If first impressions are everything, Alex Hall is making the most of his ahead of his debut album, Side Effects of the Heart, set for release September 15th.
With three singles already released from the album, the Georgia native injected plenty of southern charm into the fourth. That single, “I Know a Guy,” offers the twist of convincing a belle to fall in love with the narrator, and comes packed with a sing-a-long chorus, a driving backbeat and charismatic vocals, giving it all the makings of a sweet, southern hit.
We chatted with Hall all about “I Know a Guy,” what listeners can expect from Side Effects of the Heart, co-writing with heroes and more!
Pro Country: Your debut album, Side Effects of the Heart, is set to serve as your first release since your debut EP, Six Strings, two and a half years ago. How much did you enjoy the creative process of putting the album together, and now that release day is just about a month away, what emotions are you feeling?
Alex Hall: The creative process of making a record is probably my favorite part of being an artist. I have been working on some of these songs for over four years, so I’ve really been living and tweaking them for a while. Now I am just learning to let it all go and release it out into the world! It’s nerve racking and the most exciting thing all at the same time.
PC: Your last single, “Dad Now,” examines new fatherhood and the life changes that brings. Why did you and your team feel that your new single, “I Know a Guy,” was the right follow up single?
AH: Well, “Dad Now” is such a special and honest song about what my wife, Bri, and I both went through from finding out we were going to have a baby to learning how to actually be parents, which has been the best rollercoaster ride of our lives. I also wanted to give all the dads out there a little Father’s Day gift. I felt like “I Know A Guy” was the right song to follow “Dad Now” up because it explains who I am as a person in a fun, lighthearted way so well, and I want people to know that side of me too!
PC: At the end of July, you posted a snippet of “I Know a Guy” on TikTok that went on to earn well over 400,000 views. What was it like to see the song get legs on the platform and reach so many people?
AH: To reach 400 people is always great, but 400,000 is incredible. I was so shocked and excited when that happened. My hope is that people are going to connect with “I Know A Guy” and see both themselves and/or the person they love in the song.
PC: You co-wrote “I Know a Guy” with Josh Osborne, Pete Good and Shane McAnally. Can you take us in the room and talk about how the song came together?
AH: Well, it was one of the biggest writing moments in my career so far getting to write with both heroes and now friends of mine that day, but Shane had actually come in that morning with the title for “I Know A Guy.” It’s obviously such a common phrase, but we thought it would be interesting to write it as if I were trying to convince my wife as to why she should be in love me. So we did just that [laughs]. We all just fell in love with the melody and the feel of the song, plus the clever lyrics don’t hurt! Fun fact, we also wrote “Denim And Diamonds” that is on the record the same day in the middle of writing “I Know A Guy.”
PC: Side Effects of the Heart is set for release on September 15th. What can you tell listeners about the album prior to its release? What can they expect to hear?
AH: Side Effects Of The Heart is my debut record, so there is 29 years of life well lived in the words and music of this album. From love, loss and heartbreak to chasing dreams, drunken wild nights and starting a family, I believe I cover it all. It’s just the beginning, but I believe it’s a great look into both who I am as a person and as an artist.
PC: Along with releasing Side Effects of the Heart next month, what do you have planned for the rest of 2023?
AH: The rest of 2023 is going to go by fast! I am most excited about my record coming out of course, but also, I am going out on tour with country music legend and future Country Music Hall Of Fame member, Tanya Tucker, for the second time this September. I will also be doing a little touring on my own, which I am excited about. Folks can also keep an eye out for a Christmas song or two.
*Feature image by Dustin Haney*
**”I Know a Guy” is featured on The Best of Pro Country playlist!**
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