Sam Ryder on mental health, independence, and his new album Heartland

Sam Ryder, best known for his breakout Eurovision performance in 2022, has opened up about a profound personal crisis that followed his sudden fame. Despite projecting constant positivity in public, Ryder reveals he struggled with deep depression and self-doubt after his record label dismantled his core team post-tour, prompting him to go independent. Without institutional support, he faced creative paralysis and questioned his worth, even considering quitting music altogether. For nearly a year, he withdrew from the industry, locking away his phone and losing faith in his art. His recovery began with a move to Nashville with his partner, Lois Gaskin-Barber, where the quieter, nature-driven lifestyle rekindled his inspiration. There, he wrote his new album Heartland, a raw and introspective work that marks a departure from his earlier retro-pop sound. Describing the new genre as ‘Frontier Soul,’ Ryder blends soulful vocals with a desert-inspired aesthetic, drawing comparisons to artists like Hozier and Teddy Swims. The album confronts emotional armor, personal struggle, and the sustaining power of love, with several tracks dedicated to his partner. Though he faced a rocky patch, Ryder now views his hardship as essential to authentic optimism. He emphasizes that true positivity is earned through adversity, not performance.