‘Catch of the Day’ – Ryan Kinder – “Tonight” [AUDIO]

Today we feature our second consecutive Alabaman, a singer and songwriter who's musical appetite was unleashed by the debut album of pop artist John Mayer.

For Ryan Kinder, it’s all about the music. When he takes the stage, the music is what gets the audiences' attention and defines this up-and-coming performer with a soulful Southern sound.

Raised in Birmingham, Alabama, Kinder was raised with Southern values: faith, family and sports. He grew up playing baseball, fishing and hunting with his dad, but he found his true passion in music. Kinder traded homeruns for harmonies after discovering the innovative guitar riffs of John Mayer’s debut album, Room For Squares, and began teaching himself to play. Kinder recounts that in his failure to sound like his idol, he found his own, unique sound.

It didn't take long for Kinder to realize that music was exactly what he was meant to do;  and his introduction to the world of writing and performing was a smooth, natural transition. Kinder honed his talents early by performing at larger, popular venues, including Birmingham’s Workplay and Zyzeco, Florida’s Seaside Amphitheater, Tuscaloosa’s Rounders, and Auburn’s Sky Bar.

By the time he was a high school senior, Kinder landed a spot playing at the prominent Alabama Theater. It was that show, the moment he heard the roar of the frenzied crowd, that his calling became loud and clear. He continued to refine his craft while attending the University of Alabama, performing at events near campus on some of the same stages where Dave Matthews and Kenny Chesney cut their teeth.

In 2009, award-winning producer Keith Stegall, came across a demo by Kinder and recognized a distinctive sound and incredible guitar sound. Stegall, who was instrumental in guiding artists such as Randy Travis, Alan Jackson and the Zac Brown Band, early in their careers, set the young singer and songwriter up with seasoned songwriters Jen Ketner and Luke Sheets. Those sessions refined Kinder's skills and helped to guide his creative energy.

Inspired by his Southern upbringing, country strongholds Garth Brooks, Keith Urban and Brad Paisley, and rock and soul sensations like Eric Clapton, Marc Broussard, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jackson Browne, Kinder is perfecting a truly unique sound, both expressive and impactful, that hits close to the hearts of his growing fan base.

Ryan is currently on his nationwide radio tour, showing off his powerful vocals, which are rivaled only by his amazing guitar playing, which is turning heads across the country music world. Today we spotlight his debut single; Ryan Kinder and "Tonight" is today's Catch of the Day, new music you haven't heard, but you'll want to hear it again.