Hardy Sold Out?

Today's video is all about Hardy's new single "Sold Out," which was released as a rock song, not a country music one. This vid is just kinda going over the past few years of his career, and what seems like a new chapter.
00:00 - The rise of Hardy & 'A Rock'
02:06 - Hardy's recent collaborations and Hixtape 2
04:02 - 'Sold Out' released as a rock song
05:18 - My little genre soapbox
05:56 - 'Sold Out' thoughts
Find Grady:
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Spotify: open.spotify.com/playlist/5SB...

[@MrSmashley1989]

You know what would be classic Hardy wordplay? For him to release a country album called "A Rock", then release a rock album and call it "A Country"

[@annak3388]

This is amazing

[@Jwizz2000]

🤯

[@goodolsouthernboy186]

😆 🤣 😂

[@gavinbenz9034]

As a rock and metal fan at the core and country fan came later. This song is absolutely awesome

[@whowastheoneguy4719]

Same! We just need a Gojira feat. Kenny Chesney track to make me feel complete.

[@HSLSENG]

Y‘allternative is booming right now and I‘m loving it

[@ZakTheIllest]

@@HSLSENG y'allternative is the best thing I've ever heard and yes, I agree, it's the next wave.

[@brianhuddle2853]

This. All of this, haha.

[@CyrusWaugh]

Grady really said: I’m gonna upload videos at MAXIMUM OVERDRIVE

[@d00mb0x4]

So thought a lot about that line you mentioned "don't sprinkle Dixie crystal in my half time" Wife and I were talking about it the other day and we think we got it. Dixie crystal is probably referring to meth or some other kind of drug. In the Midwest and other rural areas is a pretty big issue to those communities. Half time likely refers to down time. Think of half time during a football game when football players aren't playing. Basically the point is despite his success, he hasn't succumb to the "drug" lifestyle that many artists do as they find popularity. Again he hasn't sold out or changed like so many people do. Would love to hear if anyone else got something else from it.

[@jonathansupple3227]

I think this is spot on. Immediately what I thought of and it fits the song well

[@melize]

This was my interpretation also, immediately.

[@americanvikingr7726]

I thought he meant it more like a "I don't sugarcoat anything I do away from the songwriting part of my life" seeing as Dixie crystal is a brand of cane sugar

[@d00mb0x4]

@@americanvikingr7726 would totally make sense as well

[@jaredcullop70]

Yeah. I just replied to the same. Didn't see your response until now. 100%.

[@jasondonohue7355]

Saw Hardy perform Sold Out at Madison Square Garden. Never heard it before but after that concert I went in a wild goose chase to find what song it was and the day it was released I saw it in Spotify and found it. It’s been on repeat since. I listen to it at least twice a day and I’m amazed I still like it and I haven’t overplayed it

[@bnorvs5929]

Can’t listen to this song on anything under max volume, actually gave me chills the first time and im not really a metal fan either

[@danGroutZ]

I think the thing that gets me is that people seem to forget the metal and rock influences on Hixtape. The guy is someone who seems to enjoy a myriad of genres, and the rock stuff works for him. Sold Out is a killer track. It’s definitely a mix of country, and metal, but it hits well. I could do with more country rock hitting the charts, and radio.

[@brandonbaril4516]

I'd prefer this on country radio all day over much of the pop and bro-country.

[@nasty2755]

I know a lot of people say the Hixtapes aren’t good, definitely not better than his solo albums but, I think they both have a good collection of songs

[@jaredhoober1954]

Yeah. And I disagree with Grady on how the album was released. I actually found myself looking forward to Friday to hear the new song that would drop.

[@MrBrandon9559]

Hixtape vol 1 was the best album he has done

[@MrSmashley1989]

Agree 100%. Red Dirt Clouds is in my top 5 songs from last year, it was incredible.

[@DerickZ28]

Man I love about 95% of the HIXTAPE songs! Got them on repeat for a long time.

[@jaredcullop70]

Yeah. I disagree 100% with Grady here, too. Maybe he just doesn't like country bangers. :)

[@jessicaspencer4102]

Loving the new shorter more focused videos. Appreciate all your hard work and dedication Grady.

[@zacharyhardin426]

First off, I’m enjoying the new video format. Keep it up! As for the Hix Tapes, they remind me of the WOW HITS music projects. They feel like a way for artists to collaborate and have fun together without worrying about creating an entire new album on their own.

[@SuperWorkmusic]

Saw him perform this live and it was EVERYTHING!!! There was no indication he was the opener other than him being first. He owned the stage and the crowd from the very first second. He was so engaging and had the crowd singing along, even to his old songs. He took time to teach the hook so that everyone knew it! Great great performer!

