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With her latest single, Hailey Whitters is dishing up all the feels.
'Casseroles', which dropped Friday (Jan. 17), is one of the singer-songwriter's first major releases in nearly two years, the single marking her first since the arrival of her 2023 EP, I'm In Love.
The melancholic tune may be a departure from the effervescent hits that have peppered her past releases, but 'Casseroles' is an undeniable triumph in its honesty, poignancy and ability to aim straight for the heart.
“I was sent this record from three of my favorite collaborators who've written many songs that have defined the foundation of my appreciation for modern country music — Hillary Lindsey, Tom Douglas and James Slater," Whitters shares of the tune in a statement. "During my first listen, I was absolutely floored."
It wasn't just because the song is striking, but the artist has also lived its message.
She explains, "I lost my brother suddenly thirteen years ago, and from that moment on, my life was changed forever. I particularly remember everyone bringing loads of food and casseroles over and how I couldn't eat for days because I was so distraught. Remembering that moment was what made this song hit so heavy for me. What happens when the casseroles stop coming and everyone has moved on, but it feels like you never will?"
Against flourishes of delicately patient strings, Whitters sings, "And those ol’ six strings keep strumming / And those wild winged hummingbirds keep humming / I don’t know how but this world keeps on turning / And love keeps on loving / After the casseroles stop coming."
To the artist, though, 'Casseroles' is more than just a portrait of grief. She offers, "As heavy and somber as the lyric and melody is, I also think there's hope in the message and pray that it lands between ears that need to hear it.”
For more on Hailey Whitters, see below:
