Morgan Wallen, the rising country superstar, is taking a page out of Taylor Swift’s playbook in a bid to thwart the plans of his former colleagues. In a recent Instagram post, Wallen revealed that he had signed a music deal over a decade ago without legal representation, a decision he deeply regrets. Under this deal, he recorded 13 songs, but only used five of them for his debut EP, “Stand Alone,” including his hit single “Spin You Around.” The remaining eight tracks are still under the control of his former team.
To Wallen’s dismay, his ex-friends are now planning to release a 10th-anniversary edition of “Stand Alone,” which includes the unreleased songs. Wallen expressed his dissatisfaction, stating that these songs do not meet his high standards. However, instead of letting this unauthorized project go unchallenged, he is fighting back by re-recording “Spin You Around” and releasing it at the same time as the unauthorized album.
This move is reminiscent of Taylor Swift’s decision to re-record her entire catalog after Scooter Braun acquired her master recordings. Swift’s “Taylor’s Version” albums allow her to regain control over her music and prevent others from profiting off her work. Wallen’s decision to follow a similar path demonstrates his determination to protect his artistic integrity and assert his creative control.
However, Wallen’s approach seems less calculated compared to Swift’s meticulous planning. This is evident from the album cover he hastily put together while on a duck hunting trip. Despite its rustic charm, Wallen admits that he cringes when he listens to his old songs and fears that fans might mistake them for a new artistic direction he is taking.
Wallen has announced that he will not be working on any new music until the end of February. In the meantime, he aims to shed light on the dark side of the music business and prevent other artists from experiencing similar challenges. As a gesture of support, he has pledged $100,000 from his foundation to the Volunteer Lawyers and Professionals for the Arts (VLPA) program.
Wallen’s decision to re-record “Spin You Around” and release it alongside the unauthorized album is a bold move that showcases his determination and commitment to his craft. By taking cues from Taylor Swift, he aims to regain control over his music and protect his artistic vision. As his career continues to ascend, Wallen’s actions serve as a reminder that artists should be empowered to make decisions that align with their artistic integrity and protect their creative output from exploitation.
