The Road To Fame: How Did Morgan Wallen Get Started?

Morgan Wallen's rise to stardom is a testament to the power of social media and the enduring appeal of country music.

Wallen was born in Sneedville, Tennessee, in 1993. He began playing guitar at a young age and started writing songs in his early teens. In 2014, he auditioned for the sixth season of The Voice, but was eliminated in the knockout round. Undeterred, Wallen continued to pursue his music career independently, releasing his debut EP, Stand Alone, in 2015.

Wallen's big break came in 2016 when he was discovered by Florida Georgia Line's Brian Kelley. Kelley was impressed by Wallen's songwriting and vocal abilities, and he invited him to join FGL on their Dig Your Roots Tour. Wallen's performances on the tour helped him to gain a wider audience, and he soon signed a recording contract with Big Loud Records.

Wallen's debut album, If I Know Me, was released in 2018 and debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The album's lead single, "Up Down," was a huge hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earning Wallen his first Grammy nomination.

Wallen's success has continued with his second album, Dangerous: The Double Album, which was released in 2021. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and has spawned several hit singles, including "7 Summers" and "Wasted on You."

Wallen's music has been praised for its blend of traditional country and modern pop influences. He has been compared to artists such as Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, and Florida Georgia Line. Wallen's success is a testament to his songwriting ability, his vocal talent, and his ability to connect with his audience.

How Was Morgan Wallen Discovered?

Morgan Wallen's rise to stardom is a testament to the power of social media and the enduring appeal of country music. Here are six key aspects of his discovery:

• Early Influences: Wallen was raised on a steady diet of country music, and he credits artists such as Hank Williams, Jr., Alan Jackson, and Jason Aldean as his early influences.
• Social Media Presence: Wallen began posting videos of himself singing and playing guitar on social media in 2014. His videos quickly gained a following, and he soon caught the attention of record labels.
• Signing with Big Loud Records: In 2016, Wallen signed a recording contract with Big Loud Records. The label helped him to develop his sound and prepare for his debut album.
• Breakthrough Hit: Wallen's breakthrough hit came in 2018 with the release of his single "Up Down." The song reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earned Wallen his first Grammy nomination.
• Critical Acclaim: Wallen's debut album, If I Know Me, was released in 2018 and received critical acclaim. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and spawned several hit singles, including "Whiskey Glasses" and "Chasin' You."
• Continued Success: Wallen's success has continued with his second album, Dangerous: The Double Album, which was released in 2021. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and has spawned several hit singles, including "7 Summers" and "Wasted on You."

Wallen's discovery is a reminder of the power of social media and the enduring appeal of country music. His story is an inspiration to aspiring musicians everywhere.

Personal Details and Bio Data:

| Detail | Information ||---|---|| Name | Morgan Wallen || Birthdate | May 13, 1993 || Birthplace | Sneedville, Tennessee || Genre | Country || Label | Big Loud Records || Grammy Nominations | 2 |

Early Influences

The early influences that shaped Morgan Wallen's musical style played a crucial role in his discovery and subsequent rise to stardom. Growing up immersed in the sounds of classic country music, Wallen developed a deep appreciation for the genre's storytelling and emotional depth.

Wallen's early influences are evident in his own songwriting, which often draws on themes of love, loss, and redemption. His music resonates with audiences who appreciate the authenticity and relatability of his lyrics.

Social Media Presence

Morgan Wallen's social media presence was a major factor in his discovery and subsequent rise to stardom. By posting videos of himself performing on platforms such as YouTube and Instagram, Wallen was able to build a following of fans who were eager to hear more from him.

• Content that Resonated with Audiences: Wallen's videos were often raw and unpolished, but they showcased his natural talent and his passion for music. His songs resonated with audiences who appreciated his authenticity and his ability to connect with them on a personal level.
• Building a Fan Base: Wallen's social media presence helped him to build a loyal fan base who were eager to support his music. His fans helped to spread the word about his music, and they played a key role in his eventual signing with a record label.
• Catching the Attention of Record Labels: Wallen's social media presence eventually caught the attention of record labels. They were impressed by his talent and his ability to connect with audiences, and they saw him as a potential star. As a result, Wallen was able to sign a recording contract with Big Loud Records in 2016.

Wallen's story is a testament to the power of social media in today's music industry. By using social media to share his music and connect with fans, Wallen was able to launch his career and become one of the most popular country music artists in the world.

Signing with Big Loud Records

Morgan Wallen's signing with Big Loud Records was a major turning point in his career. The label provided him with the resources and support he needed to develop his sound and prepare for his debut album. Here are some of the key ways that Big Loud Records helped Wallen to achieve success:

• Professional Development: Big Loud Records provided Wallen with access to top-notch producers, songwriters, and musicians. This helped him to refine his sound and develop his skills as a songwriter and performer.
• Marketing and Promotion: Big Loud Records invested heavily in marketing and promoting Wallen's music. This helped to raise his profile and reach a wider audience.
• Distribution and Sales: Big Loud Records has a well-established distribution network, which ensured that Wallen's music was available to fans all over the world.

Wallen's signing with Big Loud Records was a crucial step in his journey to becoming one of the most popular country music artists in the world. The label's support and guidance helped him to develop his sound, reach a wider audience, and achieve commercial success.

