Nashville singer-songwriter Sean McConnell dives deep beneath the surface on his latest album, Skin, with songs that tell introspective stories through folk-rock sensibilities. For McConnell, the concept of Skin is both literal and symbolic, as he looks to explore the human experience through the lens of physical and spiritual connection. “Skin, to me, is kind of where I'm at on my journey with being comfortable in your skin,” McConnell explains. “Divinity is in flesh and bone, not just in heaven somewhere, someday.” It’s a sentiment flowing throughout the album, as McConnell grapples with life’s paradoxes without necessarily seeking the perfect answers.

Musically, Skin strikes a balance between grounded folk-rock rhythms and flights of fancy, with piano lines and swelling strings adding to McConnell’s soulful vocals. The steady, rocking pace of “Demolition Day” stands out as one of the more confessional tracks - a “come to Jesus” moment, as McConnell puts it - reflecting on sobriety and the need for personal transformation. In contrast, the sparse and tender “Never Enough” serves as an ode to his wife, Dr. Mary Susan McConnell, while “The West Was Never Won” delivers an empowering message to their daughter, Abiella, encouraging her to follow her heart despite life’s challenges.

With over a decade of solo albums not to mention working with Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, and Bethany Cosentino, McConnell’s songwriting has always overflowed with emotional honesty. Yet, Skin feels even more intimate, shaped by the energy of his touring band - bassist/producer Justin Tocket, keyboardist Ben Alleman, drummer Logan Todd, and guitarist Taylor McCall - who recorded the album at McConnell’s Silent Desert Studio.

“Listening to it now, I hear all these musicians - now best friends - who I’ve been playing with for 10 years,” says McConnell. “It sounds more like a band record, more the story of a collective than just me.” The album’s closing track, “Older Now,” captures the essence of Skin: a reflection on growth and the passage of time, as McConnell acknowledges both how far he’s come and the road that still lies ahead. With Skin, Sean McConnell discovers that the most profound journeys happen within… beneath the surface, where flesh and spirit meet.