Morgan Wallen is not real happy right now. Rightfully so. He posted the following message to his fans last night on Instagram:
"Iām writing yāall 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, IĀ signedĀ 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.Ā We deemed 5 worthy-enough to make the Stand Alone EP which includes a fan-favorite, āSpin You Around.ā
Tonight, those colleagues I parted ways with almost 10 years ago plan to release a ā10th Anniversaryā edition of Stand Alone against my wishes &Ā include 8 unreleased songs, distributing it with the assistance of my former managers. For months Iāve been exploring every avenue possible to acquire the rights toĀ thisĀ old music & keepĀ theĀ quality ofĀ my catalog consistent with songs I choose to release & believe in.
Itās 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 donāt want to see this happen to anyone else.Ā I cringe when I listen to these songs & Iām concerned my fans may mistakenly believe this isĀ a new release by me. I begin recording my next project at the end of February. Iām feeling inspired creatively & super excited to make more music Iām proud of.
Ā In response:
1. I re-recorded āSpin You Around (1/24)ā this week in Nashville & it comes out TONIGHT.Ā
Thank you Joey Moi & Bryan Sutton.Ā I did the artwork myself while in the woods duck hunting.Ā Hope you like it, lol.
2. I am donating $100k from theĀ Morgan Wallen Foundation to theĀ Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals For The Arts (VLPA) program.Ā 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.Ā
3. Trust me, when new music is ready, youāll hear it directly from me."
Here is the song "Spin You Around" that Morgan himself released.