Rising country artist Charly Reynolds is making waves with her heartfelt storytelling and distinctive sound, blending Nashville twang with Texas dance hall charm. I sat down with her at CRS in Nashville to talk about her music and journey.
At just 25, the Florida native has already built an impressive resume, from her breakout EP Perfect Timing to her latest album Off The Record, which dropped in September 2024. Featuring standout singles like “Love You Long,” “Somebody In Love,” “People Think,” and “Visiting Hours,” the album offers fans a glimpse into her life, emotions, and experiences.
Before her full-length debut, Reynolds gained attention with her viral single “She Ain’t Me,” whose music video amassed over a million views. She also took the stage at major festivals, including Country Thunder Florida, sharing the bill with the likes of Cody Johnson, Parker McCollum, and JoDee Messina. Inspired by legends such as Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, and Martina McBride, Reynolds continues to carve her own path in country music.
A Big Break with Neon Moon
Reynolds’ music caught the attention of television producers when a video of her covering “Neon Moon” surfaced on YouTube. “The network saw a video of my ‘Neon Moon’ cover on YouTube,” she shared. The version she recorded was inspired by Kacey Musgraves’ rendition, and producers wanted the exact same sound—just with better audio quality.
She quickly hit the studio to record a professional version, and within a month, the song was featured in the Season 5 finale of FOX’s The Resident. “The entire episode was named ‘Neon Moon’ and they played the entire song throughout the episode, which is really cool to have almost four full minutes in there,” she said. In addition to the featured track, the show also added “Neon Moon” and a few of her other songs to its jukebox—a milestone moment for the rising star. “I’ve never had my songs in a show before, so I really hope to have more of those.”
Watch the Video that Caught the Producers’ Attention
The Behind the Guitar Acoustic Tour
Currently, Reynolds is on the “Behind the Guitar” Acoustic Tour with fellow artist Kelli Belles, bringing stripped-down, intimate performances to audiences across the country. “We have so much fun together on tour. She’s one of my best friends,” Reynolds said of her touring companion. The grassroots-style tour allows them to travel together, set up their own merch, and share personal experiences with their fans in a relaxed setting.
Unlike a full-band show, this tour follows a writer’s round vibe, where each artist plays acoustically for 45 minutes and shares stories behind their songs. “You feel more of a connection to the crowd,” Reynolds explained, though she admitted it comes with its own set of challenges. “It’s definitely more pressure.”
Despite the intimacy of the setting, Reynolds doesn’t shy away from engaging with her audience. She recalled one show where fans sat far from the stage. “I don’t know if you’re scared of me or what, but what are you doing all the way back there?” she joked, adding that she loves incorporating humor and conversation into her performances.
Chasing a Signature Sound
With Off The Record, Reynolds sought to create a distinct sonic identity, eventually landing on a mix of ‘90s country and honky-tonk influences. “I have been chasing a new sound for so long and I was really trying to find that,” she said. Songs like “Visiting Hours” and “Hurt People Hurt” take a more lyrical approach, with the latter standing out as her only piano-driven track.
Selecting the final 12 songs for the album was no easy task. “It was really hard to choose the 12,” she admitted, noting that she had many tracks she loved. The writing process varied with each session. “Sometimes we’ll start with an idea. It just depends on the writing room where we start.”
Now, she’s working on an acoustic version of the album, giving fans a fresh, stripped-down take on her latest music.
Listen to Off the Record
The Road to Nashville
Reynolds’ love for music started early, though her path to country wasn’t always clear. Growing up, she listened to everything from Adele and Taylor Swift to Broadway musicals and Hilary Duff. But everything changed when she saw Carrie Underwood perform live at 12 years old. “I want to do what she’s doing,” she recalled, captivated by the spectacle and energy of the show.
When it came time for college, she faced a major decision: attend the University of Alabama for broadcast journalism or take a leap of faith and move to Nashville. Ultimately, she chose the latter. “Without my parents and my family, there was no way that I could be doing this. They just really supported me. Still do. I’m really fortunate to have them.”
Despite her early optimism, she quickly learned that making it in the industry wouldn’t be easy. She thought that she’d move to Nashville and have a solid career within a couple of years. “It’s been such a learning process. I’m glad it doesn’t work that way because seven years ago I never would have been ready to be something in the industry,” she shared.
Since moving to Music City, she has immersed herself in the songwriting community, learning to navigate the business and hone her craft. “I had to learn who I was.”
One of her biggest lessons? Learning to say no. She was a “yes” person back then.” “I had to learn to say ‘no’ to stuff,” she said, reflecting on how she’s grown since arriving in town at 18. Looking back, she’s grateful for the time it took to get to this point. “I’m glad that I’ve had that time.”
With a growing fan base, a new sound, and a fresh perspective, Charly Reynolds is proving that she’s here to stay—and she’s just getting started.
For more information, visit https://www.charlyreynolds.com/.
