Morgan Wallen Shares Statement & ‘Spin You Around (1/24)’

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While on a duck hunting trip last night (Jan. 25), country star Morgan Wallen shared a statement with fans disclosing regret surrounding a past record and artist management deal. He notified fans that a 10th anniversary edition of his EP Stand Alone was set to be released today (Jan. 26) without his consent.

“I’m writing y’all from a duck hunting trip because I want to fill you in on something happening tonight,” he states.

“Back in 2014, I went to Florida to try my hand at making original music and songwriting for the first time. This led to a recording deal with a local investor and 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 and 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 five 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 and include eight 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 and keep the quality of my catalog consistent with songs I choose to release & believe in.

“It’s gross, greedy and 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 and I don’t want to see this happen to anyone else. I cringe when I listen to these songs and 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 and super excited to make more music I’m proud of.”

In response to the unwanted release, Wallen has dropped a new version of the song, “Spin You Around (1/24),” which he recorded this week. He also shared that he created the re-recorded track’s artwork while hunting, and will be donating $100,000 from the Morgan Wallen Foundation to the Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts (VLPA) program in hopes that young aspiring musicians read his story and know they should never have to give up their creative freedoms for an opportunity in the industry.

“Trust me, when new music is ready, you’ll hear it directly from me,” concluded Wallen.

Liza Anderson
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