Talking to Morgan Wallen about country music, "Cover Me Up," The Voice, and mullet independence

I sat down with Morgan Wallen for today's video and talked to his rapid rise in country music, his mullet, his cover of Jason Isbell's "Cover Me Up," his friendship with Hardy, and so much more. I hope y'all enjoy it! Here are timestamps of the conversation:
00:15 - A little context
2:55 - Background/Upbringing (homeschooling, being a pastor's kid, playing baseball, music)
9:30 - The Voice experience (trying out, life in LA, learning how TV works)
15:35 - Starting in country music (FGL, getting a label deal, working with Joey Moi)
20:50 - Mullet talk
23:15 - Working with Diplo on "Heartless" + genre distinctions
26:30 - Adjusting to fame/staying normal
29:45 - Friendship with Hardy (and their WWE appearance)
35:27 - What happened to the girl in the "Chasin You" video?
36:32 - Upcoming album decisions (And is "This Bar" a single?)
38:50 - Eric Church
42:20 - "Cover Me Up" and meeting Jason Isbell
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[@GradySmith]

Thanks to Morgan Wallen for stopping by the channel! We talk about a ton of stuff in this one (and it's all time stamped in the description). Love y'all. Thanks for being on this crazy ride with me!

[@nickkraze]

Hey I think Kip Moore is also kind of along the same lines as Church and Bentley! A couple main stream hits but a lot of his own stuff, obviously not as popular as those two.

[@connorweems403]

Do you live in Charlottesville?

[@GradySmith]

@@connorweems403 you know it

[@suzenpope3401]

Well done! great interview, the style reminded me of the early days of MTV. I’am looking forward to seeing him in London 👍🏻

[@Kira-vy1nz]

You should react to the bones by marren morris! I think its really good, but I wanna know what you think about it and your take on how country it is, because it's definitely not super rootsy country, but I think it is more country then pop in its style and lyrically! Please react to it!

[@Penguinn]

I’ve never clicked on a video so quick in my life

[@GradySmith]

Haha thanks!

[@matthewblankenship5543]

Lol

[@MendoMoto]

Same, this is exciting.

[@kayleeberrier1562]

Penguinn FR OML

[@jackabeast8498]

Ikr

[@trevorshurr7763]

I like Morgan Wallen a lot. He looks like he is the most down to earth person

[@iveyblake1516]

Trevor Shurr OMG YES EVERY INTERVIEW IVE SEEN I THINK THAT EVERY TIMEEEEEE

[@dirtbikesrule808]

I met Morgan backstage in Calgary with Luke Combs and can confirm that he is.

[@ellabellasnow]

Zac Oliver that’s the best combination right there. Luke and Morgan

[@dirtbikesrule808]

Ella Snow I don’t think any concert will be able to top that one. Both of their sets, every song the entire crowd was singing along

[@jessicarivera4974]

Agreed!

[@eliza5035]

Feel like I could have a beer with this guy

[@shadihaddad7]

Let's be honest with a mullet like that it'd be more than one 😂

[@tiffanybeam6440]

Shadi Haddad Does he have dip in his mouth in this interview? 😂

[@The_dude94]

I don't mean to be judgemental but judging by his actions and body language I'd say he'd try doing a line of booger sugar with you! 😂 I'm a fan of Wallens but he seems to be high as a kite... Either that or he's just extremely nervous for some reason

[@hankstopher]

Dakota Lowe man I thought the same thing.

[@HeatherLynseyMusic]

You can. Just check tik tok 🤣

[@J.R......]

Actually went to church with Morgan when I was younger. Used to listen to him sing gospel on Sundays when we were 10 or so.

[@bananadozer1]

What the... really?

[@J.R......]

@@bananadozer1 Yep in White Pine, Tennessee. His dad was our preacher, and they lived right behind the church. He's just a bit younger than me.

[@swagmas1er69]

He’s still good 😂 But that’s so cool!!!

[@J.R......]

@@swagmas1er69 that's what I meant lol good then even at 9 or 10 years old, still good today. Great actually.

[@bananadozer1]

Wow lucky church is pretty boring for me ive never seen a country singer at church 〖𝔸𝕒〗Fonts for iPhone & Android 😅

[@CountryGirl-o5s]

I love Morgan Wallen. He is a very down to earth guy and I’m glad his parents supported him. But he has the biggest heart I know of. Nobody can take the love I have him and make feel he’s the only man on earth who can make me feel this way. Remember Morgan you’ve stolen my heart for all eternity 🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸🩸😘😘😘😘😘🥰♥️❤️♥️❤️♥️❤️♥️❤️❤️♥️❤️♥️

[@mikerivera373]

Holy shit. I don’t think I’ve seen any KZbin critic get an interview with as big of an artist as Morgan Wallen. If there was ever a sign of how much of a major player you’re becoming in the music scene, this is it.

