Emerging country artist Julianna Rankin has reached a significant milestone in her career with the release of her new single, "Bad Habits and Good Horses," and its prominent placement in the upcoming season finale of Paramount+'s acclaimed series, 'Landman.' This development follows a period of focused artistic growth for Rankin, who intentionally stepped back from touring to refine her songwriting. The track, a collaboration with seasoned Nashville writers, showcases her unique blend of mellow vocals and authentic country lyricism, rooted in her Texas upbringing.
Rankin's journey to this pivotal moment involved a calculated risk: pausing her touring schedule to concentrate on songwriting. This decision, though challenging, has now yielded substantial rewards, culminating in her signing with Big Loud Texas, a label co-founded by country music luminaries Miranda Lambert and Jon Randall. The inclusion of "Bad Habits and Good Horses" in 'Landman' not only provides a massive platform for Rankin's music but also highlights the series' commitment to showcasing independent and rising Texas, Red Dirt, and Americana artists.
The song itself emerged from a writing workshop organized by 'Landman' music supervisor Andrea von Foerster and Big Loud Texas. Rankin collaborated with Garrett Bradford, known for his work on 'Yellowstone,' and Jon Decious, who has penned hits for artists like Lainey Wilson and Tyler Braden. Rankin describes the song as a powerful and relatable anthem, drawing from her personal experiences growing up with a background in banking and cattle ranching, and the universal theme of dealing with both flaws and strengths.
Von Foerster was so impressed with the completed track that she made a last-minute decision to include it in the series finale, despite it not being initially planned for that specific episode. Rankin emphasizes the collaborative and freeing nature of the writing process, where initial conversations often lasted hours before any musical notes were laid down.
A native Texan, Rankin's musical inclinations were deeply influenced by her family's roots and the sounds of artists like Merle Haggard, Stevie Nicks, and Carole King. She cites Linda Ronstadt's "Blue Bayou" as a particularly transformative experience, solidifying her sense of destiny in music. Despite this early connection, she didn't seriously consider music as a profession until her college years at Texas A&M, where a casual karaoke performance sparked the realization that she could pursue it more formally, leading her to learn guitar and begin sharing her voice online.
After college, Rankin immersed herself in the vibrant Texas music scene of New Braunfels, where she garnered the attention of established artists such as Wade Bowen and Randy Rogers. Her performances at festivals, particularly her appearance at the 2024 Mile 0 Festival, caught the ear of Miranda Lambert's parents, who then introduced her to their daughter. This connection ultimately led to a memorable meeting in Austin at Arlyn Studios' 40th-anniversary celebration, described by Rankin as a dream night of swapping songs with her idols, solidifying her cosmic path to Big Loud Texas.
This period of intense focus on songwriting, even before officially joining Big Loud, proved instrumental. Rankin's dedication to the craft, including frequent trips to Nashville for co-writing sessions, helped her hone her artistic voice. She values the deep connections formed during these writing sessions, where conversations and friendships often precede the creation of music, emphasizing that making a friend is as valuable as writing a song.
Julianna Rankin's journey highlights the power of self-belief, dedication to craft, and the serendipitous connections that can propel an artist forward. Her new single, "Bad Habits and Good Horses," and its feature in 'Landman,' mark a significant triumph, showcasing her unique talent and solidifying her place as a rising star in the country music landscape.