Zach Bryan wouldn’t be the first artist to tease new music by starting with a digital clean slate, however, it seems like he might be the latest on the list. Wiping social media accounts clean to signal a new "era" is on the way is becoming an increasingly common tactic, one that is guaranteed to send fans into a frenzy.

This move follows an understated announcement that the ‘Something in the Orange’ singer-songwriter has a new EP on the way titled Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs. As of yet, the new project hasn’t had an Instagram-related debut, instead, Bryan announced the EP in the caption of two new songs posted to Youtube. With some of Bryan’s previous EPs, like Summertime Blues, becoming legendary fan-favourite projects, the anticipation is building already.

When fans noticed today (Wednesday, July 8th) that Bryan had finally returned to Instagram and wiped it completely clean, they also realised there was one exception.

Way back in 2022, Bryan was named one of Spotify’s RADAR artists. The project is an extension of Spotify’s global artist development program, and they chose the ‘Heading South’ singer as their first country artist to be featured. The original video announcing this achievement is the only post to remain on Bryan's account - coincidence?

Some fans are speculating that this could be an intentional move on Bryan’s part, suggesting that perhaps a new project between the country megastar and Spotify is in the works. With the release of Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs being (hopefully) imminent and Bryan continuously making headlines with his international With Heaven On Tour shows, it seems like a perfectly plausible idea.

In the video, which includes a rare interview with Bryan, he notes how to “write and record music is [his] dream”, aspiring to “write those songs that you and your grandpa talk about”. Seeing the seismic career that Bryan has built since the release of the video might make it seem like he’s achieved all of those dreams, and more.

However, even four years later, the things the Oklahoman holds closest to his heart haven’t changed. The ‘Pink Skies’ singer has always been adamant that he wants to put songwriting at the forefront of his work. Pairing his latest album, With Heaven On Top, with an entirely acoustic version is an obvious example of this.

Of course, on the other hand, it could be that the video remaining up on Bryan’s account is simply part of a (quite long) business deal - being named one of Spotify’s RADAR artists was a significant moment in his career and has inevitably had a lasting impact. Looking back on it is a nice recognition of how far he’s come.

Either way, we’re excited to see what the first new post Bryan makes is. Hopefully, it will be something related to the release date of Young Manhood and Other Donatable Organs.