Country singer-songwriter Tyler Rich announced today that he is set to release the second part of his double album, Leaving California, on September 26 via ONErpm. Following the release of the first installment, Hello California, earlier this year, Rich’s second installment continues to showcase his signature blend of heartfelt storytelling, acoustic-driven melodies, and country-rock authenticity. Fans can pre-save the album HERE.
Rich also releases a new song today, “Made Up My Mind,” co-written with Michael Tyler and Lalo Guzman, offering another taste of the album’s introspective and melodic storytelling.
“‘Made Up My Mind’ is that moment when you finally walk away from the wreckage and find something worth running toward,” said Rich. “We’ve all had times caught between being the good guy and the bad guy, letting the devil on our shoulder have his way for a while. But then they show up, cut through all the noise, and suddenly none of the old life matters. They change your path, your life, and your mind all at once.”
A native of Yuba City, California, Rich grew up surrounded by music, learning guitar alongside his uncle and performing at family gatherings. After moving to Los Angeles post-college, Rich honed his craft with songwriter-producer Darrell Brown and the team The Monsters & Strangerz. The experience helped him shape his acoustic, guitar-driven sound, culminating in his debut solo single, “Radio,” which led to opening slots for Cole Swindell, Dan + Shay, and Sam Hunt. In 2015, Rich relocated to Nashville, where he secured a publishing and record deal and went on to notch three No. 1 hits on SiriusXM’s The Highway from his debut album, Two Thousand Miles. His RIAA Gold-certified singles, including “The Difference,” “Leave Her Wild,” and the viral “Better Than You’re Used To,” have amassed over half a billion global streams.
Now an independent artist, Rich has embraced full creative freedom to craft a 20-song double album split into Hello California and Leaving California. The tracklist for Leaving California was shaped with input from fans, family, and friends, highlighting his commitment to connecting with listeners. The album features production from fellow Californians Brad Hill and Lalo Guzman and contributions from top musicians including guitarist Nathan Keeterle (Jelly Roll), drummer Phil Lawson (Post Malone), ACM’s 2024 piano player of the year David Dorn, and slide guitarist Andy Ellison (Jon Pardi).
Standout tracks include the title track “Leaving California,” the summer-ready single “When?,” and “Damn What a Woman,” inspired by his wife, actress Sabina Gadecki. Rich also tips his hat to his musical roots with a cover of Bush’s “Comedown” from Sixteen Stone, the first CD he ever bought.
“On my debut album, I covered Michael Jackson’s ‘Billie Jean,’ and I knew I wanted a cover for this sophomore release,” says Rich. “Bush inspired me from the very beginning, and this was my way of honoring that influence while giving the song a fresh take.”
This fall, Rich returns to the road with his Leaving California Tour, launching September 28 and building on a string of previously announced shows throughout the summer.
