The time that High Valley fans have been waiting for has arrived! The six years wait since the release of the two-time ACM New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year nominee’s last album ended on Friday, May 20 when Way Back hit the shelves and ears of fans worldwide. And it does not disappoint as the 13-track album features co-writes by HV’s Brad Rempel, incredible collaborations and uplifting tunes.
We recently caught up with Brad to talk about the lead up to the album release, those collaborations, and more.
CN: Can you believe ‘Way Back’ release day is almost here?! Two more weeks … yes we’re counting!
BR: We are so excited! It’s been way too long!
CN: High Valley handled the production of this album a little differently – with help from your fans across social media to help pick the track listing. How did you come up with this idea?
BR: We’ve actually used this idea in the past. It was our fans who chose Make You Mine and She’s With Me. Those songs changed our lives so figured we should absolutely let them weigh in with their opinions again!
CN: How important was it for you to include your fans in this way, as this is HV’s sixth studio album?
BR: We are nothing without our fans. We love interacting with them as much as possible. Since there’s been less touring and ways to interact in person recently, this felt like a great way to keep in touch with our fans.
CN: Given their participation, how excited are you for those fans to hear this album?
BR: There seems to be a ton of excitement! I can’t wait to hear everyone’s response once they’ve heard the whole record!
CN: This album also includes two amazing collaborations. The first is “Somebody Tell That Girl,” which was released as a single back in March and features Christian breakout artist Anne Wilson. How did you go about asking Anne to join you on the track?
BR: Anne’s name kept popping up. Everyone in Nashville kept bragging about how great her voice was. I listened to her music and loved it just like everyone else. Thankfully, she had always wanted to be on a Country record so she said yes to the invite. Having her voice on the song makes the message way more powerful.
CN: You co-wrote this single with Matt Rogers and Jason Grant. What was the inspiration behind this song, which is a tribute to the power and value of women?
BR: I have 3 sisters, an amazing Mom and many nieces. Obviously i spend the most time with my wife and get to see how amazing and powerful she is every single day. It felt like a message that needed to be out there, but without adding a female perspective, i think it’d would’ve been lost on most people.
CN: The second collab features Granger Smith on “Country Music, Girls & Trucks.”
BR: Granger and I have been friends for quite a few years. He was one of the first artists to release one of my songs to Country Radio. Even though we grew up almost 3000 miles apart, our stories of growing up are very similar. I asked him to sing on this and he asked me to fly to his ranch in Texas to shoot the video. We had so much fun and I can’t wait for everybody to see it!
CN: Each of the 13 tracks on this album was co-written by you. Were these songs that you have had for a while and just never recorded? Or were they written during the pandemic?
BR: Some of these songs are 6 years old. Some of them were created via zoom. We went down to the beach and had a songwriting retreat down there. I write almost everyday. Sometimes with my best friends and sometimes with people I’ve never met. It was so hard to pick our favorite 13!
CN: As a songwriter, you have written several songs recorded by some of the biggest names in country, including Trisha Yearwood, Jimmie Allen, Dylan Scott, Granger Smith, Clay Walker, Lathan Warlick, Dan Tyminski, Paul Brandt, and Lindsay Ell. Can you take us through your songwriting process?
BR: As a writer, almost every moment of the day is an opportunity for inspiration. I try so hard to have real life reflected in my songs. When something hits me as an idea or theme, I’ll jot it down so I’m prepared for next time I’m in the studio looking for a title.
CN: How did you decide on the album title ‘Way Back’?
BR: If we’re doing it right, High Valley records will always make people feel happy, hopeful and nostalgic at the same time. Way Back is a term that people often use to refer to a time when things were at their best. We hope this record takes people to that place but also gives them confidence that the best is yet to come.
CN: With two collaborations on this album, who else would you love to collaborate with in the future?
BR: Hailey Whitters is one of my favorite artists. I have a feeling that would be a great collaboration.
CN: CMA Fest is back this year! How psyched are you to be back with country music fans in Music City?!
BR: CMA Fest has been a big part of my life for 10 years now. Summer isn’t complete without it! I’m pumped to be playing at it again but also wondering if it’ll be as scorching hot as it always is!
Catch High Valley at CMA Fest on Saturday, June 11 at 2:00pm on the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage (dates & times subject to change).
Stream/download Way Back here.
For more information on High Valley, visit their website www.highvalleymusic.com and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.