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
Find Grady:
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Facebook: / gradysmithwriter
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Website: gradywsmith.com

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 🤣

[@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.

[@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 😅

[@songnotes]

Love the production honesty of those first 5 seconds :)

[@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]

[@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

[@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.

[@Kaitlyndink]

this man is so flippin cute. WE LOVE U MORGAN

[@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!

[@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 😂

[@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!

[@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 💌🎼

[@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.

[@kassandraz7174]

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

[@itskindofdumb21]

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

[@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!!

[@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! 🤘🏼

[@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

[@mariebisson1252]

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

[@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]

[@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.

[@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

[@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]

[@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

[@JASOMASTER2]

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

[@daytona_200]

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

[@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!

[@SndyMun]

Morgan wallen seems so chill

[@matthew_hilliard]

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

[@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

[@amydeleon3387]

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

[@scottnorthmusic1565]

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

[@nodrizzyno]

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.

[@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.

[@lilydoerschuk2891]

this is so pure, aw.

[@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

[@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!

[@mariebisson1252]

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

[@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!

[@JamesJon1187]

Morgan seems like such a likeable, genuine guy.

[@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.

[@user-ol6yt9yw1o]

I love Morgan Wallen. He is a very down to earth guy and I’m glad his parents supported him

[@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.

[@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!

[@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]

[@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

[@madisonweaver6981]

“We’re lucky somebody didn’t die”

[@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.

[@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 🥺❤️

[@happyholly7023]

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

[@mrhipsterman]

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

[@eddyburg101]

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

[@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

[@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!!!!

[@cactipickles]

"Ya gotta matter til ya don't."

[@margotbw4660]

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

[@Penguinn]

Congratulations!! Morgan Wallen is amazing

[@colemartin9469]

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

[@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!

[@sabrinawampler8156]

Really enjoyed getting to watch this throughout my week! So glad to see you getting more opportunities to work with artist like this

[@leahr4761]

I haven’t even let the video get to 3 seconds in and I’ve already hit Like. LOVE YOU BOTH ❤️👏🏼

[@tyleankrzywdik6372]

Morgan Wallen is incredible

[@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!!!

[@danielvelarde6393]

So good to see you blowing up and getting bigger, it’s been a crazy ride watching you for a year. Morgan is my favorite artist so this is a dream colab

[@betsychappy3477]

Never clicked a video faster. Love your content, Grady!

[@Adiz9809]

We need more content like this! Great job, Grady!

[@Kpz21]

Great job Grady!! I’ve watched a few interviews with Morgan and I thought your questions were refreshing!

[@laylamarie5127]

Omg! I love this! I can’t believe you got an interview with Morgan Wallen

[@andrearivas8605]

Loved this!👏👏 I loved how relaxed and conversational he seems.

[@mrmike9803]

Haven’t watched a 45 minute video in a long time. Very well done, Grady.

[@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!

[@shari7422]

Enjoyed this interview. Morgan Wallen is the best!

[@daltonfoley641]

Congrats on nailing this interview Grady!! I can't wait to see what doors open next.

[@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!

[@MichaelLloyd]

This was a really good interview. Very personal and fun.

[@jacobstringer8260]

Love this! I have been a country music snob for a while and have written off a lot of more mainstream guys in the past, but I like this guy, he seems so genuine.

[@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! 🥺

[@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

[@mikestewart3670]

One of the most interesting and enlightening interviews I’ve watched in quite a while. Great questions that really allowed us all to see what a genuine guy Morgan is. Thanks Grady! Nice work!

[@Celestia1111ove]

This interview is DAMN GOOD! 🤩

[@alexishutson8967]

This is everything I’ve ever dreamed of. Thank you so much for doing this video

[@JTLontheline]

Best interview I’ve seen in a while. Keep it up. Love how Morgan is being his true self. Really representing us well here in Southeast Tennessee.

[@minervamariekirk5832]

I love him so much he's so sweet.😊❤

[@lluvialeija8730]

I loved it he is such a down to earth person and your interviewing skills just flowed u didn't attack u kept it respectful and just smooth

[@lukeschacher3048]

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

[@michaeldeangoodrich]

Thank you for this video. I enjoyed the Q&A. i was never much of a Morgan Wallen listener before this, but i'm gonna listen a little bit more to him now.

[@cassidyt8631]

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

[@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!❤️❤️

[@mattrideout3649]

Don’t ever feel bad. You’re a great host. Can’t wait to see more !

[@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

[@AustinHollingerOfficial]

0:15 - 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 Isbel

[@mrjoe890]

what an amazing interview/banter, really enjoyed this and a bit more of a morgan wallen fan now. thanks grady "the bridge" smith.

[@melaniehawthorne5997]

First time watching. Great interview! Mogan seems very down to earth. Big fan of his music. Thank you, Grady!!

[@Orang3_fatty24]

This is awesome. Congrats on scoring this interview!