Rising country talent Lanie Gardner capped a breakout week with the release of her new EP Polaroids (BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville) and a string of standout performances across CMA Fest 2025.
The six-song project blends country grit, alt-pop edge, and acoustic soul into what Entertainment Focus hails as a “confident leap into Southern pop-country terrain, bringing groove, grit, and a whole lot of attitude.” Produced by Oscar Charles, Jonathan Singleton, and Chris Ganoudis, the project includes standout releases like the “searing and sultry” (Billboard) “Buzzkill," the emotionally charged “Concrete Cowboy,” and the breezy new opener “Takin’ The Slow Ride.” Listen to Polaroids here.
To celebrate the release, Gardner performed across CMA Fest stages, including Spotify House, the Reverb Stage, Ole Red’s On The Rise Showcase, and a surprise spotlight at Darius Rucker and Friends at The Ryman alongside Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan and more. She also joined the CMT Next Women of Country showcase and hosted a packed release party at Chief’s Bar in downtown Nashville.
She closes out the week as Apple Music Country’s “Riser of the Month,” featured throughout June on Country Risers Radio with Ward Guenther. Listen here.
With Polaroids, Gardner proves she’s "a dynamic artist who can shift between moods, genres, and personas with ease,” writes Entertainment Focus. “She’s not only got the voice, but also the vision, to claim her space in modern Southern pop and mainstream country.”
Photo Credit: Kory Thompson
ABOUT LANIE GARDNER:
Lanie Gardner’s extraordinary journey is a testament to her unmatched talent and unwavering determination, from her roots in the Appalachian Mountains to international stages. A gifted storyteller and songwriter from an early age, Lanie crafted a distinctive blend of classic rock and country influences that quickly set her apart. Her career skyrocketed after her cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” went viral, amassing over 60 million views. With her debut self-penned album A Songwriter’s Diary, released in late 2024, Gardner held her own offering a deeply personal 10-track journey through her roots and creative beginnings. Now, Gardner unveils her highly anticipated new EP, Polaroids (BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville)— a six-track blend of feel-good energy and message-driven meaning, featuring standout tracks like the previously released “Buzzkill” and the emotionally charged “Concrete Cowboy.” Acclaimed by Billboard as “a true artist with staying power" and by MusicRow as “one of the most exciting rising stars today,” Lanie’s rise has been marked by significant milestones, including being named by the Recording Academy and Amazon Music as a “2025 Artist to Watch” and to CMT’s Next Women of Country: Class of 2025. From being featured on the movie soundtracks for Queen of the Ring and Twisters to touring with the Jonas Brothers, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson and ZZ Ward, Lanie is on the fast-track to stardom. Most recently, she collaborated with country superstar Thomas Rhett and Warren Zeiders, being featured on their just-released tracks “What Could Go Right” and “Love In Letting Go,” respectively. This year alone, she made her Stagecoach debut, joined Corey Kent’s Black Bandana Tour, and will hit the road again this summer/fall with Gavin Adcock. She was also recently invited to make her Opry debut, further solidifying her place as one of the genre’s most exciting new voices. Her soulful sound and captivating stage presence have earned her widespread acclaim and a dedicated fan base. As she continues her ascendancy, Lanie remains a genre-defying artist.