[@SuperWorkmusic]

Also would like to add that he performs even his softest songs on A Rock like headbangers haha it was surprising but I was there for it!

[@NathanialBrown]

100% he put on a headliner performance on his current tour

[@boyceway5947]

I had the same thought. I told my wife after that I'd spend a lot of money to watch him headline.

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

He's not an "opener" in the same we local bands are, he's on the tour, he's just not the headliner. Usually the actual opening act is either a local band, or a band that only does a short run on the tour. My band has opened for major bands before, and it's always been a one-off. Not yet have we made it to the level of opening act that goes on tour with the headliner for more than one date, let alone the whole time.

[@jamessator5564]

I seen him back in 2019, he put on a GREAT show and I really dig what he’s doing!!

[@lennoncoley1431]

Coming back to this after several songs from his new project have dropped. You saying that you wouldn’t be surprised if he stuck a middle finger up and did it his own way has really manifested itself. The mockingbird and the crow is the new hardy and I’m here for it

[@craigkelly8499]

I found Hardy through you. I'm not a massive rock fan but Hardy for me is now one of my favorite artist. For me hixtape is not a Hardy album it's just a mixtape for country artists. I love sold out is already my most played Spotify song after a week.im excited for a new album or EP. I also love how he's not selling himself out he's still a country singer and enjoying life.

[@owenherndon3794]

This song was great when I saw him last week. Him and Morgan killed it

[@deathklipelite8029]

This song should get rock song of the year. I have not heard anything close to it at this time. Well done Hardy!

[@andrewmies1989]

Grady, absolutely love these easier going videos. Yes, the in depth ones are important and that's not something that should go away because its super interesting how your brain processes story lines across songs, albums and time, but something about these ones hit. Keep it up man, even though you disrespected my choice condiment for fries (#MustardOrDie)

[@GradySmith]

I can look past your mustard preferences for such nice comments as this!

[@yungamurai]

I'm a massive metal and country fan and this song is just perfect.

[@noahm1692]

LOVE these videos. Keep them coming, Grady!

[@bushgirl1998]

This song was SO GOOD live. We were very impressed! Now it’s playing on my Spotify at least 10+ times a day.

[@djjazzyjeff1232]

I think many country artists want to be rock stars deep down. Like look at Brad Paisley, maybe of one the biggest and most recognizable country artists of all time, when he grabs his bedazzled telecaster and plays Hot For Teacher that gets the biggest roars from the crowd at live shows. It should come as no surprise that someone like Hardy might go in this direction. Zac Brown and Dave Grohl are super close friends, (RIP Taylor Hawkins 😥) and Zac even did a blues-rock song with Chris Cornell before his passing (RIP to him too). And especially people of his age group, they grew up with stuff like Puddle of Mudd on the radio and other post-grunge and subsequently pop-punk music. The influences are in there. It should come as no surprise when the do come out.

[@diveloco5231]

Love the speedy uploads man

[@pennyj777]

Can’t wait for full album to drop in January! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@EroticWhale]

I’ll be honest I had no idea Hardy had this ability. I had to look it up and make sure he didn’t have a guest vocalist. As a fan of MANY genres, including rock, it sounds like an early Sleeping with Sirens or Pierce the Veil or BMTH song. And I am totally here for it.

[@HaydenTheHistorian]

I'm liking these daily uploads!

[@robertdeprey3234]

All Hardy's songs are awesome!!

[@Rowdyblackwell]

Saw him and wallen a couple of weeks ago in Greenville. First time we ever listened to hardy and he opened with this one. It was by far our favorite live show we’ve been too, just energy and so good. This song is really good

[@kaitgibbs4682]

i really like these shorter, more in focus & in depth videos!!

[@nathanblackmon8672]

I’ve watched your interview with Finn McKenty and have sent him some HARDY stuff, and he’s also fascinated. As far as some of the who’s who in metalcore and rock really fw HARDY and especially recognize the metal appreciation online. It’s opening a cool window. As of late I’ve seen a few drummers and guitar players leave their metal band to play for larger country acts.

[@_Jocephus_]

After the first Hixtape I was so excited for the sequel album, but was incredibly disappointed. It was really bad, even Midland's feature was a miss. Other than Hix 2, I love everything he's done. I love him.

[@lizclayton8464]

Lovin' the shorter (and more frequent) format.

[@averagejohn7435]

Just heard the track yesterday. Blew my mind. Loved that metal sound

[@AllAmericaTrucks]

You gotta try to get an interview with hardy, would love to see it

[@dadegoforth]

I saw Hardy and Morgan in Corpus Christi a couple months ago and this song was awesome in concert!