[@logandewulf4847]

I loved this interview. I really enjoy seeing him open up and talk. You’re interview skills are so much better than even big media. You are way more personable and had genuine questions. Can you try to get HARDY on? That dudes like a mystery. I think if you can get him to open up like this, you got some great content on your hand. HARDY is going to take over soon.

[@songnotes]

Love the production honesty of those first 5 seconds :)

[@Kaitlyndink]

this man is so flippin cute. WE LOVE U MORGAN

[@SndyMun]

Morgan wallen seems so chill

[@kaybrowneyes9068]

I love country but Morgan made it SO much better for me. I heard "Whiskey Glasses" and got me listening to the whole "If I Know Me" album and everything related to Morgan. Even my 11 yr old loves him. Now she's a country junkie, like her mama. 💖

[@coleblattner8281]

You raised her right then

[@killacarebear3657]

Cancel Morgan wallen

[@morgancolewallenofficialch4594]

@Kay BrownEyes Thanks for supporting my music. I’m so grateful and happy to check on you.. let me know more about you, gotta text me [phone]

[@Ironworthstriking]

Morgan might be the most likeable guy in mainstream country. Might not listen to his music too much, but I'd definitely hang out with him.

[@coreydevs]

When have you ever heard an artist say “we can talk a lil bit longer if you want” Seems like he was having a good time talking to you because you asked questions that are outside the norm. This video was well worth the time spent. You should do more long form interviews. Good content. Thank you!

[@coreydevs]

Also first video of yours I have watched. Excited to see the rest! You got my sub :D

[@mariebisson1252]

Cover me up is the first so g i ever heard him sing, and it hits home. ❤ real and raw.

[@yahzea]

I regret only starting to like Morgan when I heard his cover of Jason Isbell, and I didn’t even know who Jason Isbell was. The Cover Me Up lyrics was that strong. Now they are some of my favs in country music.

[@aliceroared]

He opened for FGL in Sydney last year and I really didn't appreciate him enough then, I only really got into his music a few months after that 😩 Hoping he'll travel down to Aus again soon!

[@kayla7799]

i have the biggest crush on this man oh my gosh

[@nebraska22]

He is hot

[@racheldahmer2128]

@@savannah8243 There isn't any page called that, what do you mean?

[@wizardwanda5081]

@@racheldahmer2128 idk what Happened to that page but there's a new page called @morganwallenstillhasababymama

[@hankstopher]

Kayla omg get a grip

[@miosnikzycia2913]

Grady has such a man-crush on Morgan and it's really cute haha

[@teamsweatysoloz]

Huh?

[@slimjadeyyy]

Totally hahah

[@mrsalazar6505]

yeah. hahaha i love that.

[@carolinebrooks5235]

he's so down to earth!! this is why i love morgan wallen💓

[@susiereynolds1752]

He was raised right Great personally

[@carolinebrooks5235]

@@susiereynolds1752 for real!! he's so unproblematic and seems so fun to be around

[@morgancolewallenofficialch4594]

@Caroline Brooks Thanks for supporting my music. I’m so grateful and happy to check on you.. let me know more about you, gotta text me [phone]

[@lilydoerschuk2891]

this is so pure, aw.

[@CoryLowe]

This is the kinda guy you love to root for because he’s just like any other guy in your hometown.. just a good dude! And loved hearing about his time on The Voice so funny 😂

[@1023Woodworking]

I was lucky enough to go back stage at a FGL concert and get to meet Morgan. He is one of the coolest and down to earth guys.

[@itskindofdumb21]

Such a genuine guy. Really cares about where he came from. Absolutely love that.

[@SaraAppletonwastheQWERTYmail]

Here’s a little song I wrote for Morgan Wallen; His mother’s a teacher, His father’s a preacher, so he grew up tall & strong, he lo bed to do speeches but now he sings country songs, just know he just can’t go wrong, “ “ “. Sara from S.F. ❤

[@catherinegauthier]

Really great interview, love Morgan Wallen such a humble down to earth guy with a strong connection to his roots very impressive , Thanks Grady Smith 💌🎼

[@tyleankrzywdik6372]

Morgan Wallen is incredible

[@maddykim9348]

I really like Morgan Wallen’s personality:) he seems so sweet.

