Hillary Reese Returns with Heartbreaking New Single, “Beautiful Mistake” [Premiere]

Some songs are just made for certain artists.

When Hillary Reese’s producer pitched her what has become her newest single, “Beautiful Mistake,” she knew she had to snatch it up and record it before anyone else had the chance. A sonic 180 from her last single, “All the Good Ones Are Crazy,” Reese’s newest effort paints an unfortunately all-too-familiar picture of a relationship on the outs where the ending seemed all-but inevitable. Set for release tomorrow, we’re happy to premiere the song a day early!

Along with premiering “Beautiful Mistake,” we chatted with Reese about her early start in music, growth, surprises in store for 2023 and more!

Pro Country: You’ve been involved with music for most of your life. What was it about music and performing that connected with you at such an early age?

Hillary Reese: I’ve always loved music. It’s really the only thing that ever interested me. I connected with it by just doing normal kid things like the talent show at my school and taking singing lessons for fun. I was always obsessed with watching shows that were about music or award shows for music. There was just something about it that I knew I had to be a part of.

PC: At just 8-years old, a series of viral Facebook videos earned you a strong following on social media. As someone who was that young, what was it like to know that people were enjoying the videos and that you were already establishing a fanbase?

HR: Honestly, I really didn’t grasp that there were people watching. I knew there were views, but I kind of just played it off as “my family must have watched it a bunch,” and honestly my mom wanted to make sure that I stayed grounded, so we really didn’t talk about the number. When music was talked about with my family, it was always made fun and exciting, which I’m grateful for. I’m very thankful that music as a career was my choice and not pushed on me.

PC: When did your early interest and success in music translate into realizing you wanted to and actually could pursue music as a career?

HR: When I started traveling to Nashville more, I saw that people could actually make a living with music. I didn’t know that was an option up until that point, so once I found that out, I knew that’s what I had to do.

PC: Your last single, “All the Good Ones Are Crazy” is approaching 200,000 streams on Spotify alone and is your top-streamed single to date. As one of the co-writers on the song, what was it like for you to be able to tangibly see the success and support the song received?

HR: I was amazed at the attention it received. That song was 100 percent true, so honestly, I didn’t know how people were going to take to it. Knowing that the song was a complete representation of my roots and who I am makes the success of the song, in my eyes, so much better.

PC: What did you feel that your newest single, “Beautiful Mistake,” was the right follow up to “All the Good Ones Are Crazy?”

HR: I knew that after ‘All The Good Ones Are Crazy’ I wanted to do something completely different. I’m not usually the girl that is vulnerable, so it’s hard to step into that side of myself, but I knew that this song would be the perfect way to do so.

PC: “Beautiful Mistake” was written by hit songwriter Jimmy Ritchey. Can you talk us through how you heard the song and what it was about the song that drew you to record it?

HR: I was sent this song by my producer, Jeff Huskins, and instantly knew it was special. I know it’s a great song when I can feel that if I heard someone else singing it on the radio, I would be devastated, so I couldn’t let that happen. I couldn’t get this song out of my head. The melody and the amazing lyrics just completely drew me in.

PC: “Beautiful Mistake” is a sonic departure from the toe-tapping melody of “All the Good Ones Are Crazy.” How cognizant are you and your team of varying your sound sonically and showing multiple sides to yourself as an artist?

HR: I think as people in general, we have multiple sides of ourselves, so naturally as artists we are going to as well. When I go in to write, I never know what’s going to come out, and hey, if I like it, I like it.

PC: Jeff Huskins, a former member of 90s country hitmakers Little Texas, is serving as your producer. How much do you enjoy working with someone who has had so much success in the music industry, and what can you take away from the experience?

HR: I knew I wanted Jeff on this song because of his experience with 90s country. That was exactly what I was looking for with this song. I’m really glad that this experience working with him taught me what true creative freedom looks like.

PC: “Beautiful Mistake” will be your 8th single release since your debut, “When the Smoke Clears,” in 2019. In that stretch, how do you feel you’ve grown as an artist as you’ve continued to release music?

HR: The more I travel down this road, the more I find myself. This industry can be a big, intimidating place, but time really does help you navigate it all. I’ve also just found out who I am more with every song and hope to continue to do so.

PC: What do you have planned for 2023?

HR: I have so many surprises lined up for 2023 that I can’t wait to share! Be on the lookout for shows and collaborations!