rhyal knight - don’t act shocked

AT RADIO NOW

FLORENCE, Ala. — Independent recording artist Rhyal Knight will release his eight-song album Don’t Act Shocked on Friday, October 23, 2026. Developed in The Shoals alongside producer and engineer Colin Lott, the record moves between guitar-driven indie rock, textured alternative pop and the rhythmic pull of soul and R&B, anchored by Knight’s melodic, direct songwriting.

Rather than follow one fixed sound, Don’t Act Shocked embraces the tension between forward motion and introspection. Across songs such as “Feels Both Wrong and Right,” “One Foot on the Gas,” “Bend With the Wind” and “Don’t Go Away,” intimate writing meets expansive arrangements and a strong sense of performance.

“I’ve never been interested in making every song fit the same template. I wanted this record to follow the songs wherever they needed to go, but still feel connected through the writing and the emotion behind it.”

— Rhyal Knight

Built through sessions with Lott and additional session musicians in the Muscle Shoals area, the album reflects Knight’s roots in a celebrated recording community without being confined by its traditional genres. It follows his 2023 EP Circles Around Myself and independently released singles including “Crave,” “Miracle” and “Calm Me Back Down.”

Don’t Act Shocked arrives October 23 on major streaming platforms.