[@susiereynolds1752]

Yes he is so precious

[@morgancolewallenofficialch4594]

@Maddy Kim Thanks for supporting my music. I’m so grateful and happy to check on you.. let me know more about you, gotta text me [phone]

[@JASONMEREDITH666]

Does he just pretend like his first EP doesn’t exist? its honestly a great record, I’d love to hear him talk about it.

[@courtney.22]

Maybe he forgot

[@jakebennett6235]

One of the best interviews I’ve ever seen. It’s just so laid back, and you asked questions that I’m sure he has never been asked before. It has to get old for him getting asked the same three questions every interview. It made it much fun to watch and learn from Morgan Wallen thanks to your conversational and comfortable approach. Great interview!!

[@kassandraz7174]

I love Morgan Wallen, he seemed so genuine and lay back. This was such a good interview, it felt so personal!

[@torresmat10]

Imagine if he'd made the finals for The Voice and then did his cover of Cover Me Up in a duet with Blake...that would've been a sight to see

[@jennhaberer6152]

Grady, this was a great interview! It really shows how Morgan is trying to stay true to himself as an artist. Being genuine is very important in life. I think it’s something that really resonates with us fans. The audio didn’t stand out at all. I definitely know what it’s like to overthink ever detail when you want something perfect but you had nothing to worry about. I love you content. Keep up the good work. 🙏

[@jennhaberer6152]

Ohh and the mannequin question 🤣🤣🤣. Hilarious

[@morgancolewallenofficialch4594]

@Jenn Haberer Thanks for supporting my music. I’m so grateful and happy to check on you.. let me know more about you, gotta text me [phone]

[@sensforce]

That was so good! The best 47 minutes 49 seconds I’ve spent in a while on YT. Morgan is such a humble person and so relatable. Grady, props to you sir! You obviously made him feel relaxed. That was evident by how much he shared with you. Thanks!

[@KennethR-jt3kr]

Love this raw kind of interview, and Morgan Wallen is the absolute best! One of the greatest country artists out there, and I can’t wait for more music from him! 🤘🏼

[@geoffreywalker7308]

His obvious interest in what you had to say was so refreshing to me... what a cool kid. He seemed legitimately appreciative and engaged. Great video

[@daytona_200]

I only clicked on it thinking Grady would ask about his mullet, so glad I’m right

[@JamesJon1187]

Morgan seems like such a likeable, genuine guy.

[@amydeleon3387]

Yay for 4-H! Homeschool families really embrace & see how it can provide valuable life lessons!! ❤️

[@AdamRogers]

How can you not like this guy.

[@LO-dv1sr]

I love Morgan's music! It brings me a lot of joy listening to it. I've been a fan since I first heard him sing Collide on The Voice! I don't agree with what he said but I still want to hear his music and it upsets me that some radio stations won't play it now. I'll keep listening and buying anything he puts out. His music means that much to me! He deserves another chance!

[@marioawabdyable]

Grady: Does your mullet make you feel a certain kind of way? Morgan: Yes, I wake up everyday and I'm like "yea I got a mullet!" hahahaha anyone else hear that as a Talladega Nights reference?!

[@courtney.22]

what is that

[@savageman086]

Courtney Courteau a Will Smith movie

[@savageman086]

I mean will Farrell

[@winklersisters4evs]

MORGAN WALLEN 4 EVER

[@kennydoublep]

Morgan is right about being exposed to a different audience. I didn't know who he was until 'Heartless' and now I listen to him quite often. He has gotten me more into country music, and I am from Alabama. 7 Summers is my favorite.

[@jwall1704]

I love Morgan Wallen and his realness, I hope he never changes.

[@mrgiannopolis]

Been a fan of his since "The way I talk". Would love to see Midland get ahold of him and incorporate his voice into their style for a song.

[@tylerbrown8386]

Would definitely like to drink a couple beers with Morgan Wallen. Dude seems so down to earth, and just taking it all in stride . Good interview

[@CountryGirl-o5s]

I love his music so much. I hope that he will come to Arkansas to do a concert. He’s a very talented musician. That’s why I love him so much. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lukeschacher3048]

I swear he is the most down to earth artist right now

[@matthew_hilliard]

This is great! The "Cover Me Up" cover really endeared me to this guy

[@shari7422]

Enjoyed this interview. Morgan Wallen is the best!

[@DanCBearded]

I saw him in Detroit with Hardy and Florida Georgia Line. Absolutely loved his show and this interview is amazing!

