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Lance Cowan To Release Third Album, ‘The Air That You Breathe’

By Kath Galasso on May 26, 2026

BOSTON, MA/NASHVILLE, TN – Patio Records and Lantzapalooza Muzik are proud to announce the release of critically acclaimed Nashville-based singer-songwriter Lance Cowan’s third solo album, The Air That You Breathe, on July 24, 2026.

Cowan co-wrote eight of the 11 original songs on The Air That You Breathe with a talented lineup of collaborators, including Janis Ian (“When He Was Here”), David Mallett (“Closer To Truth”), friend and industry insider Karen Leipziger (the title track), frequent partner Terry Clayton (“Where’d They Go,” “The One You Love,” “The Road”), Rees Shad (“Love”) and Miguel Salas (“William Cooper Smith”).

Produced by Scott Paschall and recorded at Nashville’s famed Sound Emporium, The Air That You Breathe features musicians Dan Dugmore (James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt), Pat McGrath (Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood), Dave Pomeroy (Don Williams, Elton John), Phil Madeira (Emmylou Harris, Phil Keaggy), Bryan Owings (Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams), Chip Davis (Alabama, Dolly Parton), Billy Davis (Dolly Parton, Don Williams), and Michael Spriggs (Kenny Rogers, Elton John). Mandolin master Sam Bush joined in on four songs, and celebrated Texan Jimmie Dale Gilmore lent his backing vocals to “William Cooper Smith.” The album was recorded and mixed by Grammy winner Matt Andrews (Gillian Welch, Dave Rawlings) and mastered by longtime Music Row veteran Jim Loyd.

Lance Cowan’s 2024 debut, So Far, So Good, earned kudos from some very tough critics (including being named a “Top Ten Roots Album” in The Absolute Sound magazine), as did his followup 2025 release, Against The Grain, which made the “Editors’ Favorite List for 2025” for SPIN Magazine.

“Last year, Lance Cowan proved that a veteran Americana PR man could make an album on par with those of his clients. This year, he proved that he could beat the sophomore slump. The mid-’70s country-rock instrumentation and vocal harmonies remain, but they’re at the service of sharper hooks, hooks that would’ve embedded themselves in the Top 40 back when millions were checking into the Hotel California.”

– SPIN Magazine Editors’ Favorite Albums of the Year (12/25)

Cowan carves stories from the quiet moments others overlook. His music fuses Americana’s raw edges with folk’s intimacy and roots-rock’s steady pulse, creating soundscapes where every note serves a purpose. His lyrics cut through sentimentality with surgical precision—conversational yet carefully crafted, revealing truths about relationships and identity through specific, unembellished details. Cowan’s songwriting demonstrates remarkable restraint, trusting listeners to find meaning in what’s left unsaid as much as what’s explicitly stated.

Live performances showcase his understated mastery—no theatrics, just a man with a guitar creating space for songs to breathe. Cowan’s work embodies a rare commitment to substance over style, proving that the most powerful stories don’t need to shout to be heard.

The Air That You Breathe is set for worldwide digital & physical release in North America & Europe. It will be distributed in North America by CPI/The Orchard and in Europe by At The Helm/Proper.

Upcoming Appearances

06.02

Nashville, TN @ The Bluebird Cafe

In-the-round w/Pat Alger, Mark Irwin, and Jon Veznor

06.05

Franklin, TN @ Black Dog Pub w/Mark Irwin

06.18

Nashville, TN @ Arts Bellevue Fundraiser

w/Les Kerr, Dan Modlin & Wood Newton

07.03

Nashville, TN @ WMOT’s Finally Friday/Third & Lindsley

07.11