Strange bedfellows Tenpenny, Underoath combine forces
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Strange bedfellows Tenpenny, Underoath combine forces

Friday, August 9, 2024 – Mitchell Tenpenny released another new song today – "Demon or Ghost" - ahead of the Sept. 20 album launch for his third studio album "The 3rd."

"Demon or Ghost," features Grammy-nominated rock band Underoath.

"Coming up with this song was a really special write for me," said Tenpenny. "It was my first time writing with Spencer Chamberlain (lead vocals for Underoath). I had already met Aaron Gillespie (drummer), and it was great being with both of them together. I brought my producer Jordan into the write too, and we were both fangirling at the beginning. They have been one of our favorite rock bands of all time."

"We began talking about running into people you used to date or be friends with. It's almost like seeing a ghost. Are you haunting me, or do I want to see you or are you scaring me because you are bringing up too many bad memories?"

"As you get older you need to decide who matters in your life and who do you want around you. 'Are you a demon or ghost? Are you going to burn this house down or just trying to remind me that you're here?' Writing a rock and roll song is a bit different than country, and the concept of writing through which one are you, demon or ghost, was so intriguing."

Chamberlain said, "When I found out that Mitchell was a fan of mine, I was beyond flattered. Getting the opportunity to write with him when the respect was mutual was not only exciting, but I knew it was going to turn into something special. I adore his voice and how unique and powerful it sounds, so different from anything in modern country today, in my opinion. I was excited to hear the lyrics we'd come up with coming out of his mouth. Walking into the room for the first time with that mutual respect already felt like we were friends."

"We just sat down and started talking about life and stuff that we've all been through, and we kind of landed on this idea of a toxic relationship/toxic person, which I'm sure most of us can relate to. I love how easily it came together as we all just spit balled off of one another, getting excited about each other's ideas, lyrics, and melodies. This was the exact idea of what a true collaboration should and would be."

"We left with not only a great song, but friendships that will last a lifetime, and I'm honestly looking forward to working together again someday in the future. But here's the first thing we came up with, and it is really two worlds colliding: Mitchell Tenpenny and Underoath."

A video was released including Chamberlain and Gillespie. The video was directed by Zach Pigg and Chelsea Rochelle with visual effects created by Josiah Moore.


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