Shifting Gears
Swedish country artist Richard Smyth returns with Shifting Gears, a six track EP that expands his sound while staying grounded in emotional storytelling and country road authenticity. Out January 9, 2026 via Rexius Records, the project blends heartfelt songwriting with textured guitar work, warm vocals, and polished production from Fredrik Nilsson.
Rooted in contemporary country and influenced by artists like Chris Lane, Darius Rucker, and Eric Church, Richard creates a sound that balances tradition with a modern edge. The EP moves through themes of long roads, heartbreak, memory, and rediscovery, offering something for fans of both classic country and today’s radio friendly sound.
The focus track Kissed by the Sun brings a brighter tone, carried by gentle guitar lines, rich harmonies, and a dreamlike sense of longing. With its reflective lyrics and clean production, the song captures the feeling of wanting someone close while drifting through wide open spaces.
Recorded across multiple Swedish studios and shaped with the help of collaborators including lyricist Susanna Smyth, pianist Johan Hallberg, and engineer Victor Gardner, Shifting Gears highlights Richard’s commitment to sincerity over spectacle. Supported by Fredrik Nilsson’s multi instrumental performance and crisp, balanced mixing, the EP carries a cohesive sound that feels both intimate and expansive. It reflects a creator who values craftsmanship, emotional truth, and the everyday moments that give country music its staying power.
With its mix of heartfelt storytelling and modern country production, Shifting Gears marks an important next step in Richard Smyth’s evolution as a songwriter and performer.
