Rising Country Sensation Ty Smith Drops “Lost & Found” ft. KC Johns

In the rich and storied landscape of red dirt and Texas country music, a new voice is emerging that promises to leave a deep imprint on the genre. Sixteen-year-old Ty Smith, a prodigy hailing from Sand Springs, Oklahoma, is quickly making a name for himself as an artist with a wisdom and emotional depth well beyond his years. His latest release, “Lost & Found” featuring the remarkable KC Johns, is a stunning addition to his already impressive body of work, capturing the emotional intensity of love, loss, and the courage to walk away when holding on hurts too much.

Smith’s journey to becoming a standout artist in red dirt country music began in the heart of Oklahoma, where he grew up just outside Tulsa in a town called Sand Springs. His early life was saturated with live music, thanks to his grandmother who owned a local music venue. As a child, he could often be found on stage with his toy guitar, joining bands that performed in his grandmother’s establishment. Those early experiences became the bedrock of Ty’s musical journey. By 15, he wasn’t just dreaming of making music—he was living it, headlining his own album release party at Tulsa’s iconic venue, The Shrine, where he had the support of friends and fellow artists like The Teague Brothers Band.

Since then, Ty has been on an upward trajectory. His debut album, Ty Smith & The Minor Offenses, quickly won over red dirt and Texas country fans, establishing him as a fresh yet soulful presence in the genre. Ty’s first single, “Rocky Mountain Pines,” reached the Top 40 on the Texas country charts in May 2023, racking up an impressive 27,000 Spotify streams, a remarkable feat for a debut release. His follow-up single, “Wonderland,” did even better, peaking at the Top 25 and matching the streaming success of his first hit. In March 2024, “Words I Should’ve Said” reached the Top 30, further solidifying Ty’s place as a young artist with a distinctive voice and vision. His skillful blend of personal experience, emotional honesty, and dedication to his craft has earned him nominations for prestigious awards, including TCMA Young Artist of the Year and Josie Award Young Male Adult Artist of the Year for 2024.

Ty’s music isn’t just about his voice; it’s also about the powerhouse band he’s assembled, each member bringing their own unique flavor to his sound. On bass, Stephen Morgan doubles as both a skilled sound technician and a gifted backing vocalist, grounding Ty’s music with deep, resonant tones. Drummer Chris Holt brings with him a legacy of rhythm, carrying forward the influence of his father, who once opened for legends like Roy Orbison and Hank Williams Jr. Completing the ensemble is lead guitarist Jeremy Neal, whose electrifying riffs and complex solos add depth to Ty’s melodies. Together, they form a dynamic musical unit, one that embodies the spirit of Texas country while pushing the boundaries of what the genre can be.

With “Lost & Found,” Ty Smith takes listeners on an unforgettable journey through love’s highs and lows. Featuring the soulful KC Johns, the track is a duet that brings Ty’s earthy, grounded tones together with KC’s airy, emotive voice in a beautiful counterpoint. This isn’t your typical country love song; it’s a ballad of two souls navigating the bittersweet reality that sometimes, love alone isn’t enough to overcome personal and emotional obstacles. Through lyrics that are both poetic and raw, Ty and KC weave a story that resonates on multiple levels, capturing the universal longing to connect with those we love, even when the connection itself brings heartbreak.

The song’s hook, “Cause if we both stay, then we both lose,” reveals the wisdom and depth behind Ty’s lyrics. It’s a sentiment that anyone who has loved deeply but had to walk away can understand. Both Ty and KC deliver this line with an authenticity that speaks to their talents as artists. Ty’s voice holds the weight of experience, grounded and rugged, while KC’s softer yet powerful vocals add a layer of vulnerability. Their voices complement each other perfectly, embodying the song’s themes of tension, connection, and the painful yet necessary release.

KC Johns brings her own unique perspective to “Lost & Found.” Hailing from Memphis, Tennessee, her sound is shaped by the bluesy rawness of her Memphis roots, infused with the power and soul of Otis Redding, Chris Stapleton’s gritty authenticity, and the rock sensibilities of Bruce Springsteen. KC’s voice is radiant yet grounded, powerful yet vulnerable—a perfect match for Ty’s more rugged tones. Together, they create a sonic blend that amplifies the song’s emotional resonance. Her background in blues and rock adds an edge to the song, giving it a depth that sets it apart from conventional country duets.

One of Ty Smith’s greatest strengths as a young artist is his ability to bridge the gap between traditional red dirt country and contemporary influences. His influences—American Aquarium, Shane Smith and the Saints, William Clark Green, and the Turnpike Troubadours—are evident in his music, but Ty brings a fresh perspective that’s entirely his own. “Lost & Found” isn’t just a song; it’s an experience, inviting listeners to lean into the heartbreak, find solace in resilience, and remember the beauty of what once was, even if it couldn’t last. The song’s rich instrumentation—the twang of the guitar, the steady beat of the drums, and the layered, organic textures—gives it a timeless feel, yet it remains unmistakably modern, showcasing Ty’s dedication to pushing red dirt music forward.

At just 16, Ty Smith has already achieved what many artists spend a lifetime chasing: a sound that’s unmistakably his own and a voice that speaks directly to the heart. In a genre filled with seasoned voices, Ty’s youth is an asset rather than a limitation, bringing a fresh sincerity and authenticity to his music that resonates with fans of all ages. With “Lost & Found,” Ty has crafted a single that doesn’t just tell a story but creates a world—a place where love is beautiful yet flawed, and where heartbreak, however painful, carries with it a hint of hope.

For fans of red dirt and Texas country, “Lost & Found” is a song that demands to be heard. It’s a reminder of why music matters: because it has the power to make us feel seen, understood, and less alone. Ty Smith may be young, but his artistry shines through in every note, every line, and every choice he makes in the song’s production and arrangement. Together with KC Johns, he has created a duet that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable—a rare feat in any genre.

Whether you’re a long-time fan of Texas country or just discovering its charms, “Lost & Found” is a track that speaks to the human condition in a way that only great music can. As Ty Smith continues to climb the charts and win over new fans, this single stands as a testament to his talent, his passion, and his undeniable potential. Give “Lost & Found” a listen, and experience the story of a young artist who is poised to leave an indelible mark on country music.

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