Nick Wayne writes songs the way architects might sketch out a blueprint for a bridge — with meticulous attention to detail. There isn't a single chorus, verse or even phrase that the Nashville native hasn't slaved over, and it's that precision that makes him one of country music's most promising new songwriters.

Despite growing up around friends whose dads and moms were in the music business, Nick didn't immerse himself in Nashville's creative community until he was in his early twenties. In that way, he came by his craft naturally, discovering his affinity for wordplay after devouring the straightforward songwriting of heroes like John Mayer and Bill Withers.

"I like being short, precise, and in a certain way," says Nick of his lyricism. "My style is definitely a country lyric, but with a soul vibe."

For proof, just listen to Nick's latest batch of music — the songs "How Do I Get Close" and "If You Ever Wanna." Both showcase the deliberate writing of the 29-year-old, as well as highlight his impeccable falsetto voice. Especially in the stunning "How Do I Get Close to You," a story of two touring artists (Nick's girlfriend is singer Hannah Ellis) trying to make a relationship work while perpetually on the road.

"I never wanted to be a gas station clerk til now / selling six-packs and cigarettes until I clocked out / but I'd have a better chance of seeing you if I were in his shoes," he croons, descriptively imagining himself out in the world where he at least has the chance of running across his girlfriend.

"It's about being at home alone and I know you're not going to be here, but if I could be anywhere else — even working as a gas station clerk — I could potentially see you," says Nick.

The lyricist also isn't afraid to reveal his sensitive side on "If You Ever Wanna." An easygoing love letter, the track is Nick's way of asking a woman out by placing her fully in charge. "It was always hard for me to approach a girl in general. It's like 'I really want to go out — but only if you want to,'" he says. "It's uncomfortable to me to put pressure on someone, especially if it's a romantic situation. It's not about my being rejected, but about putting someone in that situation."

In a genre most recently dominated by a bro mentality, it's refreshing to hear an artist comfortable with being vulnerable and leading with his heart. For Nick, that's the only way he knows. "I don’t want to do this," he says, "if I can't be me."