The Alleged Release of Decade-Old Music
In a surprising turn of events, country music sensation Morgan Wallen has taken to social media to address the alleged release of decade-old music that he claims was never meant to see the light of day.
2019 CMT Music Awards - Arrivals, Morgan Wallen
Wallen, 30, revealed that the music in question dates back to 2014 when he ventured to Florida to explore his musical talents and delve into songwriting. What was intended to be a creative endeavor led to a recording deal with a local investor and an artist management deal, both of which he signed without any legal representation. This decision, Wallen expressed, has led to a regrettable situation that has now come to the forefront almost a decade later.
According to Wallen, he did not have full creative control over the 13 songs he produced during that time, with only five of those tracks making it to his debut EP, Stand Alone. The artist expressed his dissatisfaction with the quality of the music, stating that while some tracks were acceptable, most were subpar. The situation took a distressing turn when Wallen learned that his former collaborators were planning to release a '10th anniversary' edition of Stand Alone, which includes eight unreleased songs, without his consent.
Wallen's Response and Counteraction
In response to the alleged release of his old music, Wallen has taken a proactive stance to counteract the situation. He announced the release of his own music, 'Spin You Around (1/24),' as a direct response to the unauthorized release of his music. This unexpected drop, scheduled for midnight on Friday, January 26, serves as a last-minute effort to reclaim control over his artistic output.
Expressing his frustration and determination, Wallen emphasized that he had been tirelessly exploring every possible avenue to secure the rights to his old music and maintain the integrity of his catalog. Furthermore, he made a bold move by pledging a substantial $100,000 donation from the Morgan Wallen Foundation to the Volunteer Lawyers and Professionals for the Arts (VLPA) program. This gesture aims to support emerging artists and prevent similar situations from befalling them in the future.
In a candid message to his fans and aspiring musicians, Wallen highlighted the importance of retaining creative freedom in the music industry. He urged young talents to stand firm in their pursuit of artistic expression and cautioned against compromising their creative liberties for the sake of opportunities within the business.
New Ventures and Future Plans
Amid the tumultuous events surrounding the alleged release of his old music, Wallen has also made headlines for a new business venture. It was announced that Wallen, alongside fellow country star Eric Church, has acquired Field and Stream magazine with plans to revitalize the iconic outdoorsman's brand. The ambitious project aims to relaunch the magazine, website, and apparel line, in addition to organizing a live music festival.
This strategic move comes as Wallen remains committed to his music and artistic vision. He assured fans that the disputed music is not representative of his upcoming era, signaling that new music will be presented directly from him when it is ready.
The multi-talented artist's determination to protect his artistic integrity and support emerging talents showcases his unwavering commitment to the music industry. As he continues to navigate the complexities of the business, Wallen's resilience and creativity remain at the forefront of his journey.