Breakthrough Hit

Morgan Wallen's breakthrough hit, "Up Down," played a pivotal role in his discovery and subsequent rise to stardom. The song's success brought Wallen widespread recognition and helped to establish him as a major force in country music.

There are several key reasons why "Up Down" was such a significant moment in Wallen's career:

• Commercial Success: The song's commercial success was undeniable. It reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and remained there for two weeks. It also peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, indicating its crossover appeal.
• Critical Acclaim: "Up Down" was also well-received by critics. It was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Country Song, and it was praised for its catchy melody and Wallen's heartfelt vocal performance.
• Increased Visibility: The success of "Up Down" helped to increase Wallen's visibility and reach a wider audience. He was invited to perform on popular television shows such as Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He also embarked on a sold-out tour, further solidifying his status as a rising star.

In conclusion, Morgan Wallen's breakthrough hit, "Up Down," was a major turning point in his career. The song's commercial success, critical acclaim, and increased visibility helped to establish Wallen as a major force in country music and paved the way for his continued success.

Critical Acclaim

The critical acclaim that Morgan Wallen's debut album received played a significant role in his discovery and subsequent rise to stardom. Here are a few key points to consider:

• Validation of Talent: Positive reviews from respected music critics helped to validate Wallen's talent and artistry. This gave him credibility in the eyes of fans and industry professionals alike.
• Increased Visibility: Favorable reviews helped to increase Wallen's visibility and reach a wider audience. This was especially important in the early stages of his career, when he was still trying to establish himself.
• Commercial Success: The critical acclaim that Wallen's album received likely contributed to its commercial success. Positive reviews can help to generate buzz and excitement around an album, which can lead to increased sales.

In conclusion, the critical acclaim that Morgan Wallen's debut album received was a major factor in his discovery and subsequent rise to stardom. Positive reviews from respected music critics helped to validate his talent, increase his visibility, and contribute to the commercial success of his album.

Continued Success

Morgan Wallen's continued success is a testament to his talent, hard work, and dedication to his craft. His second album, Dangerous: The Double Album, is a sprawling and ambitious project that showcases his growth as an artist and songwriter.

• Artistic Growth: Dangerous: The Double Album is a more mature and introspective album than Wallen's debut. It features songs that explore themes of love, loss, and redemption. Wallen's songwriting has also improved, and he is now able to craft songs that are both catchy and meaningful.
• Commercial Success: Dangerous: The Double Album has been a huge commercial success. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart and has spawned several hit singles, including "7 Summers" and "Wasted on You." Wallen's music is now reaching a wider audience than ever before.
• Critical Acclaim: Dangerous: The Double Album has also received critical acclaim. Critics have praised Wallen's songwriting, his vocal performance, and the album's overall production. Wallen is now considered to be one of the most talented and promising artists in country music.

Wallen's continued success is a reminder that he is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry. He is a talented artist with a bright future ahead of him.

FAQs about Morgan Wallen's Discovery

This section addresses common questions and misconceptions surrounding the discovery of Morgan Wallen, providing informative answers based on factual information.

Question 1: How did Morgan Wallen get discovered?

Answer: Wallen's journey to discovery began with his active presence on social media, where he shared videos of his performances. His talent caught the attention of record labels, leading to his signing with Big Loud Records in 2016.

Question 2: What role did social media play in Wallen's discovery?

Answer: Social media platforms provided Wallen with a direct channel to showcase his talent, allowing him to build a fan base and attract the attention of industry professionals.

Question 3: How did Wallen's early influences shape his sound?

Answer: Growing up immersed in country music, Wallen's influences, including Hank Williams Jr., Alan Jackson, and Jason Aldean, played a significant role in shaping his style and storytelling approach.

Question 4: What was the significance of Wallen's signing with Big Loud Records?

Answer: Big Loud Records provided Wallen with the resources and support necessary for his professional development, including access to experienced producers, songwriters, and industry expertise.

Question 5: How did Wallen's breakthrough hit "Up Down" impact his career?

Answer: "Up Down" propelled Wallen into the spotlight, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and earning him his first Grammy nomination. Its commercial success and critical acclaim solidified his status as a rising star.

Question 6: What factors have contributed to Wallen's continued success?

Answer: Wallen's continued success can be attributed to his artistic growth, as evidenced in his introspective songwriting and improved vocal performances. His dedication to his craft and ability to connect with audiences have also played a crucial role.

Summary: Morgan Wallen's discovery was a result of his talent, social media presence, and the support of Big Loud Records. His early influences, breakthrough hit, and commitment to his craft have all contributed to his remarkable success and established him as a leading figure in country music.

Transition to the next article section: To delve deeper into Morgan Wallen's career and musical journey, explore the following article sections:

Conclusion

Morgan Wallen's discovery stands as a testament to the transformative power of social media, the enduring appeal of country music, and the unwavering pursuit of one's passion. His journey, marked by early influences, a breakthrough hit, critical acclaim, and continued success, serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and a reminder of music's ability to connect and uplift.

As Wallen's career continues to unfold, it is evident that his talent, coupled with his dedication to his craft and his ability to resonate with audiences, will continue to shape the future of country music. His discovery serves not only as an account of his rise to stardom but also as a reminder of the ever-evolving landscape of the music industry and the enduring power of authentic storytelling through song.