Morgan Wallen blasts ‘greedy’ ex-partners for releasing his ‘terrible’ old songs

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE: Morgan Wallen is not happy with his former collaborators for putting out his old songs without his permission.

The country star says the songs are “terrible” and he does not want his fans to think they are his new music.

Morgan Wallen releases new version of 'Spin Me Around' to counter early releases 

Wallen, 30, decided to release a new version of his hit song 'Spin Me Around' after his former management and partners re-released his original EP 'Stand Alone' with eight unreleased songs added to mark the 10th anniversary.

The 'Last Night' singer announced on Instagram that he wrote 13 songs in 2014 but only liked five of them enough to make his first EP.

He said he signed a recording deal and a management deal without any legal representation and regretted it.

He wrote, "Back in 2014, I went to Florida to try my hand at making original music & songwriting for the first time. This led to a recording deal with a local investor & an artist management deal that I deeply regret."

"Unfortunately, I signed both deals without any legal representation.

We made 13 songs. Some were ok, most were terrible as I was just learning how to write in general & figuring it all out," he added.

"I was not the only collaborator, so many of these songs were not my idea nor to my standards. We deemed 5 worthy-enough to make the 'Stand Alone' EP which includes a fan-favorite, 'Spin You Around'," he continued.

"Tonight, those colleagues I parted ways with almost 10 years ago plan to release a “10th Anniversary” edition of Stand Alone against my wishes & include eight unreleased songs, distributing it with the assistance of my former managers," he further revealed.

"For months, I’ve been exploring every avenue possible to acquire the rights to this old music & keep the quality of my catalog consistent with songs I choose to release & believe in. It’s gross, greedy & an example of how the dark side of the music business can suck the soul out of artists," said Wallen.

Morgan Wallen donates to the VLPA program

Wallen also announced that he will be back in the studio in February to work on his next project.

He said, "I’m feeling inspired creatively & super excited to make more music I’m proud of."

He also revealed that he will donate $100,000 from The Morgan Wallen Foundation to the Volunteer Lawyers & Professionals For The Arts (VLPA) program.

He said he hopes young aspiring musicians will learn from his story and never give up their creative freedoms for an opportunity in the business.

He wrote, “I want you to know this is NOT my new music & I don’t want to see this happen to anyone else. I cringe when I listen to these songs & I’m concerned my fans may mistakenly believe this is a new release by me."

"I begin recording my next project at the end of February. I’m feeling inspired creatively & super excited to make more music I’m proud of," he added.

“I hope young aspiring musicians read this story & know they should never have to give up their creative freedoms for an opportunity in this business,” Wallen continued.

Morgan Wallen follows Taylor Swift’s footsteps

Wallen’s move to release a new version of an existing song is similar to what Taylor Swift is doing with her early albums, Fox News noted.

The pop star is re-recording her first six albums after a dispute with her former record label over the ownership of her masters.

Swift released 'Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)' and '1989 (Taylor’s Version)' in 2023. She released 'Fearless (Taylor’s Version)' and 'Red (Taylor’s Version)' in 2021.

Meanwhile, the head of the label that is releasing Wallen’s old songs, Panacea Records’ William Ray, told Variety that he loves the songs and believes some of Wallen’s fans will love them too.

He said he is excited to finally get the songs out to the world. “We love the songs and believe some of his fans will love it too. We are excited to finally get these songs out to the world.”