From Las Vegas to the World: Ryan Nico's Journey Behind Urban Cowboy

The rising singer-songwriter opens up about creating Urban Cowboy the story behind “Nevada” and why authenticity has always guided his music

Las Vegas artist Ryan Nico has spent more than a decade refining his craft, developing a sound that reflects both the city where he was raised and the Southern musical influences that shaped his upbringing. After first discovering songwriting as a creative outlet in college and building his confidence through freestyle competitions, Nico has evolved into an artist whose music seamlessly blends country, hip-hop, R&B, rock, and pop. His debut full-length album, Urban Cowboy, introduces that genre-crossing vision across eight tracks, exploring ambition, perseverance, love, and self-discovery through melodic songwriting and rhythmic production. The album’s standout single, “Nevada,” pays tribute to his home state while celebrating the bold, risk-taking spirit that has become central to both his music and personal journey.

For this exclusive Indie Sound interview, Ryan Nico opens up about the journey behind Urban Cowboy, the influences that shaped his genre-blending approach, and why authenticity has always mattered more than chasing trends. He reflects on using songwriting as therapy, the lessons learned from more than a decade of honing his craft, and his vision for bringing a fresh perspective to modern country music. From the story behind “Nevada” to what’s next after his debut album, Nico shares how he’s carving out his own path—one built on resilience, originality, and, above all, good vibes.

When did you first realize music was more than just a hobby and something you wanted to pursue professionally?

Ryan Nico: I realized music was more than a hobby when I began spending a lot of time listening to beats and writing songs. At that point, I wanted to share my music with the public so I could help people through both the good and bad times in life.

Urban Cowboy is such a personal title. What does it say about who you are as an artist and as a person?

Ryan Nico: Urban Cowboy is a vibe—it’s a mindset and a certain type of lifestyle. I’m from the city, but I enjoy the country-western lifestyle. I relate to both worlds. It’s about having the grit and toughness to work hard, overcome obstacles and setbacks, and get back on the horse when you fall off.

You’ve said you grew up in the city but have deep country roots. How did those two worlds come together to shape your sound?

Ryan Nico: My grandparents and other family members came from the South, and they influenced my upbringing by exposing me to all types of music, including blues and R&B.

Your music blends country, hip-hop, R&B, rock, and pop. Was creating a genre-defying sound always the goal?

Ryan Nico: No, it happened naturally. I do what feels right and comes easily to me. If blending several genres together sounds great, I roll with it.

What inspired you to make Urban Cowboy your debut full-length album, and what story were you hoping to tell across the eight tracks?

Ryan Nico: I decided to make Urban Cowboy my debut full-length album because it blends different genres that can stir real, raw emotions in listeners and create conversation. I wanted to tell the story that cowboys come from all different walks of life.

“Nevada” captures the excitement and unpredictability of Las Vegas. What inspired the song, and what does it represent to you personally?

Ryan Nico: I wanted to create an iconic song because Las Vegas—and Nevada as a whole—deserves its own anthem. There’s so much entertainment here. My song “Nevada” inspires people to come, have a good time, and escape their ordinary lives.

The lyric about “one roll of the dice” suggests that life can change in an instant. Has there been a moment in your own career that felt like that?

Ryan Nico: Yes. Releasing Urban Cowboy was a big risk, but big risks can lead to great rewards.

The “Nevada” video showcases the lights and energy of the Las Vegas Strip. What was your favorite memory from filming it?

Ryan Nico: My favorite memory was when people on the Strip started engaging with us about the video. The energy from everyone was incredible, and I’ll never forget it.

Las Vegas is known around the world, but what side of the city do you hope people hear through your music?

Ryan Nico: Las Vegas is the entertainment capital, so it truly has something for everyone.

You first discovered music as a therapeutic outlet in college. How has songwriting helped you process life’s highs and lows?

Ryan Nico: Songwriting has been a great outlet for me to vent. It allows me to turn my feelings into something productive that others can relate to when they’re going through their own highs and lows. For me, songwriting is therapy.

You got your start winning freestyle contests. How did that experience influence the way you write and perform today?

Ryan Nico: Freestyling influenced the rawness in my music. It taps into my subconscious, where I don’t overthink things. It forces me to say what’s really on my mind, and that carries over into my performances.

Your vocals move effortlessly between singing and a rap-inspired flow. How did you develop that versatility?

Ryan Nico: I practiced making those transitions, but I also don’t overthink them. I let them happen naturally.

Which song on Urban Cowboy challenged you the most creatively, and why?

Ryan Nico: “Long Road Up Ahead” was the biggest challenge because it’s about the journey. It’s about not getting caught up in reaching your destination too quickly. Enjoy every part of the journey. There are no shortcuts, and you’ll reach your goals if you stay committed.

Tracks like “Earn What You Get” and “Long Road Up Ahead” speak to perseverance. How much of those songs reflect your own journey?

Ryan Nico: They reflect exactly what I’m experiencing right now in my pursuit of success. I’ll earn what I get, and I know I still have a long road ahead.

You’ve spent more than a decade developing your craft. Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self?

Ryan Nico: I’d tell my younger self to remember that you’re an artist first and never let the joy of what you do disappear. Learn the business side of music early, stay relevant, always be true and authentic to yourself, and accept both the good and the bad.

Your music has been described as creating “good vibes.” What does that phrase mean to you beyond just making feel-good songs?

Ryan Nico: I know “good vibes” can mean different things to different people, but to me it’s about creating an immediate feel-good feeling—removing negative energy, clearing your mind, and helping people focus on the positive. It’s a form of escapism from your problems or worries.

Is there a song on the album that you think listeners will connect with in a way they might not expect?

Ryan Nico: I think it’s “Nevada.” I’m making a statement with that song by putting a state on the map for country music that typically isn’t known for country.

If someone was hearing Ryan Nico for the very first time, which track from Urban Cowboy would you want them to start with?

Ryan Nico: “Nevada.” It’s one of my favorite tracks on the album.

Are there any artists you’d love to collaborate with who would fit naturally into your blend of country, hip-hop, and R&B?

Ryan Nico: In country: Morgan Wallen, Kane Brown, Ella Langley, and Chris Stapleton. In R&B: Frank Ocean and Nelly. In hip-hop: Lenny Kravitz and H.E.R.

What has surprised you most about people’s reaction to Urban Cowboy so far?

Ryan Nico: It’s been well received. People have appreciated that I brought something different to the genre, and they’ve really connected with the originality and creativity.

After releasing your debut album, what’s the next chapter for Ryan Nico?

Ryan Nico: Next up is my second album, followed by a tour.

Listen to Urban Cowboy now on Spotify.