Bryce Leatherwood Keeps It Country On Major Label Debut Single, ‘The Finger’

“‘The Finger’ was a song I wish I’d written,” the country newcomer admitted.

By

Madeleine O’Connell

| Posted on

October 27, 2023

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12:26 pm

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Bryce Leatherwood; Photo by Eric Ryan Anderson

The Voice winner Bryce Leatherwood debuts “The Finger,” a brand-new song that solidifies the start of the next chapter of his career.

Who Wrote “The Finger?”

Co-written by Randy Montana, Jeremy Spillman, and Brett Sheroky and produced by Will Bundy, the envy-filled breakup anthem depicts the painful narrative of seeing an ex start a life with someone new and leaving the former relationship in “a cloud of dust.”

“As I’ve spent time in Nashville doing a lot of writing, I’ve also had the opportunity to hear a lot of great songs that have been written by other writers. The second I heard this song it caught my ear. ‘The Finger’ was a song I wish I’d written,” said Leatherwood. 

Bryce Leatherwood - The Finger
Bryce Leatherwood – The Finger

What Is “The Finger” About?

While the hard-hitting country tune is based on the reality of an emotionally charged situation, it also offers a comical approach. Throughout the chorus, Leatherwood reveals that in the end, all the heartbroken character got was the middle finger while his ex’s new man “got a “Yes” with a big ol’ “I do.”

“What got me about this song is that I think everyone can relate to having a relationship go wrong and you wish it didn’t. All she left giving you is one of these [the finger]. You have to make a joke out of it,” he continued. “This song is me, and I hope that country music fans everywhere see where I’m coming from. Thanks to everyone who has been waiting for me to release music.”

“The Finger” gives fans an authentic look at Leatherwood’s deep-rooted love for country music as his Georgia-bred baritone vocals stand out among the pounding drum beats and untamed guitar riffs. 

“Yeah, he got her hand to hold on the long ride / I got a cloud of dust and the taillights / He’s got his best days comin’, mine ain’t comin’ back  / Yeah, he got the gold mine, I got the shaft / He got a “Yes” with a big ol’ “I do” / I got them hand grenades and horseshoes / He got the honey and I got the stinger / She got the ring and I got the finger,” Leatherwood delivers on the upbeat chorus. 

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Record Deal

The release of this tune marks the rising star’s first offering of new music since signing his first record deal with Universal Music Group Nashville in alliance with Republic Records. The announcement was made on Monday (Oct. 23), just over a year from when Leatherwood began his journey on Season 22 of NBC’s The Voice

“If someone would have told me at this time last year that not only would I win ‘The Voice,’ but it would lead to a record deal in Nashville, I wouldn’t have believed it,” Leatherwood shared in a recent statement. “I have worked really hard to hone my skills and talent as a country artist and I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity that I have before me. 

(Front Row) Lori Christian, EVP, Marketing, UMGN; Bryce Leatherwood; Cindy Mabe, CEO and Chair, UMGN; Sabrina Butera, CAA (Middle Row) Tom Luteran, Sony Music Publishing; Clint Higham, Morris Higham Management; Rod Essig, CAA; Robert Filhart, Morris Higham Management, Lauren Tweel, O’Neil Hagaman; James Deaton, Morris Higham Management; Sam Powers, O’Neil Hagaman (Back Row) Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing; Laura May, O’Neil Hagaman; Meredith Jones, CAA; Rob Femia, EVP, Business & Legal Affairs, UMGN; Photo by Chris Hollo
(Front Row) Lori Christian, EVP, Marketing, UMGN; Bryce Leatherwood; Cindy Mabe, CEO and Chair, UMGN; Sabrina Butera, CAA (Middle Row) Tom Luteran, Sony Music Publishing; Clint Higham, Morris Higham Management; Rod Essig, CAA; Robert Filhart, Morris Higham Management, Lauren Tweel, O’Neil Hagaman; James Deaton, Morris Higham Management; Sam Powers, O’Neil Hagaman (Back Row) Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing; Laura May, O’Neil Hagaman; Meredith Jones, CAA; Rob Femia, EVP, Business & Legal Affairs, UMGN; Photo by Chris Hollo

He continued, “Not only am I excited to start putting music out to my fans, but I’m looking forward to writing some kick-ass songs with the incredible writers here in Nashville. I’d like to thank God, my family, and all of my supporters for getting me to this point. Now, let’s get to work. God bless country music.” 

How Did Bryce Leatherwood Get Famous?

The Georgia native’s experience on the singing competition show launched his rise to fame as his impressive musical ability took him all the way to finale night where he claimed the winning title under the mentorship of his coach, Blake Shelton. Throughout the season, the country newcomer performed covers of Brooks & Dunn, Zac Brown Band, Billy Currington, Morgan Wallen, Keith Whitley, and more. 

Blake Shelton, Bryce Leatherwood; Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC
Blake Shelton, Bryce Leatherwood; Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC

As the end of the year nears, Bryce Leatherwood only has a few more upcoming shows on the books. He recently got the chance to perform at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Café and next up, he will open for country music icon Dwight Yoakam.

Leatherwood will take the stage for back-to-back nights on November 3 in Peoria, IL and November 4 in Gary, IN. 

Click HERE for a complete list of upcoming dates.

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Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.