Bryce Leatherwood, the powerhouse vocalist who captivated audiences on NBC’s The Voice, explodes onto the country music scene with his debut single, “Hung Up on You.” This high-energy track, released by Mercury Nashville/Republic on Sept. 5, marks the beginning of a promising career for the rising star.
A Decade in the Making: The Story Behind the Song
“Hung Up on You” boasts an intriguing backstory, its roots reaching back a decade. Originally conceived by songwriter Brandon Lay with Neil Medley and Jeff Middleton, the song defied the ballad-heavy trends of its time. Lay’s vision for a high-octane anthem resonated with his co-writers, and they infused the track with a distinctive funk-rock edge.
“The whole time we were in the studio, building it out with the musicians, I was just like, ‘Be as off the wall as you can. Do what you want to do. Do the wildest stuff,’ ” Lay recalls.
Despite garnering interest from various artists, “Hung Up on You” remained unreleased, its unique sound ahead of its time. It wasn’t until Leatherwood, fresh off his The Voice victory, arrived in Nashville that the song found its perfect match.
Leatherwood’s Winning Formula: Country Soul Meets Rock ‘n’ Roll Energy
Leatherwood injects his signature blend of country grit and soulful delivery into “Hung Up on You,” transforming the decade-old demo into a modern anthem. Produced by Will Bundy, known for his work with Ella Langley and Graham Barham, the track features a dynamic soundscape that stays true to its funk-rock origins.
“It definitely had that funky vibe to it,” Leatherwood says of his first impression of the song. “I think it inspired what the final product was in a big way, but it was definitely not what the record turned out to be.”
The song bursts open with Jimmie Lee Sloas’s fuzzed-out bassline, setting a tone that’s both gritty and undeniably catchy. Derek Wells’ searing electric guitar riffs intertwine with Billy Justineau’s soulful Wurlitzer, creating a sonic tapestry that’s both familiar and fresh. Mike Johnson’s pedal steel adds a touch of classic country, grounding the song’s experimental elements.
A Bold Debut: Leaving No Stone Unturned
“Hung Up on You” is a testament to Leatherwood’s artistic vision and his commitment to pushing boundaries. It’s a bold declaration from a newcomer unafraid to take risks and carve his own path in a crowded musical landscape.
“There’s nothing like it,” Leatherwood confidently states. “I think it’s go big or go home. If you go to country radio, you don’t want to leave any stone unturned, and I think this song leaves no stones unturned.”
Leatherwood’s Grand Ole Opry debut on Sept. 14 provided a fitting stage for the song’s live premiere, showcasing his electrifying stage presence and captivating vocals. As “Hung Up on You” takes flight on country radio, it’s clear that Bryce Leatherwood is an artist to watch, one who’s not afraid to defy expectations and redefine the sound of modern country music.
