Luke Grimes is ready to pour his heart into his next album, and it’s all thanks to one life-changing event: the birth of his son. As the 40-year-old Yellowstone star prepares for his debut performance at the iconic Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on November 15, he exclusively shared with PEOPLE how fatherhood is influencing his creative journey.
The singer-songwriter, who debuted his self-titled album earlier this year, says becoming a father has completely shifted his perspective—not just on life, but on his music.
“Man, having my baby has changed everything in every way possible,” Luke tells PEOPLE. “I think people always say your heart expands when you have a kid, and it’s so true. It’s like there’s a love growing inside me that I didn’t even know I was capable of. It’s incredible and a little scary because you now have so much more at stake.”
Luke Grimes’ debut album, released in March, already hinted at his deep connection to the country genre. But his second album is poised to take on a more personal, heartfelt tone as he reflects on fatherhood.
“It’s the biggest influence in my life right now,” Luke says, explaining that his son will have a profound impact on his music. “Having him around will definitely shape the way I approach the next album.”
Fatherhood has also brought the Yellowstone actor and his wife, Bianca Rodrigues Grimes, closer than ever. The couple, married in November 2018, are navigating this new chapter together, with Luke acknowledging that the bond they share has evolved since the birth of their son.
“It’s brought me and my wife closer in a way that I didn’t even know was possible,” Luke admits. “There’s this new level of love between us, and we’re learning to be a team for this little guy.”
Luke’s Grand Ole Opry debut was a family affair, with Bianca and their newborn son in tow. The couple brought their baby onstage for a quick shout-out during Luke’s performance, as the proud dad couldn’t help but share a glimpse of his new life.
He laughs about the possible change in tone for his music moving forward: “Hopefully the music doesn’t become some cheesy love fest now, but I’ve got to be honest with how I feel. We’ll see what comes out of that!”
Bianca shared the joyful news of their son’s birth on Instagram on October 17, posting a simple but meaningful message: “And then there were 3.” Luke, for his part, couldn’t be more in awe of the experience.
“It’s been magical to watch,” he says, reflecting on the early days of fatherhood. While Luke always knew he was meant for the entertainment world, he’s quick to note that starting a family was always his ultimate goal.
“I knew one day I wanted to start my own family. I knew that would be where the real happiness came from. Everything else was just going to pay the bills,” Luke shares. “Now, having my real-life little family brings me more joy than anything.”
Luke Grimes is embracing the transformative power of fatherhood, and it’s all reflected in his music. With his debut album already out, the Yellowstone star is now looking ahead to his second musical release, which will undoubtedly be shaped by his recent life changes.
“I’ve always heard people talk about how having a baby changes everything,” Luke reflects, “but until you experience it, you don’t really know. It’s a whole new kind of love that’s growing inside me, and it’s incredible.”
Read more: