"Rayland Baxter and the Beauty of Change in True Violet"
(Artist Upadte)
Written by: Ginny Gaines
Rayland Baxter’s new album, True Violet, released on October 23, 2026, marks an important new chapter in the Nashville-based singer-songwriter’s career. His first full length album in more than four years, the 11-track collection finds Baxter looking back on difficult experiences, personal relationships, family, and the lessons that come with growing older. Rather than simply writing songs to make another record, Baxter used this album as an opportunity to work through some of life’s challenges and better understand himself. Following his 2022 album If I Were a Butterfly, True Violet reveals an artist who has spent considerable time reflecting on where he has been and where he wants to go.
Much of the inspiration came from a difficult period in Baxter’s life, including the death of his father, Bucky Baxter, an accomplished musician known for playing pedal steel guitar with Bob Dylan and Steve Earle. His father had been an important source of musical guidance and personal support, making his loss especially painful. During this time, Baxter returned to the quieter surroundings of his Tennessee home, where he could step away from touring and concentrate on writing. At first, the songs did not come easily. After spending about a year struggling to find his direction, a conversation with his sister encouraged him to stop avoiding difficult emotions and begin writing honestly about his experiences. That change in perspective eventually helped him write nearly 70 songs, from which he selected the material for True Violet.
The album’s title reflects the complicated emotions that inspired the music. Baxter has connected violet to the blending of red, representing anger, and blue, representing sadness. That idea captures the mixture of feelings people experience when dealing with heartbreak, disappointment, and personal change. The songs explore the mistakes people make, the memories they carry, and the challenge of breaking old habits. The album also includes moments of hope, reminding listeners that difficult experiences can lead to a better understanding of themselves. One particularly personal song, “Bolly Plateau,” takes its name from the Tennessee hilltop where Baxter lives and finds the quiet to reflect and write. Meanwhile, “Better Man,” which opens the album, introduces the idea of learning from the past and trying to become a better person.
Although much of the songwriting began in solitude, Baxter eventually brought friends and fellow musicians into the process. He worked with producers Paul Butler and Nick Waterhouse, while Tyler Ballgame co-wrote “Better Man” and “Bad Love” and contributed background vocals to three tracks. His friend Shakey Graves helped determine the album’s final song order. The recording process took place over the course of a year, allowing Baxter time to shape the songs and decide how they would fit together. The album closes with “Oh My Love,” described as a love letter to a hopeful future, bringing the collection toward a more optimistic conclusion. These collaborations helped turn Baxter’s personal reflections into a complete musical statement about loss, friendship, love, and moving forward.
With True Violet, Rayland Baxter offers listeners a look at a man working through life’s difficult moments and learning to accept that personal growth takes time. His experiences with grief, relationships, and self reflection helped shape an album that looks beyond the pain of the past toward the possibilities ahead. The release also sets the stage for a new round of touring, with Baxter announcing North American dates for early 2027. More than four years after his previous full length album, he returns with a collection that reflects how much can change when someone takes the time to face their feelings and learn from their experiences. Ultimately, True Violet is about accepting the past, appreciating the people who help us along the way, and finding the courage to keep moving forward.
That's a wrap for my update on Rayland Baxter's new album...Thank you for reading and in closing, please know, Soundwave Music Media will be here and I will always do my best to bring you any updates as they emerge. Please consider supporting our Soundwave Foundation with a donation! Rock On! Until next time...🤘
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