Sounds like there’s going to be a new Morgan Wallen album dropped tonight…but not by Morgan Wallen.
The country superstar took to Twitter to warn fans that a new album of his songs would be released tonight – but he says he has nothing to do with it, and is opposed to the album’s release.
According to Morgan, the album was recorded back in 2014 when he was first trying his hand at songwriting and making music. At the time, he signed a recording deal with a local investor in Florida, as well as an artist management deal – both of which he says he now regrets.
The result was a 13-song album, five of which were released on his 2015 EP Stand Alone. The others, according to Morgan, weren’t up to his standards – and he never wanted them released.
But Morgan says that those colleagues from 10 years ago plan to release a deluxe edition of Stand Alone tonight, which will include the other 8 songs from that recording session.
He says that he’s explored every avenue possible to stop its release, calling the move “gross, greedy & an example of how the dark side of the music business can suck the soul out of artists.”
He also wanted to assure fans that this music is NOT his new album, which he will begin recording next month.
Morgan says that in response to the album’s release he decided to re-record “Spin You Around,” his most successful song from that EP, so that he owns the rights to the song and not the shady former colleagues. (Taking a page out of Taylor Swift’s book).
And he also pledged $100k from the Morgan Wallen Foundation to the Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals For The Arts (VLPA) program to hopefully prevent the same situation from happening to other artists in the future:
“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.”
It’s a pretty shady move from some people who are clearly just trying to capitalize on Morgan’s popularity and fame.
You can read Morgan’s entire statement on the situation below:
“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.
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 to my standards. We deemed 5 worthy-enough to make the Stand Alone EP which includes a fan-favorite, “Spin You Around.”
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 it with the assistance of my former managers. 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.
It’s gross, greedy & an example of how the dark side of the music business can suck the soul out of artists.
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 concerned my fans may mistakenly believe this is a new release by me. 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.
In response:
1. I re-recorded “Spin You Around (1/24)” this week in Nashville & it comes out TONIGHT. Thank you Joey Moi & Bryan Sutton. I did the artwork myself while in the woods duck hunting. Hope you like it, lol.
2. I am donating $100k 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.
3. Trust me, when new music is ready, you’ll hear it directly from me.”