[@GradySmith]

Dan! I love your channel -- hope you enjoy the beard mention in our mullet talk lol.

[@DanCBearded]

@@GradySmith oh man, that is wild!! Just made my night. Thank you brotha!

[@janbailey5214]

So enjoyable… I’m a little late to the party but so glad I did ❤ 3/7/23 47:49

[@dominicfay4866]

who else thinks Grady should get a podcast and have artists on it

[@minervamariekirk5832]

I love him so much he's so sweet.😊❤

[@katie08kg]

i got to see morgan in ohio and my mom was rushing me to leave to beat traffic and i did EVERYTHING i could to stall just so i could hear cover me up and it was so amazing hearing it live 🥺❤️

[@makenziegreen3715]

I have loved Morgan wallen since I heard “ the way I talk “ and I have been in love since and I have never clicked on video so fast.

[@scottnorthmusic1565]

Man I'll buy every Morgan Wallen album because he's such a good dude, great interview! #country

[@Milewski23]

That whole bit talking about Heartless was absolute gold. Loved that.

[@genevawelsh9133]

He just seems so chill and down to earth. He of course loves talking about his work but the way he kept saying on how he never expected to get on the voice or being noticed all he wanted to do is have fun with it and do what he loves. And that's the kind of message that any singer or band should promote. Because the more they go with the mind process of "I'm so great I can do whatever" eventually it becomes work for them. And I think that's the reason why many singers or actors quit their job cause either they act that way or they feel they have to work on this certain image because they think that is what gonna help their career or they think that's how they get fans. But Morgan seems the opposite he doesn't care about an "image" he has to keep up with. You can tell he is being himself and doesn't care what people think or say about him

[@tannerrathjens1774]

I have seen Morgan live 5 times... he is absolutely amazing and is doing great things for country music.i have been a fan since I heard the way I talk ... dude is so talented and exciting to watch. Can’t wait to hear some new music from him!

[@Penguinn]

Congratulations!! Morgan Wallen is amazing

[@colemartin9469]

Probably one of my favorite video interviews I have ever watched.

[@mrhipsterman]

Grady you're absolutely the best. I admire your effort, your attitude, and your kindness!

[@happyholly7023]

I was a huge fan of Morgan on the voice! I was thrilled to see him again!

[@MrSmashley1989]

I was lucky, my first exposure to Morgan was seeing him open for FGL in Australia last year. Genuinely became a fan by the end of his set and haven't looked back. My biggest regret is that I didn't know any of the songs in his set that I do now!

[@jessicarivera4974]

This is a really good interview. I appreciate the fact you were able to get more into the person. I only knew of his songs. I had no clue he was on the Voice or a Preachers Kid.

[@Celestia1111ove]

This interview is DAMN GOOD! 🤩

[@jacklineescobar1700]

Absolutely loved this interview. He seems like such a down to earth Guy. He’s also very funny which made the interview even better.

[@mariebisson1252]

Cover me up was the first song i heard, and i was hooked.

[@jenroark4118]

I’ve never liked sum so fast, I say this everyday but Morgan Wallen is an actual blessing. His mom is the real star like y’all said but I see him March 19th and I just can’t get over how much he’s grown. Love him tho

[@karenlittle337]

Love Morgan 🎶 and his songs keep singing u have a good voice❤

[@eddyburg101]

Great interview. I've always been a Morgan fan after watching this interview he seems very honest and real loved it

[@JoshVanTubergen]

This is awesome, Grady. I've never seen a KZbinr work so hard and care so much about putting out quality content. Keep it up, but please don't burn yourself out either. Even the simplest videos you put out are great. Great video, amazing interview!

[@GradySmith]

That means a lot, Josh. Thank you!

[@MicahRion]

This is an awesome interview, Grady! It being backstage adds to it and doesn't detract from the quality of the conversation. Thanks for working hard to bring us this, I loved hearing more from Morgan.

[@robsingh892]

Gang gang! Oh wait, wrong mullet.

