Ryan Griffin’s debut EP, Name On It, will be released on Friday, August 28. The six-song record, which he co-wrote with hit writers like Emily Weisband, Nicolle Galyon and more, has been a labor of love for the rising star, who wanted to make sure that his first introduction as an artist in country music was his best.

“I’ve made my career in Nashville as a songwriter,” Ryan told Everything Nash. “As an artist, I just knew how important it was to have my own voice. I wanted to write things that mattered to me on this EP.  In a lot of ways, I realized retrospectively that it’s a reminder to myself to live life to the fullest, to soak it in and be present, and lead with my heart.”

People may not know Ryan’s music as an artist, at least not yet, but they know his songwriting. The Florida native co-wrote Kelsea Ballerini’s second single, “Dibs,” along with Kelsea, Josh Kerr and Jason Duke. The song is from her freshman The First Time album, released in 2015.

‘It was my first No. 1, and it was such a sweet way to have success because I had with my best friends,” Ryan recalled. “We weren’t even really supposed to write that song that day. It was our second write of the day. We were all just kind of hanging out in a little kitchen area in the publishing company. And I’m like, ‘What do you want to do? Okay, let’s just go around another song.’

“We went and knocked that song out in like 45 minutes to an hour,” he continued. “I know this now, being more experienced, that there are certain songs that you’re meant to write. That was one of those songs where we were like, ‘This is kind of special. This is different and really cool.’ It was a really sweet way to  kick off my songwriting career.”

Mark Trussell, Jason Massey and Busbee produced Name On It. It’s been 11 months since Busbee passed away, but his legacy continues in Ryan’s new record.

“He gave me the license to be as authentic as possible, and to be vulnerable and honest,” Ryan shared. “He really dug that out of me too, and pushed me to do that. And so having a voice I feel like is a privilege to be able to do so, and with that voice, I want to say things that mean something, that have depth to it. And that’s what I hope people get out of this EP.”

Ryan has been releasing songs from Name On It ahead of the album’s release. He planned on being on the road promoting the new project, but is instead at home because of COVID-19, and soaking up every minute with his growing family.

“Every six weeks we’ve been putting out a new song, and slowly let people get to understand who I am as an artist,” Ryan said. “And then hopefully dive a little deeper, and understand who I am as a person. This EP is just a collection of experiences and lessons. A lot of the songs were great as a reminder to personally myself, to lead with my heart, and be present in life, even when I’m spread too thin and the world’s spinning too fast. It’s been beautiful. The thing that my wife and I talk about all the time is, we just had a baby.

“We were so stressed out worrying, because I was like, ‘How am I gonna get there? If I’m in New York and you go into labor, and how are we going to handle a four-and-a-half year old and a baby, if I have to be out on the road, with a press and promo and radio tour?’ he remarked. “And it all stopped. It’s been so beautiful to spend this time with my family and truly be able to be present. The EP is a reminder just to be present, and savor every second.”

All of the songs on Name On It were intentionally included and hand-picked for the project by Ryan.

“I wanted to put something out there that made people think,” Ryan explained. “Make people feel … It’s been a long time just putting all of this music together and things that really mattered to me and moments and experiences that have really shaped who I am.”

Order Name On It by visiting Ryan’s website.