Ricky Valido Releases “Panther,” Second Single From Upcoming Album Dear Everglades
MIAMI, FL — August 14, 2026 — Valido Records announces the release of “Panther,” the second single from South Florida singer-songwriter and producer Ricky Valido and his upcoming album, Dear Everglades.
Following the release of the album’s title track on July 31, “Panther” takes listeners deeper into the darker and more mysterious side of the Florida Everglades.
Inspired by the stories and legends surrounding the Florida panther, as well as the atmosphere of the Everglades itself, the new song explores the feeling of encountering something wild and unknown just beyond the edge of sight.
For Valido, the panther became more than the subject of a song. It became a symbol of the wilderness — elusive, powerful, and still capable of existing beyond the reach of modern life.
“I didn’t want to write a song that simply described a panther. I wanted to capture the feeling of one,” says Valido. “There is something almost mythical about the Everglades at night. You can be surrounded by miles of darkness, hear something moving in the distance, and never actually see what made the sound.”
An Organic Sound Inspired by the Everglades
The recording of “Panther” reflects that same sense of rawness and atmosphere. The song was recorded acoustically and live to tape, with an emphasis on capturing the natural interaction between the musicians rather than constructing the performance entirely through programmed or heavily edited production.
The result is an organic recording that leaves room for the imperfections, movement, and human character of a live performance.
That approach is central to Valido’s vision for Dear Everglades, a 15-song album inspired by the landscapes, history, stories, and culture of South Florida.
Blending country, folk, Americana, swamp, rock, and traditional influences, the album explores Valido’s personal relationship with the place he calls home.
Ricky Valido and the Florida Everglades
Growing up in Hialeah, Florida, the Everglades have always been part of the world surrounding Valido — both familiar and mysterious.
With Dear Everglades, Valido uses the South Florida landscape as more than a setting. It becomes a character within the music.
“Panther” is the second chapter of the project, following the release of the album’s title track on July 31.
The full Dear Everglades album is scheduled for release on September 11, 2026, followed by a physical album release concert on September 12, 2026, at Guanabanas.
With “Panther,” Ricky Valido continues building a record deeply connected to South Florida, the Florida Everglades, and the musical traditions of country, folk, Americana, and swamp music.
“Panther” is available now on all major streaming platforms.
About Ricky Valido
Ricky Valido is a South Florida singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer, and filmmaker whose music combines country, Americana, folk, rock, swamp, and traditional influences with the sounds and stories of South Florida.
Through his music and visual work, Valido continues to explore the connection between his Cuban-American roots, his hometown of Hialeah, and the landscapes of the Florida Everglades.
Media Contact
Valido Records
Artist: Ricky Valido
Email: management@rickyvalido.com
Website: www.rickyvalido.com