Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Why Did Miranda Lambert Split with Longtime Producer Frank Liddell?

by
  • Arden is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, specializing in classic hits and contemporary chart-toppers.
  • Prior to joining Country Thang Daily, Arden wrote for Billboard and People magazine, covering country music legends and emerging artists.
  • Arden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Tennessee, with a minor in Music Studies.

Miranda Lambert‘s forthcoming new album Wildcard has seen some drastic changes. It finds the country songstress returning to her firey, rock-tinged roots like her earlier releases, but it is missing one major aspect: it’s her first album not produced by longtime collaborator Frank Liddell. But why?

Miranda Lambert Changes it Up

It definitely wasn’t an easy decision for Lambert to part ways with longtime collaborator Liddell, especially when he had produced all her albums to date, but to her, it was just the right time to do so.

“I adore, love, and trust [him] so much. He’s one of my best friends in the world. But, like any long relationship, sometimes you reach a place where you need to regroup.”

Miranda Lambert, Miranda, Lambert, Producer
via Miranda Lambert/Twitter

Lambert and Liddell had made the decision to part ways, but only temporarily! This decision was made during an intimate discussion at the singer’s home, saying that they talked it out.

“Me and him had a bottle of wine on the magic porch. The magic porch does some magic s–t!e just talked it out. We thought, ‘You know what? Maybe we should take a minute from each other, and go get inspired somewhere else, and then come back and revisit. He gave me his blessing, anyway, which I needed. Because that’s what long-term relationships [need].”

via Getty Images

When she approached her new producer Jay Joyce about working together, the singer felt that she needed to get back to the enthusiasm and energy she felt like back when she was starting out in country music.

“I just kind of wanted to be open and pushed. And Jay was the man to do that. In a way, I feel like I invented a new rock ‘n’ roll sound for myself, but also in a way I’ve revisited the rock ‘n’ roll sound that was invented in the first place.”

Latest Stories

Little Girl Superbly Delivers Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind”

8-Year-Old Annafaith Wows with Cover of Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind”

Willie Nelson’s “Always on My Mind” is one of those rare songs that seems to transcend time, weaving its way into the hearts of listeners for decades. Covering such an ...

Garth Brooks’ Youngest Daughter Allie Colleen Scores Top-40 Country Hit

Garth Brooks’ Daughter Allie Colleen Scores Her First Top-40 Country Hit

In 2021, Allie Colleen, the youngest daughter of country legend Garth Brooks, proved that musical talent runs in the family. With her single “Ain’t the Only Hell (My Momma Raised),” ...

Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton's "Does He Love You" Is the Collaboration We've Been Waiting For

Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton’s “Does He Love You” Is the Collaboration We’ve Been Waiting For

When Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton team up, it feels like the stars have aligned over Nashville. These two queens of country music, with careers that have shaped the genre ...

Ben Haggard's "As Haggard as They Come" Honors His Father While Defining His Own Path

Ben Haggard’s “As Haggard as They Come” Honors His Father While Defining His Own Path

In 2019, Ben Haggard delivered a performance at the Grand Ole Opry that felt like a love letter to his roots and a bold step toward his future. His song, ...

Mo Pitney's "Borrowed Angel" Is a Love Letter to Traditional Country

Mo Pitney’s “Borrowed Angel” Is a Love Letter to Traditional Country

In a time when country-pop dominates the charts, Mo Pitney stands out as a refreshing reminder of what makes traditional country music timeless. In an episode of Country Road TV ...

Hannah Kay Honors Loretta Lynn in Powerful "Coal Miner's Daughter" Performance

Hannah Kay Honors Loretta Lynn in Powerful “Coal Miner’s Daughter” Performance

In a world where country music continually evolves, some voices remind us of its timeless roots. In 2019, then-18-year-old Texas singer Hannah Kay did just that with her moving rendition ...

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top’s Journey from Farm Life in WA to Breakout Country Music Star

Zach Top didn’t just stumble into country music fame; he built his way there from the ground up, starting on a modest farm in Sunnyside, Washington. Far removed from Nashville’s ...

Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” Tackles Real Romance with a Fresh Sound

Morgan Wallen’s “Love Somebody” Tackles Real Romance with a Fresh Sound

Morgan Wallen’s new single, “Love Somebody,” has arrived, and it’s not just another love song—it’s an honest look at the complicated, often bumpy road to finding real connection. After years ...

Morgan Wallen Sets New Records Outshining Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift

Morgan Wallen Sets New Records Outshining Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift

Morgan Wallen’s career continues to reach impressive heights with his latest achievement. This historic milestone solidifies his place among country music’s most celebrated figures. His new single, “Love Somebody,” has ...

Jelly Roll Gets Emotional Sharing a First Look at His Expansive 500-Acre Dream Property

Jelly Roll Gets Emotional Sharing a First Look at His Expansive 500-Acre Dream Property

Country music star Jelly Roll recently shared an emotional video on social media, revealing his purchase of a sprawling 500-acre plot of land. The video, filled with raw emotion and ...