via BBR Music Group)

 

SH: What do you feel are the overarching themes of the album? What kind of feel do you hope fans take away from it?

DS: The overall themes are growth, finding yourself and progress. I feel like the songwriting and choice of songs on the 16-song track list show that. I hope people are taken on a ride of emotions listening through the whole project.

 

SH: How would you describe the album's sound? Production-wise, how did you go about bringing these tracks to life?

DS: This album's sound is definitely the most cohesive throughout, compared to my other projects over the years. It's the perfect musical blend of modern and organic that I have been chasing. Working with my producer Zach Abend, he made that very easy to bring it all to fruition. He definitely gets the picture.

 

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SH: How do you feel that these songs represent where you are in life right now?

DS: These songs show that I have day-by-day been getting better creatively and as the man I want to be one day. I am always striving for forward progress, but I'm also still finding myself as time goes on.

 

SH: What is your favorite song on the album? Why?

DS: My favorite song on the album is probably "Here Comes The Sun." As a fan of music, I know I'd be listening to that one even if it wasn't my own. The idea to take the title of a Beatles song down a different path and sound came to me randomly during a pretty slow songwriting session one day when we had tossed around so many ideas. We flew through this song once we got there!

 

SH: Was there anything that surprised you about the process of recording and putting together your debut album?

DS: It was surprising how easy going it was this time around. When you work with the right creative people that makes all the difference. From the production to the songwriters, it's all about being with people that get your vision and make that process smooth.

(Photo credit: Spidey Smith)

 

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SH: How are you feeling about releasing it to the world?

DS: I'm excited for everyone to finally get a full-length project after eight years of me putting out music. This collection of songs is by far my best work yet, and I think everyone is really going to love it. I couldn't be more amped!

 

SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

DS: I hope this debut album sets a tone of where I am going as an artist in the future—both stylistically and personally. I hope people get to see a side of me that I haven't really shared yet through a few of these songs. Enjoy PUZZLED.

 

For more on our favorite new country albums, click HERE to read our interview with Mitchell Tenpenny on his latest album, The 3rd.