HAILEY
WHITTERS AND CHARLES WESLEY GODWIN DUET ON NEW SONG “I DON'T WANT YOU”
NEW
ALBUM CORN QUEEN OUT JUNE 6
NASHVILLE,
TENN. (May
2, 2025) – Iowa-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter Hailey
Whitters released “I Don't Want You (feat. Charles Wesley
Godwin)," the latest song to be released from her forthcoming
album CORN QUEEN. A tender duet about the push and pull
of a relationship, the song finds the singer-songwriters acknowledging that
sometimes what we want might not be what we need, complimented by the contrast
of Whitters' saccharine vocals and Godwin's down-to-earth delivery. Due
out June 6 via Pigasus Records / Big Loud Records /
Songs & Daughters, the 16-song collection also features contributions
from Molly Tuttle and The Wilder Blue.
This
week, Whitters announced an in-store performance at Grimey's at 4:00 p.m. on
album release day. Fans can pre-order the vinyl LP and CD at Grimeys.com or
inside the record store for a signing wristband.
About
the new song, Whitters explains, “I wrote 'I Don't Want You' with Jon Nite and
Gordie Sampson. It was our first-time ever writing together and one of the few
times I've ever sat down to write without a hook or concept in mind first. We
just started spitting it out line by line and following the feeling. What
resonates with me most about this song is that it's an honest and raw account
of a far from perfect relationship. I think we all to some extent or another
bring our 'shit' into our relationships, and I like that this couple wants to
work through it rather than just hang it up. I met Charles Wesley Godwin when
we were both on tour last year with Luke Combs and have been completely
awestruck by his artistry ever since. He's a true artist and I was dying to
collaborate on something with him. I'm so thankful he said yes to this one
because he took it to a place it would have otherwise never reached.”
Charles
Wesley Godwin adds: “Hailey and I's paths have crossed a few times, both as
labelmates and as part of Luke Combs' tour last year, so I was thrilled when
she asked me to join her on 'I Don't Want You.' Country music has a long
history of duets, and it was fun to join in on that tradition and help this
song come to life.”
“I
Don't Want You (feat. Charles Wesley Godwin)” follows last month's release
of “High On The Hog” and “High
On A Heartbreak.” Earlier this year, Whitters released “Prodigal
Daughter” featuring Molly Tuttle, which was named one
of the Best Songs of 2025 (So Far) by Vulture and praised as
“Hailey at her best” by All Country News. She also shared “Casseroles,” which
was lauded as a “Song You Need to Know” (Rolling Stone), a “nuanced
reflection on grief and recovery” (Billboard), “an undeniable triumph” (Holler),
a “testament that she can hang with some of the genre's best” (Country
Central), “proof she's only getting better” (Wide Open Country) and
“a beautiful and striking tune” (Whiskey Riff).
Recorded
once again in Nashville with longtime collaborator (and now-husband) Jake Gear,
the collection is a rousing reflection on Whitters' midwestern roots and the
joys and struggles of small-town living. The writing is whip smart, full of
clever wordplay and evocative storytelling, and the performances are utterly
intoxicating, walking the line between classic and contemporary country with a
healthy dose of bluegrass energy. Whitters has long been recognized as a master
craftswoman, but Corn Queen solidifies her status as a genuine
star, one with the wisdom—and the guts—to trust her instincts as she blazes her
own singular trail through the industry.
“Fans
started calling me the 'Corn Queen' because I'm from Iowa,” Whitters
explains. “At first, it seemed kind of silly, but the more I thought about
it, the more I loved the duality of it. Corn is this simple, humble crop, and
'queen' implies royalty passed down through blood. I come from a long line of
blue-collar farmers and construction workers. I've been out here for over a
decade brushing my teeth in truck stop bathrooms, sleeping on hotel floors,
driving myself from gig to gig. It's not glamorous, but I'm proud of it. I like
the idea of a queen with a little grit and elbow grease.”
This
year, Whitters will perform at the inaugural Sand in My Boots festival on May
16 in Gulf Shores, Alabama and at Under the Big Sky Music Festival from July 18
to 20 in Whitefish, Montana. To keep up with tour dates, visit HaileyWhitters.com.
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