Morgan Wallen Denounces Former Label’s Release of Decade-Old Music, Releases Own Re-Recording in Response

In a scathing Instagram post, country music sensation Morgan Wallen unleashed his fury upon his former music label, Panacea Records, for releasing a decade-old album against his wishes. The album, titled “Stand Alone (10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition),” features eight previously unreleased songs and marks an unwelcome resurrection of Wallen’s early musical endeavors.

Wallen’s indignation stems from the fact that he parted ways with Panacea nearly a decade ago and had no involvement in the album’s release. He decried the release as “gross, greedy & an example of how the dark side of the music business can suck the soul out of artists.” He further expressed his embarrassment over the songs, fearing that fans might misinterpret them as new releases.

The release of “Stand Alone (10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)” is particularly jarring given Wallen’s meteoric comeback after facing immense backlash for using a racial slur in 2021. The incident resulted in his music being temporarily dropped from radio stations and his recording contract with Big Loud label being suspended.

Wallen’s history with Panacea Records dates back to 2014 when he ventured to Florida to pursue original music and songwriting. He entered into a recording deal with a local investor and an artist management deal that he later came to deeply regret. Without legal representation, he signed contracts that would ultimately lead to the release of the disputed album.

Wallen explained that the songs on the album were created during a time when he was still learning to write and collaborate. He emphasized that many of the songs were not his own ideas and did not meet his standards. Out of the 13 songs recorded, only five were deemed worthy enough to make the original “Stand Alone” EP.

In an effort to regain control over his music and prevent similar situations from happening to other aspiring musicians, Wallen has been exploring every possible avenue to acquire the rights to the old music. He expressed his desire to maintain the quality of his catalog and to release only songs that he chooses and believes in.

As a defiant response to Panacea Records’ actions, Wallen released a re-recorded version of his hit song “Spin You Around” titled “Spin You Around (1/24).” This move signifies his determination to reclaim ownership of his creative work and to present it in a manner that aligns with his artistic vision.

Furthermore, Wallen announced that he would donate $10,000 from the Morgan Wallen Foundation to the Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals for the Arts (VLPA) program. This donation underscores his commitment to supporting aspiring musicians and ensuring that they have access to legal resources to protect their creative rights.

Wallen’s predicament is not unique in the music industry. Taylor Swift famously released four re-recorded versions of her previous albums after Big Machine Records, which owned her back catalog up to 2017’s “Reputation,” was sold to music manager Scooter Braun in 2019. Swift’s re-recordings were a strategic move to regain control over her music and to prevent Braun from profiting from her work.

Wallen’s journey back to the spotlight has been a challenging one. After the racial slur scandal, he issued a heartfelt apology and met with Black leaders and members of the Black community to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of his words. Since then, he has performed at prestigious events like the 2022 Billboard Music Awards and continued to produce chart-topping hits.

The release of “Stand Alone (10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)” serves as a stark reminder of the power imbalances that exist within the music industry. It highlights the importance of artists retaining creative control over their work and the need for fair and transparent contracts that protect their rights.

As the music industry continues to evolve, it is crucial for artists to be vigilant in safeguarding their creative freedom and ensuring that their work is presented in a manner that aligns with their artistic vision. Wallen’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians, demonstrating the resilience and determination required to navigate the complexities of the music business and to emerge stronger on the other side.

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