HARDY and Morgan Wallen have joined forces once again for a brand-new duet titled “Red.”
The song was released on Friday (Jan. 20) as part of the country portion (the mockingbird) of the Mississippi native’s much-anticipated country/rock album, the mockingbird & THE CROW.
Co-written by HARDY (whose real name is Michael Hardy) alongside Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip and Jacob Rice, “Red” is an anthem for small town folks who are prideful about representing where they come from while making it a point to not get confused with the color’s representation in politics, but rather use it to describe hometown sports team colors, bricks on buildings, etc.
“There’s a ton of small-town [stereotypes] that we blended with a nod to politics, but we wrap the thing in conversation about people who fight for our country. Then, in the chorus, we mention that ‘we all bleed red.’ We did it right. I’m proud of it,” HARDY recently explained to The Tennessean.
“I ain’t talking politics, I’m talking small town / And if you’re from one, you know what I’m talking ’bout / It’s everywhere, I swear, from the courthouse bricks / To a crushed Bud heavy can fading in the ditch / Like the book of John, like a barn door / And hearts your hand’s over ’cause you’re thankful for / Every shipped off soul that was born to fight / For a wind-torn flag that’s blue and white and red,” the pair sing on the chorus.
“It don’t matter who you are / Got your back if that’s what you need / ‘Cause at the end of the day / Hey, we all bleed / Red,” HARDY and Wallen sing on the bridge.
Listen To HARDY and Morgan Wallen’s New Duet “Red” Below.
This Isn’t The First Time HARDY and Morgan Wallen Have Collaborated
The longtime friends and Big Loud labelmates’ new collaboration serves as their fourth duet together.
HARDY and Wallen previously joined forces for several collaborative hits such as “Goin’ Nowhere,” “He Went To Jared” and “Turn You Down,” all of which were a part of HARDY’s infamous Hixtape projects.
In addition to releasing the three aforementioned duets, HARDY has also co-penned several songs on Wallen’s record-breaking sophomore project, Dangerous: The Double Album, including “Sand In My Boots,” “More Than My Hometown,” “Still Goin’ Down,” “Beer Don’t,” “Somethin’ Country,” “This Bar” and “Livin’ The Dream.”
HARDY has written dozens of songs for and with Wallen over the course of his career and the pair of singer/songwriters continue to work on music together and most recently have joined forces to co-write Wallen’s viral hit, “Tennessee Fan.”
HARDY’s New Album, the mockingbird & THE CROW, Is Out Now
“Red” appears on HARDY’s highly anticipated sophomore album, the mockingbird & THE CROW.
“the mockingbird & THE CROW is, in my opinion, the best thing I’ve made so far,” HARDY shared in a press release. “I had a lot of time to get in the weeds making this record with some of my favorite people in Nashville, and it truly captures every part of who I am as an artist. I’m honored that I get to share it with you next year; can’t wait to hear what you think about it.”
The project, which arrived on January 20 via Big Loud Records, features 17 tracks, including the previously released tunes: “here lies country music,” “the mockingbird & THE CROW,” “Jack,” “SOLD OUT,” “TRUCK BED” and more.
the mockingbird & THE CROW also consists of three duets, the chart-climbing “wait in the truck” with Lainey Wilson, “RADIO SONG” featuring A Day To Remember’s Jeremy McKinnon and of course, “Red” with Wallen.
The album is half rock and half country and was recorded between Ocean Way and Blackbird Studios in Nashville, entirely produced by Joey Moi with co-production by HARDY and Derek Wells, and co-production on select tracks by David Garcia, Jordan Schmidt, Ben Johnson, Andrew Wade, Jeremy McKinnon, and Cody Quistad.
The award-winning hitmaker co-wrote every single track on the album alongside some of Nashville’s most sought after songwriters, including Ashley Gorley, Rhett Akins, Hillary Lindsey, Jessie Jo Dillon, David Garcia, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt, and more.
The chart-topping will soon celebrate the release of his new album with two concerts in Los Angeles at iconic venues, The Troubadour and The Roxy, on Monday, January 23. In addition, HARDY will also perform “wait in the truck” alongside Lainey Wilson on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday, January 25.
He will also make an appearance on NBC’s TODAY Show to perform the meaningful album cut, “screen” on Thursday, January 26.
HARDY Will Soon Hit The Road In Support Of His New Album
Additionally, HARDY will embark on a massive headlining tour next month in support of the new album, dubbed the mockingbird & THE CROW tour.
“I’m incredibly grateful to be able to bring this record to you next year. Touring it is something I’ve been thinking about since we started the recording process,” HARDY said. “This album is my best work so far. I truly believe that, and I want this tour to reflect that every night. Excited to have my buddies Blame My Youth and Jameson out with me; it’s going to be crazy.”
The trek, which features support from Jameson Rodgers and Blame My Youth, kicks off on February 16 at Old National Centre in Indianapolis, Indiana, and continues through April 29, where the tour wraps up at The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory in Irving, Texas.
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Following his headlining tour, HARDY will join Wallen on the road for his One Night At A Time World Tour, which also features support from ERNEST, Parker McCollum, and Bailey Zimmerman.
For a full list of HARDY’s upcoming tour dates visit his official website HERE.
