Randy Ross unveils Hard Days, Soft Nights, a six-track EP rooted in the timeless sound of classic honky-tonk. Originally from Phoenix and influenced by years in Nashville’s legendary music scene, Ross is now based in Northern California. He draws on the daily realities, colorful characters, and steady influences that have shaped his path. Recorded during his last stretch in Tennessee, the EP captures a pivotal moment in Ross’s evolution as a songwriter, offering a clear-eyed reflection of his experiences and the authenticity at the core of his music.
The EP spotlights three standout tracks. The title track, ‘Hard Days, Soft Nights‘, written by frequent collaborator Raymond Sisk, channels a working-class spirit, moving from the grind of long days to the comfort found at night. ‘I’m A Mule‘, an original Ross composition sparked during a Michigan road trip, blends upbeat rhythm with introspective lyrics about forging your own way. ‘Good People‘, a duet with Kenny Sharp, began as a co-writing session and became a heartfelt vocal collaboration, capturing the warmth and honesty of late-night conversation.
Throughout the EP, Ross weaves together themes of resilience, humility, and connection, anchored by clean guitar lines and subtle, driving rhythms that highlight his storytelling. The EP’s cohesion comes from its stripped-back production, with guitars that cut through, tight rhythms, and recurring themes of hard work, self-reflection, and the camaraderie of nightlife. Each track builds on the last, underscoring Ross’s assured approach to classic country forms.
Randy Ross shared: “It’s my own take on the old saying ‘it takes all kinds to make the world go around’. Remembering that everyone has something to contribute in this life and the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.“
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