When Niko Moon first emerged with his triple-platinum smash “GOOD TIME,” the Texas-born singer/songwriter lit up the country scene with his larger-than-life energy and heartfelt message of radical positivity. On his latest LP AMERICAN PALM, the Nashville-based artist takes that mission to a whole new level and immerses the audience in the idyllic landscape that never fails to lift his spirits: the sun-soaked serenity and mind-blowing splendor of the beach. A top-notch lyricist who got his start as a co-writer for the Zac Brown Band and later penned hits for superstars like Morgan Wallen and Rascal Flatts, Niko matches his feel-good fusion of country and timeless pop with plenty of colorful storytelling, instantly submerging the senses in the blissed-out surroundings of the coast. Made with producer Danny Majic (an L.A.-based producer/songwriter who’s worked with OneRepublic, Flo Rida, Galantis, and more), the result is a seaside getaway in the form of an album—equal parts carefree, contemplative, and wildly life-affirming.

Whether he’s delivering a summer-ready anthem like “BOAT SONG” or a gently swaying country tune like “KING OF THE ISLAND” (a duet with his father, Cris Cowan), Niko imbues every song on AMERICAN PALM with the deep intentionality he’s embraced since “GOOD TIME” (a No. 1 single that served as the title track to his Billboard 200-charting 2021 debut album). Through the years Niko’s sense of purpose has only gotten stronger, leading him to launch the Happy Cowboy Foundation (a nonprofit that supports mental-health initiatives and addiction-recovery programs) and Happy Himalayan (a premium artesian water brand infused with pink Himalayan sea salt).

As his reach continues to expand exponentially, Niko looks forward to taking AMERICAN PALM on the road and interacting up-close with his vast community of fans. “Very few things can unite thousands and thousands of people from all walks of life, but music can,” he says. “It’s an incredibly powerful energy, and as artists we’re able to utilize it for good or for bad. My goal is always to harness that energy to take people in a positive direction, and create an experience where we can all gather and connect and celebrate life together.”