Ian Munsick is inviting listeners to trade the pressures of modern life for the wide-open rivers of the American West on his latest single ‘Cutthroat World’, out now.
The Wyoming native’s new release offers a fresh spin on a country tradition, turning the familiar fishing song into something far more atmospheric and escapist. Built around vivid imagery of fly fishing in the Rockies, ‘Cutthroat World’ contrasts the calm of nature with the intensity of a fast-paced, money-driven society. “Fishing has always found its way into country music, but you’ve never heard a fishing song like this one,” Munsick explains. “It’s about escaping that cutthroat, workweek world — if you’re like me, the only kind of cutthroat you want to deal with is a trout.”
Written alongside Wynn Varble and Jay Knowles, the track serves as the latest preview of Munsick’s forthcoming third studio album ‘The Mountain Goat,' due August 21 via WEST TO THE REST RECORDS / Triple Tigers. Spanning 15 tracks, the project promises to be his most expansive statement yet, blending his signature Western storytelling with a deeply hands-on approach to instrumentation. Munsick co-produced the album with Jeremy Spillman and Mike Robinson, while also playing nine different instruments across the record, from guitar and banjo to bouzouki and even kazoo, underlining his reputation as one of country music’s most musically involved artists.
Beyond the studio, ‘The Mountain Goat' era is shaping up to be a fully immersive experience. Munsick will mark the album’s release with a run of shows across the American West, including a headline performance at Deer Valley Snow Park Outdoor Amphitheater in Utah and a coveted slot at Colorado’s iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre.
The rollout also extends into lifestyle and brand collaborations. A new partnership with heritage Western brand Schaefer Outfitter will see Munsick launch his own clothing line, featuring custom pearl snap shirts, outerwear and hats inspired by cowboy culture. Meanwhile, he is set to open the Ian Munsick Cowboy Bar & Western Grill in Deadwood, South Dakota, a venue designed to celebrate traditional country and Western music with live performances across two stages.
If ‘The Mountain Goat' represents a return to Munsick’s roots, ‘Cutthroat World’ offers a clear indication of the journey ahead, one that blends rugged authenticity, musical ambition and a deep connection to the landscapes that shaped him.
