Emerging from the quiet, woodsy backdrop of Chesterfield, New Hampshire, Lyle Hutchins is stepping into the limelight with an emotionally charged debut album titled Flatlander, set to be released on June 27, 2025. Known for blending the tenderness of Americana, the grit of alt-rock, and the experimental flair of folktronica, Hutchins is ready to take listeners on a journey of self-discovery, heartache, and homecoming with this 14-track offering.
The first glimpse into Flatlander comes with the single “M.I.A.” — a track that’s as introspective as it is infectious. From its crunching guitars to its paradoxically humorous yet deeply vulnerable lyrics, the song is a sonic homage to 90s Wilco and the laid-back rock stylings of MJ Lenderman. Hutchins’ raspy, earnest delivery punches through the speakers, delivering lines that paint a vivid portrait of isolation and self-loathing: “Don’t wanna see me in the mirror / The overgrown weeds behind grandma’s house.”
The release is supported by an equally evocative music video, directed, shot, and edited by Hutchins’ close friend and creative collaborator Isra “Peam” Chongtaveetham. Filmed on a shoestring budget across the Monadnock region of New Hampshire, the video doubles as a reflection of its character’s emotional descent and slow path to self-belief. Peam explains, “It’s funny looking back and seeing my experience mirror the character I wrote for the music video; someone who self-isolates because he doesn’t believe in himself. He only exists in shadows and pictures.”
“M.I.A.” serves as the perfect entry point to Flatlander, an album named after the New England phrase referring to those from less mountainous regions — a subtle nod to Hutchins’ rural upbringing. As he wraps up his studies in music in New Orleans, this album signifies a pivotal turning point in his creative journey. Hutchins writes with precision, empathy, and a grounded sense of nostalgia, crafting a body of work that resonates with authenticity and intention.
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The full album unfolds like a well-thumbed journal. Tracks like “Shoulders,” “When I Was 13,” and “Drive to Canada” reflect on formative moments with hushed vulnerability, while songs like “Phantoms In The Mist” and “Out Here” soar with cathartic intensity. The closer, “Flatlander,” ties the project together, echoing the bittersweet yearning and sense of place that defines Hutchins’ artistry. With Flatlander, Lyle Hutchins taps into the shared experience of growing up, feeling lost, and ultimately learning to see the light creeping through the cracks. It’s a remarkable debut from an artist who’s just getting started, but already sounds like he’s been here all along.
Check the links below, discover more about Lyle Hutchins and his music, and remember to add his songs to your favorite playlists!
Official Website: www.lylehutchins.com
Spotify: Lyle Hutchins
YouTube: Lyle Hutchins
Soundcloud: lylehutchinsmusic
Instagram: lylehutchinsmusic
TikTok: lylehutchinsmusic
