Ernest has done some growing up since his very first album… and his forthcoming album is a testament to that. The “Flower Shops” singer recently returned to the Whiskey Riff Raff podcast, and the Nashville-based artist had a story and anecdote for just about everything. He spoke to us about how rewarding it is to give joy to others through music, why he’s passionate about giving back to the Nashville music community, working with artists like Jelly Roll (and non-artists like Pat McAfee), and the responsibility he felt cutting a Toby Keith demo after the country legend’s death. Interestingly enough, the demo that was written by the Big Dog Daddy will be featured on Ernest’s new album, Deep Blue, which is set to come out sometimes this spring. The project’s tropical lead single, “Lorelei,” has already given fans a taste of what to expect from the rest of the album, which will only have one feature by the great Lukas Nelson. Ernest says the album he’s crafted can be compared to the first ever album that he released in 2019: “It’s kind of a grown up version of the first project I put out called ‘Locals Only,’ which was all heavily inspired by and largely written in Saint Thomas and Saint John. It’s 10 years later since a lot of the songs got written, and I’ve done a lot of growing. My voice has gotten deeper. I’ve had a lot of smoke in my throat since then. (My voice) is weathered, and my technique… I’ve sang a million songs since then.” Translation: if you liked Locals Only, you are going to love Deep Blue. The singer-songwriter went on to share that his upcoming release will be the fewest songs that he’s included in an album since… his very first project. Ernest knew there was a certain vibe he was going for with Deep Blue, and any songs that were good – but didn’t match up with that feeling – didn’t make the cut: “I really like the idea of a 13-song album for me. I haven’t put out so few songs in a project before, besides ‘Locals Only.’ It was fun to operate within the ‘Deep Blue’ world. Songs I cut that didn’t make the album – I still love and there will be a home for – there wasn’t a home for them on this album because I was being specific.” How did he narrow down all of the songs to just 13 tracks? Well… the Nashville-based artist has quite the method for finalizing a project. You’ll probably be envious of how he does it, actually. Ernest says that all of the songs on the upcoming album passed the “Boat Test,” and if you are wondering what that means… it’s exactly what it sounds like: “Traditionally, every year around this time, I’m down in the islands listening to whatever I’m about to put out on a boat. Just getting that final boat test.” @whiskeyriff Inside Ernest’s new album Deep Blue. @Ernest #whiskeyriff #whiskeyriffraff ♬ original sound – Whiskey Riff An entire album full of Ernest-approved boat songs? We truly are in a for a “beachy summer.” To hear more from the Ernest, make sure to download the podcast on Apple Podcasts by searching “Whiskey Riff Raff” or click here. We’re also available on Spotify and wherever else you can listen to podcasts. Cheers, y’all. Audio Video The post Ernest Describes His Forthcoming ‘Deep Blue’ Album As A Grown-Up Version Of His Very First Project, ‘Locals Only’ first appeared on Whiskey Riff.