[@Sam-zw9gp]

Rob Singh I want to see him on Theos podcast so bad

[@ethanquinn1697]

@@Sam-zw9gp that would be dope

[@raytrumble1994]

Rob Singh gang gang 😂😂😂

[@The_dude94]

@@Sam-zw9gp him and Theo Von in the same room? That MIGHT be just a little too much mullet for 1 room to handle! It would be pretty cool though. 👍

[@susanthursdays5008]

@@The_dude94 OH!! I hope y’all watch Theo’s podcast “This Past Weekend” (in 2020) w/ feature guest Morgan and his crew, and ALL 4 of these boys (incl. Theo Von), had mullets, and was a howl, cuz they were all comparing each other’s ‘mullet style’, and they were all so funny. (The 2 guys that came on with Morgan, were guys he’s very close to, and writes with all the time - sorry, forget their names, - but if ya read this, check it out. It one of best podcasts, is on YTube every Monday/Tuesday - but definitely, every week, and is on Theo Von’s KZbin Channel, and podcast name is: This Past Weekend

[@RM-xh4hk]

I absofrigginlutely love Morgan Wallen's style and his music! This guy, to me, is the "new, old country"! Chasing You is THE best song yet! Tim McGraw, eat your heart out... and I can sing most every Tim McGraw album! Long live MW!

[@slayert-rav5835]

Dream come true if i were you. I love Morgan's music i listened to strictly rap for 18 years then i heard luke combs then i heard the voice of an angle @Morgan Wallen and ever since i havent looked back. Thanks morgan

[@drinnongames797]

Love you Morgan 💕💕💕 hope I get to see you

[@DanCBearded]

Mullet and a beard... my kind of place!

[@DanCBearded]

21:15 🙌

[@zacharyhardin3558]

Wow! He's a really cool/chill dude! Thanks for the interview

[@beautybynicole8004]

I just saw this, but omg I’ve been so obsessed with Morgan Wallen I have the biggest crush on him ever. He needs to sing at my sisters wedding! 🥺

[@jwmson7791]

Gotta love Morgan! If every celebrity would stay grounded like he has.... And when you think the music just can’t get any better the hits just keep coming! ♥️♥️

[@janiehopkins5584]

Great interview! Morgan is an amazing singer and seems to have a huge personality that draws others in. I think his song writing is going to be the thing that gives him staying power. I LOVE THAT HE MENTIONED RICK FLAIR!!! LOL I love that he remembers and is PROUD of his Roots!!!

[@derekmcmaster8191]

Mullet is my favorite part of Morgan. I thought he had a stylist come up with that. Amazing that's it's his own style choice!

[@madisonweaver6981]

“We’re lucky somebody didn’t die”

[@Copyrightbreaker22]

When I listen to his song even the bro country stuff i always felt like it was genuine and watching this interview confirms it for me.

[@itsmb8]

Ive loved country music for the longest time now (honestly with or without MW itd be basically all i listen to) but he makes listening to country so much better, honestly. He has so many great songs already, and he seems like an all-around great dude too.

[@emilymetrejean5229]

i love morgan wallen, and i like hearing about his life. 🥺❤️

[@joshuagold9769]

Great work! My favorite Morgan Wallen song is Stand Out. I hope in the future we get to see more and more artist interviews from you, it seemed so effortless and certainly didn’t have that run of the mill, corny interview.

[@LadiesMan21741]

Heck yay this was awesome, thank you for getting in touch with him to make a video! Thank you Morgan Wallen for answer these questions and that this opened new ideas, learning about you and your life!! Btw saw you, Jason, and Riley Green in Columbia, South Carolina It was the best night of my life!!!!

[@Dixiecharm01]

STILL LOVE MORGAN WALLEN!! Full support!

[@Quwichison]

I love this format. We must find a way for Grady Smith to interview Eric Church.

[@bananadozer1]

Ikr

[@um4327]

Yeah!

[@cassidyt8631]

Loved learning more about Morgan! An even bigger fan now! Thanks Grady!

[@abitapiadotcom]

Nice job on the interview. I was impressed with how you framed the mullet question as a serious topic- and got a great answer that revealed something about his family and identity. Keep it coming!

[@jordanpowell9504]

Seems like a good dude. Gained some respect from me. Also, great Interview, Grady.

[@yamajammer76]

I like Morgan Wallen. He’s talented and just seems like a good guy who is nice to everyone.

[@dawnbelt6330]

Loved this interview! I am a super fan of Morgan and have been since the beginning. He is a very talented young man and I hope to see more interviews with you and him. Great job Grady!

[@cooperhewgill327]

Eye contacts really helps you connect with your guest, great conversation though loved it

[@chesniedavenport7256]

Gah I love him! I live 5 mins away from sneedville! I’ve saw him in concert 6 times and counting and got to meet him!❤️❤️

[@tannahgreenwood9418]

He’s my favorite artist right now!

[@margotbw4660]

Great interview, you covered SO much and really brought each other out!