When Zach Bryan started laying down tracks for his expansive third album, American Heartbreak, he was already on his way to becoming a breakout artist. The Oklahoma native built a grassroots following by posting YouTube videos of his deeply personal songs, winning over fans who connected with his raw, vulnerable storytelling and his outsider appeal. At just 27, the former Navy serviceman had turned to music, carving out a unique lane for himself that stood apart from Nashville’s usual polished country sound.
One of the pivotal moments in Bryan’s rise came through his collaboration with producer Ryan Hadlock, whose past work includes projects with acts like the Lumineers and Gossip. For Hadlock, working with Bryan on American Heartbreak — and especially on the breakout track “Something in the Orange” — was a natural fit. He’s always been attracted to artists who challenge the expectations of their genres, and Bryan fit that mold perfectly. “I don’t see him as just a country artist,” Hadlock says. “He’s a singer-songwriter with real soul. My goal is always to capture what’s truly unique about an artist and let the world see that.”
Hadlock was introduced to Bryan by Stefan Max, then a senior A&R director at Atlantic Records and now a co-manager for Bryan. After having worked together on Vance Joy’s debut album, Max brought Bryan out to Hadlock’s Bear Creek Studios near Seattle. The partnership quickly clicked, first resulting in “From Austin,” Bryan’s first single to chart in country music, and then leading to “Something in the Orange.” That song, which ultimately cracked the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, never needed a traditional radio push to find an audience.
The origins of “Something in the Orange” are as authentic as the song itself. Bryan wrote the heartfelt track while staying in a cabin in Wisconsin. When he first played the song for Hadlock, it was just the two of them and a simple acoustic guitar on the studio couch. That barebones performance set the tone for the final recording. Hadlock captured Bryan’s emotional vocals and guitar live in the studio, then layered in subtle touches like lap steel, upright bass, and understated percussion. The final version came together in a single day, and the emotional intensity of the session was undeniable. “When we finished, both Zach and I were crying in the control room,” Hadlock recalls. “We knew we’d created something truly special.”
Since its release, “Something in the Orange” has propelled Bryan to new heights, racking up more than 1.4 billion streams and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Country Solo Performance. The song’s viral momentum inspired Bryan’s label, Warner Records, to throw its weight behind the track. Mike Chester, who leads promotion and streaming at Warner, was an early champion and helped “Orange” soar on rock, folk, and alternative charts in addition to country. A&R executive Miles Gersh also played a crucial role, working closely with industry tastemakers to sustain the track’s momentum and ensure its lasting appeal.
For Hadlock, the song’s success is deeply rewarding — but it’s the chance to help emerging artists find their voice that motivates him most. “The biggest win is taking an artist who’s relatively unknown and helping them break through so they can keep recording, release more music, and tour,” he says. “That’s what keeps me going: helping new artists define their sound and share it with the world in a way that’s unmistakably theirs.”
Ultimately, “Something in the Orange” isn’t just a song — it’s a testament to the power of authenticity, collaboration, and the enduring appeal of honest songwriting. As it continues to resonate with listeners around the globe, it stands as a defining moment in Zach Bryan’s still-rising career and a reminder of what happens when a unique voice is given the space to shine.