Newcomer Sam Hunt is making waves with his debut single, “Leave the Night On” – the song is about to crack the Top 20 and is just the latest example of Sam’s skills as a writer, as well as a performer. Though it does incorporate what Sam describes as “a little more of a progressive sound,” he explains that his songwriting is nothing but “country.” “What I’m drawn to as a songwriter is the storytelling and the images and the lyrics that are more prevalent in country music,” he explains. “Even though musically I might experiment…I think the lyrics and the storytelling and the songwriting are pretty well anchored in traditional country music.”

“Leave the Night On” is the first taste of what’s to come on Sam’s forthcoming debut album.

Want more evidence of Sam’s songwriting skills? This week he’s celebrating another milestone: Billy Currington’s “We Are Tonight,” which Sam co-wrote, is the number-one country song in America!

If you’ve been waiting for some new music from Sam, you won’t have to wait long. He’ll release X2C to all digital partners on August 12th. X2C, a four-track preview to his major label album debut due out October 27th on MCA Records Nashville, includes his current Top 25 and climbing single, “Leave The Night On.” 

AUDIO: Sam Hunt describes his songwriting. 

Sam Hunt (country music) OC: …country music. :32
“I’ve just listened to more country music than any other genre of music growing up. And, from the songwriting standpoint, even though musically I might experiment with a little more of a progressive sound, I think the lyrics and the storytelling and the songwriting devices are pretty well anchored in traditional country music, in the way that the songs are crafted. Because that’s really the – from a songwriting standpoint, that’s really what I’m drawn to as a songwriter is the storytelling and the images and the lyrics that are more prevalent in country music.”