Ian Munsick has enjoyed the kind of success that most country artists would dream of. The Wyoming-bred singer/songwriter, whose lineage consists of multiple generations of cowboys, ranchers, and musicians, hasn’t won the biggest awards or received the most support from country radio, nor has he experienced a huge viral moment. But, he has carved out his own lane on his own terms, establishing organic reach as an independent artist before signing a deal with Warner Music Nashville in 2020.
How Ian Munsick Is Taking Country Music By The Reins On His Own Terms
Munsick’s authenticity and mission of bringing the West to the rest, as well as his grassroots approach, have allowed him to create the kind of music that he’s wanted. And, before surrounding himself with a team that could help him nurture his craft, he garnered over 20 million streams, cutting songs he produced and engineered by himself. Having that sense of creative direction and freedom has paid off for Munsick immensely, and he says he wouldn’t have it any other way, as his success is a reflection of the strong connection he has built with his fan base.
“I wouldn’t trade it for the world, man, because I know that when somebody is a fan of my music, or they’re buying a ticket to my concert, or they’re streaming my music, I know that they’re there because they want to be there, not because it’s being rammed down their throat,” Munsick shared during an interview with Music Mayhem.
He continued, “And really, I think that it’s people just spreading the word organically, and those are the kind of people that are going to be with me for the rest of my life. They’re always going to be fans of my music. They’re not just the fair-weather crowd that when I stop having hits on the radio or when I stop going viral on TikTok, then they’re not going to be there anymore because I haven’t had those things yet, but have still grown a loyal fan base. I think that that yields longevity.”
Grateful For The Organic Success He’s Achieved In An “Extremely Competitive” Industry
Despite the lack of mainstream attention, Munsick has managed to sell out his concerts, including a memorable sold-out debut at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado as part of his 2024 headlining Country & Western Tour. Reflecting on those special moments, he says he’s forever grateful, adding that it doesn’t matter whether his shows are big or small or packed or not, he’s just happy to be able to continue to share his roots through his music with anyone willing to listen.
“I really try to be as grateful as I can, just because in this industry it’s extremely competitive, and you always want to get to that next level. But, I always remind myself when I’m going on stage in Roanoke, North Carolina, or if I’m going on stage in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, or if I’m going on stage in Bangor, Maine, it’s like, man, I never thought that my music would take me this far from Wyoming,” Munsick shared. “[If] there are a thousand people out there or if there are 5,000 people out there, or if there are 20,000 people out there, it doesn’t matter, just the fact that there are people out there that spent their hard-earned money to watch me play, that’s always, always why I give it 110% on stage every night just for them.”
Admits He Is Blown Away By Fans Who Travels Many Miles To See Him
Munsick added that he’s always blown away by fans who travel many miles just to see him and listen to his songs.
“Totally, that always blows me away, just being able to hear how far people have traveled. There’s always, always, at least, one person in our VIP meet and greet that they took a plane to get there,” he said. “That’s the kind of stuff that you just can’t buy. That’s just loyalty, man.”
New Album Eagle Feather Is Out Now
Munsick recently celebrated the release of his third studio album, Eagle Feather, the follow-up to 2023’s sophomore release, White Buffalo, which includes the Gold-certified “Long Live Cowgirls” duet with Cody Johnson and a collaboration with Vince Gill on “Field of Dreams.” Eagle Feather, according to a press release, “is inspired by the native symbol representing honor, strength, and wisdom, and serves as a continuation of his sophomore project by highlighting Munsick’s personal growth through life experiences and lessons learned that have shaped him into who he is.”
Produced by Munsick, alongside Jared Conrad and Jeremy Spillman, Eagle Feather features 20 tracks and includes duets with Lainey Wilson and Flatland Cavalry lead singer Cleto Cordero on “Feather In My Hat” and “God Bless The West,” respectively.
“Eagle Feather is a tribute to a sacred way of life. One that epitomizes the voice of country music yet is rarely heard among the masses,” Munsick shared the concept behind the album. “Every one of these 20 songs is rooted in true, personal experiences that have helped create the man I am today. I offer this body of work to anyone who loves the freedom that inspires our spirit when we look over a sunset on the mountain. Or the sanctity of returning to the people and places we care about the most. May you both receive and gift your Eagle Feather.”
For more information on Ian Munsick, visit his official website.
