Last month US country music sensation Carly Pearce released the heartfelt and honest track ‘I Hope You’re Happy Now’. The soul-bearing release features stunning guest vocals from Lee Brice and is the second single to be officially lifted off Pearce’s forthcoming sophomore LP following the success of ‘Closer To You’.
Here we chat exclusively to Carly Pearce to discuss the track, working with Brice, UK tour plans and more:
Congratulations on the release of I Hope You’re Happy Now, how are you finding the response so far?
It has been incredible to see how much people are reacting to this song. The greatest compliment I’ve been given was when a fan said, “this is the girl that I fell in love with singing ‘Every Little Thing'”
This is probably your most personal release to date, would you say that’s a fair assessment?
Oh gosh, yes! I believe as an artist, we have to be vulnerable. I want to be known for making music that challenges me to dive deep into my heart and be REAL.
What made you want to share this story at this moment in time?
It seems odd to be releasing a song like this when I just got married [to Michael Ray] but I think this song is the ending of the chapters of my life before I found my husband— and I think it NEEDS to be shared because it was the moment that changed the course of my whole life.
You’ve teamed up with Lee Brice on the record, how did that collaboration come about?
I knew Lee’s voice was the one for the song, so I reached out to his team and within 48 hours he recorded it.
What do you feel his voice has brought to the track?
Lee has so much emotion when he sings. This song needed that. He’s truly one of the best in our genre and brings a rugged country tone to it too.
This is the second song to be released off your forthcoming sophomore LP, can we expect more honest songs like this one on the CD?
Absolutely. I am more vulnerable on this one than my first and hope people feel that and feel the evolution.
Do you plan on releasing an official music video for the single?
Oh yes. Shooting it this month!
What has the writing process been like for your new LP?
So much has changed in my life and it’s been really exciting. I feel more confident in myself than ever before so that confidence allowed me to let my guard down and not be afraid to go for it.
Is there one song in particular off the record that you’re most excited about sharing?
The most personal song I’ve ever written is on this record. It’s called “It Won’t Always Be Like This.”
Can we expect to see you back in the UK next year?
Yes!!!! I would love to come and am trying to make plans!
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Feature photo credit: John Shearer