| Randy Houser today announces that along with the launch of his highly-anticipated new full-length album, Magnolia, the singer will release a feature narrative film of the same name which embodies the sentiment of the album’s lyrics. The album, set to be released on January 11th, draws its name from the “Magnolia State” which inspired the homegrown, organic sound Houser has spent the last two years cultivating. The film will feature several live performances by Houser himself, including the lead single off the album, “What Whiskey Does,” which is currently Top 40 and climbing. See the trailer for Magnolia here.
Magnolia, (the film) is set in Houser’s home state of Mississippi and follows two characters (Ana and Noah) in the midst of an intense relationship, marred by their personal lives. Centered around a small group of oil rig workers, the visual representation of the album mirrors the blue-collar sentiments of Houser’s Magnolia lyrics as the small Gulf Coast town provides the perfect backdrop to highlight his rootsy melodies and swampy guitar licks. In the film, Houser plays a local singer at the town dive, performing several songs off the album throughout the film.
“Magnolia tells my story but also tells the story of running away from something while not knowing exactly what you’re running to,” said Houser. “As I got into the groove of creating this album, the story became so vivid in my mind that I realized it had to live through more than just a body of music and become a film. That’s exactly what we created… a film about running towards your truth.”
After garnering millions of sales, four #1 hits, countless sold out shows, a slew of national television appearances and several award nominations, Houser, feeling uninspired, opted to slow things down and set up camp in his good buddy and co-producer Gattis’ studio in East Nashville to recalibrate and rediscover his passion. He spent nearly two years fully invested in his songwriting which resulted with Magnolia and a new sound that is un-polished yet authentically Houser.
“It’s a stunning country vocal that feels effortless…. he’s a dead-serious storyteller. When he leans into those talents as he does during “What Whiskey Does,” he’s without comparison.” – Taste of Country
“It’s Houser’s lived-in voice – one of the best set of pipes this side of Chris Stapleton – that gives “What Whiskey Does” its tortured heart.” – Rolling Stone
“Magnolia has been my beacon of light and restored my spirit and my truth,” said Houser. “It’s also the most daring and honest piece of work I’ve made in my life.”
Houser’s fingerprints can be found on every inch of the project, having co-wrote every song on the album (and playing lead guitar on many of the songs) and serving as executive producer for the film. Directed by Justin Nolan Key, an established music video and documentary director who has worked with Taylor Swift, Maren Morris and the Country Music Association, the film was authentically shot in the Gulf Coast of Mississippi.
“The music of Magnolia has so much character, I think this is such a unique idea to create an entire feature narrative film that brings the lyrics and lifestyle engrained within the lyrics to life,” said Key. “I’m incredibly grateful to Randy for giving me this opportunity and trusting me with this one-of-a-kind project.”
Houser will host several screenings of the film for select audiences leading up to his album launch (additional details will be announced in the coming weeks). Magnolia (the album) will be released via Stoney Creek Records and is currently available for pre-order. Ahead of the album’s release, fans can enjoy album cuts “No Stone Unturned,” “New Buzz,” “Mamma Don’t Know” and the album’s lead single “What Whiskey Does”, which debuted at Country Radio as #1 Most Added and Rolling Stone immediately dubbed “a classic tears-and-twang drinking song.” |
