Nashville country singer-songwriter Maddie Lenhart is officially opening a new chapter with the release of her debut EP, Why in the World, now available on all digital streaming platforms. Across six songs, Lenhart takes listeners through the messy, beautiful and sometimes unexpected sides of love, heartbreak and finding your way back to yourself.
Listen to Why in the World HERE.
The EP follows a story that moves through heartbreak, the process of letting go, learning to trust yourself again and eventually finding enough light to take another chance on love. What connects the six songs is Lenhart’s attention to the details. Her songwriting gives each feeling room to breathe, with lyrics that focus on the small moments and emotions that can stay with you long after a relationship or experience has ended.
Sonically, Why in the World reflects Lenhart’s Appalachian roots while giving those influences a contemporary Nashville setting. Organic country and folk-inspired instrumentation sit alongside dreamy, atmospheric production, creating a sound that feels natural without losing its sense of polish.
The release also comes after a strong run of moments for Lenhart. Sheryl Crow recently praised the EP’s title track, “Why in the World,” on social media, while the song debuted at No. 31 on the iTunes Country chart, appearing alongside releases from artists including Dolly Parton and Brad Paisley.
Lenhart has been building toward this moment for years. Virginia-born and raised and now based in Nashville, she has written hundreds of songs and earned more than 45 independent cuts since moving to Music City. Her songwriting has already attracted attention from major outlets and industry platforms, with “Empty Room” featured by Billboard and American Songwriter and “Newton’s First Law” appearing on the cover of Spotify’s Fresh Finds Country.
Produced by Brad Hill, known for his work with artists including Maren Morris and Brothers Osborne, the EP also features a strong group of Nashville songwriters. The title track was co-written with Jay Knowles and Jen Stegall, adding another layer to a project that puts Lenhart’s own voice and perspective at the center.
Her songwriting has continued to open new doors. Lenhart was selected as one of six writers for the 2026 AIMP Nashville Unsigned Songwriter Series from more than 100 submissions and was also selected for the 2026 ASCAP GPS Project, which connects developing songwriters with publishing professionals for mentorship and career development. She was a finalist in the 2025 American Songwriter Song Contest and was named one of Holler’s “10 Artists You Need to Know.”
On the live side, Lenhart returned to CMA Fest in 2026 for her second consecutive appearance, performing on the Spotlight Stage after making her festival debut in 2025. She also made her AmericanaFest debut this year and has performed at the Kennedy Center. Her growing live résumé adds another dimension to an artist whose songwriting has been at the heart of her journey.
Now, Why in the World brings those different parts of Maddie Lenhart’s story together. It is a debut built around honest songwriting, personal experiences and a sound that connects where she comes from with where she is going next.
Track List & Credits
Maddie Lenhart’s debut EP, Why in the World, features six songs: “Empty Room,” written by Maddie Lenhart and Justin Cross; “Easy on You,” written by Maddie Lenhart, Davis Corley and Sam Stoane; “Newton’s First Law,” written by Maddie Lenhart, Dakota Striplin and Mignon Hargrove; “Why in the World,” written by Maddie Lenhart, Jay Knowles and Jen Stegall; “It’s Not Like,” written by Maddie Lenhart, Laura Pearson and Brianna Nelson; and “A Glimpse of It,” written by Maddie Lenhart and Aubrey Toone.
The EP was produced by Brad Hill, with all six tracks mixed by Dave Thomson.