[@historyscosmicconnection7557]

You said it best when you said it's fresh because that's exactly what it is and damn it's fire

[@robsinclair3975]

Grady I really enjoy the new focused video style, keep it up!

[@MisterMonsterMan]

I love this song. Instant workout playlist material.

[@brooksreiman4990]

Bro this song live in Nebraska was the best 1 song live I've ever heard. Absolutely sensational

[@jacksonblue6382]

Love the single reviews man 🤘🏼🤘🏼🔥

[@cbw03467]

this song is my ideal genre of music. i can't get enough.

[@zaboomafool9772]

I view this song, as well as many of Koes songs, as a revival of an almost dead genre of Southern Rock. I’m so here for it!

[@iNDyfan3]

The thing about the Hixtapes that you have to realize, is that they are the throw away songs. They're not quite good enough to be released on a real album, but too good to put on the shelf. They're also party songs, and that's the point. Those songs are made to drink beers with the boys and have a good time. Thats why I enjoy them. They're not trying to be great songs, they're trying to be fun

[@coreymac892]

Best songwriter around, amazing artist, 11/10 overall awesome dude.

[@JustinHubbard84]

He played it live on Nashville on Friday night with Morgan and it’s a banger live. People want authenticity. And I think Hardy loves heavy music and it would be a shame if he couldn’t explore that side of himself. Plus the whole concept of the song is great.

[@jacksonblue6382]

Also… Hardy said In an interview that he was working on a rock album lol

[@TheNateLambert]

“Dixie Crystal on my half-time” is a reference to the time change used in metal breakdowns. Other artist: definitely put “sugar” on this switch to make it sound sweeter, instead of what Hardy does on stuff like the chorus of “Boots”

[@hunterpollock2697]

The mans given me more videos than I can handle, drowning in joy

[@talynnbrooke9905]

I could listen to you rant about the genre debate all day

[@stephenfernald2490]

Love this song. Would love to see a full on rock album from him. Why not? The walls between genres are basically gone. I’m no longer scandalized by artists doing radical transformations in the name of stretching artistically. And I would love a country Warped Tour.

[@aproctor05]

Seeing him perform Sold Out live is amazing

[@nickadcock2417]

I’ve seen on other interviews, Rock Feed, Hardy is a BIG time metal fan. I’ve also heard he wants to do a rock album which I’m sure will be as good as Sold Out. I’m a big time metal and big time country fan and I love seeing Hardy bring both to the table.

[@brandonbroward]

Loving these shorter video Grady. Keep it up

[@vaporated5166]

At this point, the only country artists that haven’t sold out are BLACKPINK.

[@aaronwalker7945]

Loving these new videos! Having said that I just don’t get the Hardy love but do what you do

[@jlaplante8]

He came out at The Warf on his first song and it blew the whole crowd up in 2022.

[@TheJoeDupree]

I absolutely love his new rock single.

[@allenhayesmusic]

I am really enjoying some Hardy! He is a very talented writer and artist!

[@garrettscroggs]

7:16 I also find that choppy flow interesting. Like it would also work on top of a trap beat, but they didn't do that and just had a normal rock build up. I can get behind this.

[@boyceway5947]

I hit a new deadlift PR to this song yesterday. Banger.

[@kkaseyxx3]

i was waiting for you to do a video on thissssss! yeee

[@joejones7852]

THREE IN THREE DAYS WE ARE NOT WORTHY!

[@drewwatson2252]

Love the new style short videos

[@tedoakley5600]

Just recently discovered your channel and am somewhat new to country music. I like stuff like Hank Jr, Chris Stapleton and Midland. Not a fan of "bro" or "boyfriend" country but can see why that sh*t is popular with an emphasis on pop lol. Anways, I like your honest reviews and opinions so I just subscribed. Keep putting out that great content man, oh and I love how you poke fun of Luke Bryan. That shit is hilarious LOL

[@thebenjichord1599]

David Garcia and Hillary Lindsey also wrote "Boots" with Hardy. Would have been cool to be in the writing room that day.

[@Vano-ey3pb]

I’m HERE for the daily uploads!!! Lmao

[@codyangelette7265]

I don’t sprinkle Dixie crystal on my halftime is basically saying that hes not gonna sugarcoat anything

[@godblesstheusa3130]

Sold out is incredible!!! I can’t believe how awesome it is he came out with this!! Agree on your comments on hixtape 2 there are a few good ones but I don’t like it as much as the 1st. Can’t complain about much of anything he produces though!! 😊

[@momamae23]

I just found him lately, he seems to be very talented.

