JACOB HACKWORTH DROPS “LAST NIGHT I GOT LONELY”
Fast rising Country singer-songwriter, Jacob Hackworth today shares new track “Last Night I Got Lonely” from his forthcoming debut EP, What Took You So Long, (arriving October 23 via MCA/Goat Island Sound). The seven-song project is more than a collection of songs, it’s a chronological account of the breakup that unknowingly set Hackworth on the path to Nashville and ultimately, to his life as an artist. “Last Night I Got Lonely” is the fourth chapter of the project and finds Hackworth (fueled by the kind of impulsive decision-making that only seems like a good idea after a few drinks), acting on his worst instincts and showing up on his ex’s doorstep— falling right back into the familiar patterns he knows he should have left behind. Written by Hackworth, Gabe Foust and Danny Majic and produced by Daniel Ross, the track pairs its reckless storyline with an infectious, modern Country production and smooth, commanding vocals.
What Took You So Long serves as an impeccable introduction to Hackworth as an artist as he finally takes his story and turns it into art. After years of writing hits for other performers, he emerges with a sound that is unmistakably his own. The result is a remarkably cohesive body of work, with each song serving a purpose in the larger story, allowing the emotional storyline to unfold naturally, while contributing to a distinct sonic identity. Anchoring it all is Hackworth’s distinctive vocal style: a remarkably smooth, effortless voice that carries both strength and vulnerability and surprises listeners, particularly given his large stature. His unexpectedly angelic tone that draws listeners in and gives even the heaviest moments of the project a sense of warmth and authenticity.
The EP opens with the title track placing listeners in that initial moment of confusion and disbelief and unfolds like a book through the emotional stages of a heartbreak. “What Took You So Long” recently surpassed 7 million streams and is currently climbing through the Top 35 on Country radio after breaking the record for the most first-week adds ever for an artist debut. The second song “I Wanna Quit,” is a high-energy, emotionally charged Country banger that finds Hackworth frustrated and unable to let go of his ex. The third track, “Bad As I Do” finds Hackworth in his sadness, longing for his ex. The fifth track “Help Yourself,” finds Hackworth much further along in the healing process. With enough time in between them, the roles have reversed, the wounds have scarred over and now he’s vindicated and the one delivering the goodbye. “Mess That Marlboro Made,” could be considered the epilogue of the set, The reflective ballad looks back on the entire journey with the clarity that only hindsight can provide. Written from the perspective of a single chance encounter sparked by a pack of cigarettes, the song reflects on the domino effect of one seemingly insignificant moment. If that pack had never been bought, they may never have met. The heartbreak may never have happened. But neither would the move to Nashville, the songs, the success or the artist standing here today.
“This EP is probably the most full-circle thing I’ve ever done. I definitely didn’t set out to write a project about a breakup—it just kind of came together naturally. There is something poetic about getting to tell that story as my first project as an artist, considering it was the reason for me moving here to chase my dream of being a recording artist. I also love the message underneath it all: sometimes the hardest things in your life happen the way they do for a reason. Zero out of 10 would recommend getting dumped, BUT it put me exactly where I was supposed to be. I’m happier, healthier and living a life I dreamed about for a long time because of it,” shared Hackworth. “It’s been fun getting to play ‘Last Night I Got Lonely’ out on the road and seeing fans’ reactions, I hope they vibe to this version too.”
The EP title clearly draws its name from the catalyst moment that changed everything and led to this moment. He also laughs that the title also stems from a question he’s often heard throughout his music career: “What took you so long to put out your own music?” His dream was always to be an artist, but Hackworth spent years intentionally building a foundation as a songwriter, determined to do things the right way. Despite his knack for heartfelt songwriting and emotional lyricism (and tall stature), Hackworth has charmed fans and the industry alike with his humble and gregarious personality and humor.
He is currently on the road with ACM New Male Artist of The Year (and his frequent collaborator), Tucker Wetmore for their third run together (which will include the famed Red Rocks Amphitheatre in October) and he will be opening for Zach John King, Corey Kent and Dylan Scott this fall. As he continues bringing his songs to the stage, Hackworth is already back in the writing room, with more new music on the way.
What Took You So Long Track List:
- “What Took You So Long” – Jacob Hackworth, Daniel Ross, Jaxson Free, Steph Jones
- “I Wanna Quit”- Jacob Hackworth, Jaxson Free, Heath Warren, Tyler Dopps
- “Bad As I Do”- Jacob Hackworth, Daniel Ross, Chris Tompkins, Jessie Jo Dillon
- “Last Night I Got Lonely”- Jacob Hackworth, Gabe Foust, Danny Majic
- “First Friday Night”- Jacob Hackworth, Jaxson Free, Daniel Ross, Matt Roy
- “Help Yourself” – Jacob Hackworth, Gabe Foust, Sean Wave, Travis Smith
- “Mess That Marlboro Made”- Jacob Hackworth, Josh Phillips, Jordan Schmidt