Matt Hires returns with 'This World Won't Last ...'

• %27This World Won%27t Last Forever%2C But Tonight We Can Pretend%27 is streaming on USA TODAY
• The 11-track album is his second full-length release
• Hires was influenced by Tom Petty and The National in creating this record

After introducing the world to his golden voice and infectious melodies four years ago, Matt Hires is back with This World Won't Last Forever, But Tonight We Can Pretend, out Aug. 13.

Teaming up with producers Eric Rosse (of Hires' debut album, Take Us to the Start) and Mike Busbee (Katy Perry and Pink, among others), the 27-year-old Tampa-based singer/guitarist used fuller arrangements and jauntier hooks to help convey a more mature sound.

"It has some of that singer/songwriter heart in there, but making this one, I knew I wanted to experiment with arrangements more," Hires says of his full-length sophomore effort. "Some of the arrangements are a little more pop, some of it's a little more edgy, and all of the songs have a little more honesty to them."

The same day that This World hits iTunes, Hires kicks off a two-month tour across the U.S. with pop band Parachute. Excited to return to Nashville and explore Scottsdale, Ariz., Hires says he's also thrilled to play with Parachute, whose music complements his "very well" (and vice versa).

Although he cites influences such as Tom Petty, The National and Wilco, the troubadour has recently developed a "soft spot" for pop artists Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars and fun.

"I listened to The Format, Anathallo and Steel Train, all the predecessors to (fun.)," Hires says. "It's been cool to really see those guys take off and to see more people appreciate what they've been doing."