BY: DIGITAL WAX MEDIA STAFF
Niko Moon’s new album, American Palm arrives today, offering a laid-back blend of country, coastal vibes, and thoughtful songwriting. Described by Moon as “a vacation from your problems,” the album plays like a mental getaway; part escape, part reflection.
It’s his third full-length project and was largely written on the road during his “These Are The Nights tour.” Between shows, Moon teamed up with producer Danny Majic and rising songwriter David J, creating and recording wherever they could. That on-the-go energy carries into the album’s easygoing flow.
“There was something really freeing about writing this way,” Moon says. “We weren’t locked in a studio. We just let the songs come to us as we moved.”
Once off tour, Moon brought the sessions to Majic’s home studio in Los Angeles to finish the record. There, they built the album’s warm, beachy soundscape using acoustic textures like nylon-string guitar and ukulele, layered over organic beats with a subtle throwback feel.
“There are certain sounds that just remind me of the coast,” Moon says. “We even added ocean waves to a few songs, just to give it that sense of calm. But I also wanted some of that Atlanta rhythm I grew up with—something that gives it a little movement.”
That mix of comfort and motion is at the core of American Palm. It opens with “I Love This Beach,” a straightforward celebration of sun, salt, and slowing down. From there, the album moves between lighthearted and introspective. “Sandcastles,” for example, uses coastal imagery to explore impermanence and emotional ups and downs. It’s one of the album’s more personal moments, and a reflection of Moon’s continued focus on creating music that feels good without being empty.
“I try to make music that helps people feel better,” he says. “But that doesn’t mean pretending everything is perfect. It’s about facing life with a little more hope.”
“You Me and a Beach,” the focus track, captures the album’s spirit in a love song about peace and presence. “Boat Song” follows in the same vein, a no-stress, mid-tempo track made for easy days. The feel-good tone across the record is deliberate, but never forced.
One of the most meaningful moments comes with “King of the Island,” a track Moon recorded with his father, Chris Cowan. The two co-wrote and performed the song together, making it a standout not just musically, but personally.
“I grew up playing music with my dad, so getting to share this with him was a dream,” Moon says. “We had a blast doing it, and it’s something we’ll always have.”
Before launching his solo career, Moon was already well-known in Nashville as a songwriter. Originally from Texas and later Georgia, he wrote hits for artists like Zac Brown Band, Morgan Wallen, and Hardy. In 2020, he broke through as a solo act with “Good Time,” a multi-platinum single that introduced his upbeat, positive style to a national audience.
Since then, Moon has continued to expand his reach. He’s performed on The Tonight Show, CBS This Morning, and Jimmy Kimmel Live, played major festivals like Stagecoach, and toured with artists including Russell Dickerson and Michael Franti.
Now back out on his own “American Palm Tour,” Moon is bringing the album to fans across the country. Tour dates and ticket information are available on his website.
With American Palm, Moon stays true to what’s become his musical identity—feel-good songs rooted in real emotion. It’s not a record built on big statements or dramatic moments, but on creating a mood that feels calm, hopeful, and grounded.
Whether you’re on an actual beach or just trying to find your version of one, American Palm is a reminder to take a breath, enjoy the moment, and keep things in perspective.
“It’s not about escaping life,” says Moon. “It’s about learning how to enjoy it.”
Photo – Niko Moon by: Marshall Loren
Digital Wax 