SMILE! :D Artist Profile – Porter Robinson
10th November 2024HARDY has earned praise as an “exceptionally versatile writer of country radio hits, who remains stubborn enough to create unexpected material, yet can always find an appropriate path.” (American Songwriter). His 2023 sophomore release The Mockingbird & The Crow is part organic modern country and one part staunch electric rock.
What is Hardy?
HARDY has built quite the following behind the scenes as a country songwriter, contributing to hit songs by Florida Georgia Line’s “Simple” and Morgan Wallen’s “Up Down.” Now this Big Loud Records artist has launched into stardom with their debut album and sold-out tour.
Hardy is an impressive actor with an acute talent for storytelling, whether he’s singing of his lust for adventure or the hardships in his hometown. Not to mention, his physical presence makes him unmissable as an performer.
On his second studio album, The Mockingbird & The Crow, HARDY effortlessly walks the line between country and rock music–sometimes leaning more towards either than the other–with stunning results. It is an intriguing record with eight songs featuring organic modern country and eight featuring heavy electric rock which eventually come together at its midpoint.
Who is Hardy?
HARDY first made his mark in Nashville as an esteemed songwriter before beginning his solo career. Since becoming part of Nashville’s writing community, he has contributed 13 No.1 country hits including Blake Shelton’s “God’s Country” and Dierks Bentley + HARDY collaboration “Beers on Me”. Additionally, HARDY wrote his own chart-topping single, “One Beer,” featuring Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson.
Hardy has found such great success as a singer-songwriter due to his natural charisma. With such an engaging stage presence and strong rapport with audiences, he makes for an effortless performer onstage and off. Additionally, this can also be seen in his acting performances: Hardy brings depth to each role that allows his characters to appear both terrifying and sympathetic all at the same time – qualities which made him ideal for roles like Bane in Mad Max: Fury Road.
What is The Mockingbird & The Crow?
Hardy released The Mockingbird & The Crow as her second full-length album. A blend of country and rock music, this is quite good with standout tracks such as “Sell Out” and “Wait In the Truck.”
On the country side of his record, he writes about topics most can identify with such as drinking beer or hunting for sport. Additionally, he explores more serious themes such as domestic violence and men who take action when women have been assaulted.
On the rock side of his album, he strives to push himself musically and creatively by personifying objects such as beer (Beer), Jack Daniels (Jack) and happiness (Happy). Additionally, his songs tend to be fast tempo which adds excitement for live listening experience; his unique sound sets him apart from other country artists while being an excellent writer.
What are the songs on The Mockingbird & The Crow?
The Mockingbird & The Crow is country rock artist HARDY’s second full-length album with Big Loud Records. As reigning ACM, BMI and AIMP Songwriter of the Year, his distinct sophomore project stands out.
HARDY’s 17-track album shows his appreciation and love of both country music and rock songs, including eight country tracks known as ‘the mockingbird’ and eight tracks representing his full-throated rock side known as ‘the crowd’.
Hardy has proven his versatility through songs such as ‘Wait in the Truck’ and ‘THE REDNECK SONG’ that show him to be an incredible writer who knows how to craft an engaging narrative. Additionally, songs like ‘ONE BEER’ and ‘TRUCK BED’ display his ability as both an accomplished rock songwriter as well as capable writer of standard male-sung radio country hits.
At its core, The Mockingbird & The Crow is hard to criticise since most of the tracks on it are solid. Overall, the project offers a fresh take on a genre which has been dominated by bro-country acts for far too long.