Maddie Lenhart loves sad songs, and she has written some fantastic ones, as well. From the release of her debut single, “Sober,” to the tear-jerking “For Cryin’ Out Loud” and the release of her latest single, “Empty Room,” Lenhart has proven to be a master at the craft.
Lenhart’s newest effort follows “Newton’s First Law,” a boundary-pushing song that’s quickly becoming one of the top songs in her catalog. The two songs serve as an introduction to a currently-undated EP, which Lenhart promises to be chock-full of truth and vulnerability.
We chatted with Lenhart all about “Empty Room,” the EP, her favorite sad songs and more!
Pro Country: You kicked off 2026 with the release of the Patty Griffin/The Chicks song, “Let Him Fly.” Can you talk about what you love about the song, and how much you enjoyed presenting it live and acoustic?
Maddie Lenhart: “Let Him Fly” is one of my favorite songs ever, so it was super special getting to put out my cover. Patty Griffin and The Chicks are both hugely inspirational to me. I love live versions of songs because they give you the chance to hear what artists really sound like without all the studio polish, and I’ve always wanted to release a live version of my own, imperfections and all!
PC: In May, you released “Newton’s First Law,” the lead track from your forthcoming EP. Why did you feel “Newton’s First Law” was the right song to release first and preview the EP?
ML: “Newton’s First Law” has been one of my favorite songs to play with my band for years, and I’ve been counting down the days until I could finally get into the studio to record it. When we started working on the next batch of songs for the EP, my producer, Brad Hill, completely understood the vision and the sonic world my band and I had built around it live, and then brought his own magic to it. It made me fall in love with the song all over again, and it felt like the perfect way to kick off this new era of music: tying together a song that’s been part of my live shows for years with a collection of newer songs I haven’t really shared yet.
PC: Since its release, “Newton’s First Law” has earned over 70,000 streams on Spotify alone, received playlist placements, and earned you the cover feature for Spotify’s “Fresh Finds” playlist. How encouraging has the response to “Newton’s First Law” been out of the gate?
ML: This song felt like a risky one because it was such an out-there concept, and pushed the boundaries of country music a little with the production, so I was so surprised and grateful at how well it was received! I am beyond grateful, and I’m praying and hoping that it’s setting the tone for listenership for the project.
PC: You followed “Newton’s First Law” with “Empty Room,” which you co-wrote with Justin Cross. Can you take us in the room and talk about how the song came together?
ML: Justin is an incredible musician and songwriter, and this song was one of those effortless kind of writes. We had the shared experience of playing gigs to empty rooms (or rooms that might has well have been empty as we were just background noise). Justin started playing a super cool guitar part, and the melodies and lyric just kind of flew. I’ve had this song in my worktapes for years, and have kept it in the back of my head. This year when I was going through songs, I came back to it and thought it would be the perfect addition to the project.
PC: As lovers of sad country songs, “Empty Room” is one of our favorite songs in your catalog. Can you tell us a few of your favorite sad songs?
ML: Wow, I love this question. I could be here all day, but I’ll give you the first five that come to my mind:
- “The Time I’ve Wasted” by Lori McKenna
- “What Would This World Do Without You” by Maren Morris
- “Hell on Me” by Kacey Musgraves
- “Riding with Private Malone” by Wood Newton
- “Memory I Don’t Mess With” by Lee Brice
PC: What information, if any, can you give about the rest of your EP? What can people expect to hear?
ML: There is a lot of truth and vulnerability on this EP. Three of the songs I haven’t released yet were written during some of the lowest moments of my life. I’m hoping that they are able to connect with those who have experienced similar heartaches and are able to feel understood and supported by the songs. I’ll also say that the production of these songs are everything I could’ve ever dreamed of and more.
PC: You have several dates on the books through the summer, taking you through a good handful of states. How excited are you to hit the road this summer and to bring your music to both new and old fans?
ML: Beyond excited. Touring has been a huge goal of mine for years. I’ve had it in my head that I’d need an agent to make it possible, but this summer, I decided I’d just try and work it out on my own. Another important music industry lesson about working hard for yourself and making it happen! I’m so grateful, and I can’t wait to share my music with new listeners.
PC: Along with new music on the way and hitting the road, what else do you have planned for the rest of 2026?
ML: I’m currently working on a big show to celebrate the release of the EP! More details to come!
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