Country music’s resident tongue-and-cheek lyricist Mackenzie Carpenter is being nothing but one hundred percent earnest on her stunningly beautiful new ballad “Only Girl,” out today via The Valory Music Co.. Carpenter’s first true love song, “Only Girl” is a rare and vulnerable look inside the singer/songwriter’s love life. You won’t hear the jaw-dropping plot twists or sly winks to the listener that Carpenter is lovingly known for here. Instead, “Only Girl” was written about her relationship with her now-husband (married in October) and was even used in her wedding video.
The warm, nostalgia-laced track written by Carpenter alongside her brother Micah Carpenter (who introduced the couple), Mia Mantia and SJ McDonald is a genuine expression of gratitude, something not yet seen from the young talent. Produced by Brandon Hood and GRAMMY® Award-winning Dann Huff, “Only Girl” feels about as classic and timeless as a black and white film.
“Don’t get me wrong, I love writing songs about topics all across the map, from heartbreak, to best friends, to a good ole fashion country murder song,” shared Carpenter. “But this one I wrote about a man I’m so thankful to have found, one that truly loves me like I’m the only girl in the whole world. I hope everyone finds someone that makes them feel that way!”
Carpenter has been penning bold, tell-it-like-it-is songs with some of Country music’s hottest talents for years. Fans have heard her songwriting chops on songs including Lily Rose’s 2021 No. 1 hit “Villain,” Megan Moroney’s Top 25 single “I’m Not Pretty,” and new fan-favorite Megan Moroney track “Indifferent,” to name a few. Her songwriting was most recently on display in her new track “Sound Of A Heartbreak” which was released last month to rave reviews.
“With its bold attitude and undeniable charm, this track is just the beginning of what promises to be a thrilling journey ahead for Mackenzie Carpenter.”
“Carpenter swerves the predictable that these types of songs usually walk, hitting the realities of the torturous overthinking that constantly replays in your mind as you drive yourself crazy; a relatable truth that makes this song radiate through the speakers and connect broken heartstrings with the listener.”
Earlier this month, Carpenter made multiple appearances at CMA Fest, including performances on the Dr Pepper Amp Stage and at Spotify House. The latter caught the attention of American Songwriter which declared, “…she has the songwriting chops to make it big. With fun lyrics, loose and easy vocals, and a country-cute aesthetic, Mackenzie Carpenter may be one to watch.” More new music from the burgeoning young talent is expected throughout the year. For more information and tour dates, please visit mackenziecarpentermusic.com/tour/.
ABOUT MACKENZIE CARPENTER:
Hailing from the small town of Hull, GA, Mackenzie Carpenter is the spunky blonde girl-next-door that fell in love with music as a kid, writing alongside her brothers and singing in church. Years later, the outspoken singer-songwriter is breaking the mold for small-town women by writing and singing her truth, armed with the knowledge that everyone has a little bit of “hot mess” in them, no matter how shiny the book cover may seem. With an upbringing consisting of a rowdy support system, back porch hootenannies and juicy drama, the affable and kind Carpenter also embraces the crazy and “tacky” aspects that make life more interesting. Fans are loving SiriusXM Highway find, “Can’t Nobody,” TikTok viral, “Huntin’ Season,” vulnerable “Jesus, I’m Jealous” and her latest girl’s girl anthem, “Don’t Mess With Exes.” New tune “Throw You Back” was also thrown into the mix on the artist’s self-titled debut EP, putting her cheeky yet nuanced songwriting ability on full display across the five songs. Carpenter most recently channeled her inner Cyndi Lauper, adding just enough country twang to an ‘80s classic in “Country Girls (Just Wanna Have Fun).” Since signing her first record deal with The Valory Music Co. in 2022, Mackenzie has been named to Spotify’s Hot Country 2024 Artists To Watch, CMT’s Next Women of Country class of 2023, Nashville Briefing’s Artists To Watch 2023 and many more spotlight programs. She recently wrapped the The Lucky Tour with her “I’m Not Pretty” co-writer and friend, Megan Moroney, and has opened for talents like Miranda Lambert, Jake Owen, Parker McCollum, Craig Campbell, and Ryan Hurd. Last summer, the rising star took the stage at major events like CMA Fest, Country Thunder, Tortuga Music Festival, Stagecoach and has graced the famous Grand Ole Opry stage. Visitmackenziecarpentermusic.com for more information.
