Fast-rising singer-songwriter Max McNown released the new single “Not Falling Out,” a charming collaboration with GRAMMY Award-winning country star Carly Pearce. Accompanying the single is the official music video showcasing their chemistry in the studio – LISTEN HERE and WATCH HERE.
On the romantic duet “Not Falling Out,” McNown and Pearce sing from the perspective of a couple that’s adamant about falling deeper in love instead of falling out. Between simple yet poignant guitar plucks and conversational verses, the two stars shine brightest together throughout heartwarming harmonies as they promise each other to ride the highs and meet the lows.
In an exclusive with American Songwriter, Max McNown shares, “As soon as ‘Not Falling Out’ was written, we all agreed that the track was begging for a feature. Carly has an incredible discography, reputation, and most importantly, a voice that felt perfect for the song. When she came to the studio, she quickly and effortlessly combined creative melodies with her silky tone of voice, bringing this song new life that I honestly didn’t expect. I don’t know where the song would be if she hadn’t been kind enough to agree to join me on it, and I’m so incredibly excited to give it to both our listeners!”
“I was already such a fan of Max, but getting to work with him made me an even bigger one,” adds Carly Pearce. “He has such a clear vision of who he is as an artist. I’m so proud of this song and can’t wait for everyone to hear it!”
“Not Falling Out” with Carly Pearce is McNown’s second major collab of the year, following “Take Me Back,” a nostalgic, crossover hit with global DJ Kygo. The new single also arrives on the heels of his recently released third studio album, Leave On A Light—the deeply personal record channels the whirlwind of the 25-year-old artist’s breakout success and pays homage to his wife, family, and the values that anchor him.
Meditating on the extraordinary momentum, McNown recently appeared on CBC’s Q to discuss the new album. He also sat down with ABC News Live to reflect on recent milestones, including making his Stagecoach debut, selling out back-to-back nights at the Ryman, plus performing alongside major artists like Noah Kahan and Parker McCollum. He also sat down with Women’s Wear Daily for an interview and photo shoot, plus stopped for street interviews with viral social segments What Do You Do For A Living? and Confidence Heist.
Leave On A Light ultimately finds McNown more grounded than ever in his artistic vision, arriving as the fullest expression yet of his singular songwriting voice. Centered on his exquisitely detailed form of indie folk and country soul, the 17-track LP both broadens his sound and further reinforces his lyric-first ethos. In bringing Leave On A Light to life, McNown worked closely with longtime collaborator and producer Jamie Kenney at the famed Blackbird Studio in Nashville, and widened his creative circle to include co-writers like Julian Bunetta (Gracie Abrams, Kelsea Ballerini) and A-list musicians like guitarist Charlie Worsham (Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson).
“In a way, most of the songs on this album are love songs,” says McNown. “They’re a tribute to my wife and my family, the people who care about who I am outside of music and give me a place of peace and unconditional love to come home to.”
Matching its emotional breadth with an equally expansive sound, the soul-stirring album often unfolds in unpredictable textures and moods.
A gloriously defiant reframing of success and ambition, “Famous To You” takes on an anthemic intensity as McNown states his greatest aspiration in its hard-driving chorus (“Someday I wanna be a household name / As long as it’s the one you take”). And on “Selah’s Song,” he offers up an adoring serenade to his little sister, threading his lyrics with wistful reminiscence and poetic self-reflection. “For most of my life, I didn’t feel like I was an older brother my sister could look up to,” he shares. “It wasn’t until my wedding day that I realized how much I’d grown, and how I’d finally become that person for Selah.”
Seamlessly blending iconic ‘80s pop elements with folk-inspired production, “Comets” is a lively, feel-good tune for cruising with the windows down, whereas the heavy-hearted yet triumphant “Something To Someone,” gives voice to one of the most universal themes: the longing to be fully seen and loved.
Reaffirming the depth and character of McNown’s songwriting, Leave On A Light forgoes surface-level sentiment for a far more nuanced inquiry into the human heart. On “First Born Daughter,” he shares a sweet and breezy but soulful celebration of his wife’s strength and indomitable spirit.
