Morgan Wallen is shutting down the exploitation of early career recordings after his former manager revealed plans to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his debut EP, Stand Alone. On Thursday evening (Jan. 25), the 30-year-old country superstar took to social media to warn fans of the misleading release of old music via “an important update.”
Wallen’s Former Managers Are Exploiting His Old Music
In the lengthy social media post, Wallen detailed that in 2014, after his departure from The Voice, he went to Florida to explore original music and songwriting for the first time. This ultimately led Wallen to signing a recording and management deal, both of which he regrets, as he did it on his own without an attorney at the time.
“I’m writing y’all from a duck hunting trip because I want to fill you in on something happening tonight. Back in 2014, I went to Florida to try my hand at making original music & songwriting for the first time. This led to a recording deal with a local investor & an artist management deal that I deeply regret. Unfortunately, I signed both deals without any legal representation,” Wallen explained.
During his time in Florida in 2014, he wrote and recorded over a dozen songs, but only chose to release five of those tracks on his debut EP, titled Stand Alone, released in August 2015 via Panacea Records. The EP Wallen released at the time featured five songs, including “Spin You Around,” “Sleep When We’re Dead,” “Stand Alone,” “Man Of The South” and “Yin Yang Girl.”
“We made 13 songs. Some were ok, most were terrible, as I was just learning how to write in general & figuring it all out. I was not the only collaborator, so many of these songs were not my idea nor met my standards. We deemed 5 worthy-enough to make the Stand Alone EP, which includes a fan-favorite, ‘Spin You Around.’” he continued.
Morgan Wallen’s Former Team Releasing Music Against His Wishes
He then voiced his frustration over his former management’s intentions to reissue his debut EP, Stand Alone, with eight new songs in celebration of its 10th anniversary, against Wallen’s wishes. The East Tennessee native is not happy with their decision, as he doesn’t feel the music is up to par with the quality of tunes that he now releases and believes in.
“Tonight, those colleagues I parted ways with almost 10 years ago plan to release a “10th anniversary” edition of Stand Alone against my wishes & include 8 unreleased songs, distributing them with the assistance of my former managers,” Wallen added. He went on to explain, “For months, I’ve been exploring every avenue possible to acquire the rights to this old music & keep the quality of my catalog consistent with songs I choose to release & believe in.”
Morgan Wallen continued to express his upset about the situation, describing it as “gross, greedy, & an example of how the dark side of the music business can suck the soul out of artists.”
Concerned Fans Will Think This Is His New Music When It’s Not
He then clarified that this is not his new music, and explain that he fears fans might mistake it for a recent release. “I want you to know this is NOT my new music, & I don’t want to see this happen to anyone else. I cringe when I listen to these songs & I’m very concerned my fans may mistakenly believe this is a new release by me,” Wallen stated.
The chart-topping singer/songwriter then unveiled that he will be returning to the studio next month to begin working on his new album. “I begin recording my next project at the end of February. I’m feeling inspired creatively & super excited to make more music I’m proud of,” he concluded.
Wallen’s Response: Donation To Legal Aid Non-Profit And Release Of “Spin You Around (1/24)”
In response to the situation, Wallen decided that he is going to release a re-recorded version of “Spin You Around (1/24),” which he recorded this week in Nashville and drops “TONIGHT.” He recorded the song with Joey Moi and Bryan Sutton, and created the single art for the re-recorded version of the tune on his own, “while in the woods duck hunting.”
He is also donating $100,000 from the Morgan Wallen Foundation to the Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals For The Arts (VLPA) program. “I hope young aspiring musicians read this story & know they should never have to give up their creative freedoms for an opportunity in this business,” he shared.
Finally, Wallen is asking fans to spread the word that the music being released this evening is not his new music. He then further elaborated that new music is coming soon, “Trust me, when new music is ready, you’ll hear it directly from me.”
