Perfectly pleasant — the most accurate description of Josh Gilligan’s music. Few contemporary artists are freeing themselves from modern production and allowing the simplicity of their songwriting to take the forefront, but that’s exactly what Gilligan has mastered. His debut album Party of One battles internal conflict with ease and warmth that is universally approachable. Without the distractions of overproduction, it’s evident that every melody, pluck of a guitar string and lyric is intentional and methodical. Gilligan creates the perfect recipe for an instant, hooky earworm.

Watch Josh Gilligan perform “Turn the Lights Back On,” “Same Again” and “Party of One” live at Bobby Hotel Nashville as part of the Backyard Sessions curated by WNXP.