Ryan Kinder recently made his debut on the hallowed stage of the Grand Ole Opry, and the country singer-songwriter is sharing his behind-the-scenes footage from that memorable night with Taste of Country readers first.

Kinder is a relatively new name to many listeners, but he's actually a veteran of two label deals in Nashville now; he was initially signed to Bigger Picture Music Group, and when they went under in 2014, some executives at Warner Music Nashville who had seen him win over fans at that year's CMA Music Festival signed him to a new deal. Kinder's debut single under that new deal is "Tonight," and he performed the song at his Opry debut on Feb. 6.

In the video above, he talks about his early days in the music business, and takes viewers on a backstage tour of the Opry House before making his big debut on the historic stage, which is a rite of passage for any country musician.

"There is no greater honor in country music than to play your songs in the circle that paved your way to get there," he says. "It made it more memorable having my friends and family in the crowd. It's hard to describe the feeling when you hit your first chord on that hallowed ground. It was surreal to say the least!”

For more information about Ryan Kinder, visit his official website, or follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

Ryan Kinder Sings "Tonight" on the Opry

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