[@masonellwood7]

Everybody agree here the best song by this dude is give Heaven some hell

[@sbrown8972]

I saw it live in Nashville! Hardy was awesome and he rocked it!

[@JustinBoyfriend]

10 DAYS IS TOO LONG, GRADY. WHERE YA AT?!

[@caseyhuskey]

It's a great song. Hardy is the man and I'm excited to see him explode!

[@ginoassenmacher30]

Another potential explanation for the Dixie Crystal line: Its most likely a drug reference like mentioned in the comments, but “halftime” could also mean halftime breakdowns in songs, and he doesnt “sugar” them up to please the higher-ups, he does what he wants with his music. Would kinda make sense with the next line too because he would first reference his outcast music style, then his outcast fans to go along with it

[@ronaldreagan2035]

It means he doesn’t sugar coat his music. I think the drug reference people are reaching a little bit lol

[@vlockley]

Give us a one hour genre rant video!

[@rikkikemz8056]

Coming from the metal and hardcore scene, this song belongs in drop tuning😯🤤 hope he makes more of this and tunes in drop c/drop b 😂

[@Jwizz2000]

Ahhh yeahhh, maybe a producer who can bring out the music more and not just let it blend in together…. These guitars need life, drums were 🔥tho

[@charleslucas209]

Hixtape vol. 2 isn't really about hardy as vol. 1 was but getting to work with alot of his friends and giving them an opportunity to put out good music

[@xOfficerVickix]

This song is currently being played on octane on XM and everyone on hating on it sadly

[@davisfzg]

Rapid fire Grady is the best Grady

[@patrickkanas3874]

WWE choosing this as the theme for the Royal Rumble (one of their biggest events of the year) definitely establishes it as one of his signature songs

[@Mullets_and_Mutts]

Red dirt clouds 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Eric-oq2yu]

As someone who likes every genre of music when HARDY opened for Morgan at MSG in February, his show was more of a rock show. It was cool.

[@gregc247]

I really dig this one, song hits hard live, just friggen jams

[@madis989]

If you’ve never heard the song “country folks” by bubba sparxxx… this is the vibe hardy gives me. It’s a guilty pleasure for sure.

[@TaterQ104]

Had the pleasure of doing a podcast with HARDY during the pandemic. So that was pre-Hixtape volume 2. He said that they (The label) wanted to separate HARDY and Hixtape. So that is why Vol. 2 sounds like a wild mix of songs that somewhat don’t sound like his style.

[@kevinpollard9010]

Really liking the new shorter videos

[@ZakTheIllest]

It was his Opening track in Nashville. Big sound. Big big sound.

[@tt01krunkerpoggers14]

I love this song I think it’s one of his best

[@littlecsommercorn]

Dude might end up becoming the country version of Ronnie. Hardy and Ronnie need to collab!

[@davidanselmo8930]

Great song 👌👌👌

[@mrmoore1423]

You need to see Koe live. His shows are insane. Especially when he comes back here to east texas. Shit gets rowdy

[@ericstarrett6290]

Damn mad respect to you

[@oJhydra]

Love you too

[@JDHeller0909]

I saw Hardy years ago opening for Wallen before Dangerous and he was the best performer I'd seen to that point. Didn't know a single song and left only talking about him. He's solid through and through. Country and rock have the most crossover of any genres I think. The least abrasive at least and while this is rock, I could see the hard stuff coming as a tonal shift for him, maintaining the country label though

[@funkla65]

Truthfully, never cared much for his previous mix of country/rock/pop, but this may be worth checking out.

[@josieevans2521]

It was soooo good live

[@startmoneymotorsports]

i blast sold out like 15 times a day since it came out. i wanna go to a hardy show and mosh

[@JacksonDreyer]

Yo, heads up to keep your eyes out for whenever Temecula Road puts out their next song. They’ve been cooking up some killer new stuff, and just showed four of em at Whiskey Jam last night.

[@jaredcullop70]

Grady, for cryin' out loud. Hardy released three bombs (well, two bombs and a song... or one bomb and two songs... THIS IS WHY WE NEED YOU!) and I keep checking to see what you think. Come on, man. This is big stuff right here!

[@andrealasater91]

Just saw him live a few weeks back and he played this. Best live show I think I have ever seen. May I go out on a limb and say I like him better than Morgan Wallen live.

[@Hopeful_Libertarian]

He's recorded both Country & Rock before. Some of his songs are both. His Blurry cover is actually very good. I think he releases his Rock album in August.