HunterGirl Reveals Inspiration Behind ‘Bad Boy’ And Details Her Musical Evolution Leading To Her Forthcoming EP [Exclusive]

The singer/songwriter’s “Tennessee Girl” EP drops on June 7.

Lauren Jo Black

| Posted on

May 17, 2024

12:13 pm

HunterGirl; Photo by Kristin Barlowe

In 2022, we met a fresh-faced HunterGirl on the 20th season of American Idol. During her time on the show, she gained confidence and won over the hearts of millions with her sweet Southern demeanor and undeniable country vocals. In the two years that have passed, HunterGirl has immersed herself in her songwriting and refined her sound. Now, she’s ready to unveil her new music, showcasing all sides of her artistry, through her upcoming EP, Tennessee Girl.

Fans have already been treated to glimpses of HunterGirl’s sentimental side with tracks like “Red Bird” and “Ain’t About You.” They’re in for a taste of sass with the release of her latest single, “Bad Boy,” which is out now, ahead of her June 7th EP release.

What Is The Song “Bad Boy” About?

Co-written by HunterGirl alongside Lindsay Rimes and Greg Bates, “Bad Boy” details the Tennessee native’s “questionable” taste in men, as she is constantly attracted to guys with a rebellious side. On the first verse, she admits, “I like guys with issues” and goes on to share other characteristics of the men she falls for, including those adorned with tattoos and ones who refuse to commit.

“If there’s a mean-looking one in the corner, I’m like, ‘Oh my God, he looks so nice!’ And if he’s a bunch of tattoos, looks jaded, if it looks like he has a backstory, I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I can fix him!’,” she explained to Country Now with a laugh.

Throughout the chorus, HunterGirl sings, “Yeah I got it bad/ For someone bad for me/ Kill me with a kiss/ I can barely breathe/ Only kinda crazy/ I could ever need/ And he’ll only be good/ Only be good to me.”

It’s clear that she knows that his “Bad Boy” may only be good to her temporarily, but she’s willing to take the risk and enjoy the thrill while it lasts.

HunterGirl; Photo by Motion Theory Media

“Bad Boy” Is Very Different Than Anything She’s Released So Far

While “Bad Boy” is quite the juxtaposition from her last release, the singer/songwriter admits that’s what she loves most about it.

“It’s very different from the last single…I think I just wanted to show a different side of myself,” she shared. “I love the songs where I sit in my bedroom and tell my story and that’s what ‘Ain’t About You’ was to me. But this song is kind of another side of me as a person, the fun, the goofy side and just shows my taste in men, which is laughable.”

Heading into the studio, HunterGirl, who is often inspired by country greats like Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire, channeled another musical icon: P!nk.

“She was somebody I looked up to my whole life and how tough she was and strong. And so I think that influence came out in this song,” HunterGirl pointed out.

The true-to-life lyrics are paired with a pop/country production, which adds a fresh new dynamic to HunterGirl’s live shows.

“I have performed it out live and it’s so cool just to see the reaction. By the time we get to the chorus, people are jumping and everybody’s laughing. Just watching the other girls be like, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s me!’ And seeing that connection, I feel like songwriting is so special because every song connects in a different way.”

Tennessee Girl EP Coming Soon

“Bad Boy” offers just a taste of what’s to come on HunterGirl’s Tennessee Girl EP. This six-song collection encompasses all sides of her personality, which she describes as her “blue jean side” and her “leather jacket side.”

“I’m really excited about this project because I took some time and really got to figure out what I wanted my sound to be like and who I am as a person and really settle into that. I think after the show, just the 180 my life had turned and how wonderful that was, I think I just needed to pause and be like, ‘Okay, who’s Hunter?,” she explained.

“Every song on the record is a different side of me as an artist. I feel like this song shows the leather jacket side of me, the more tough, pop country side, which you’ll see influences throughout the record, and then ‘Ain’t About You” and other songs on the record will match the blue jean side of my personality.”

Fans will be able to hear the Tennessee Girl EP in its entirety on June 7.

Written by

Lauren Jo Black

Lauren Jo Black is a longtime country music journalist, editor, host, and media personality whose work has helped shape the conversation around country music for nearly two decades. As the current Editor-in-Chief of Country Now, she has become one of the genre’s most respected voices, interviewing hundreds of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Randy Travis, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, and countless others. Over the course of her career, Black’s written work and interviews have reached billions of country music fans worldwide. A 2009 graduate of the University of Central Florida, Black began her career by founding Country Music Is Love, one of country music’s earliest independent digital publications, which she later sold to a major record label in 2015 before it was rebranded as Sounds Like Nashville. She then served as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief for more than two years. Her work has also appeared in Forbes, and she previously served as the Country Music Expert for Answers.com. Widely recognized for her expertise, Black has appeared as a featured guest on The Bobby Bones Show, BobbyCast, and Scripps News Morning Rush, providing insight on country music’s biggest moments. She has also hosted Country Now Live, a concert series featuring performances from artists including Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Riley Green, Jordan Davis, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Chris Young, and more. The series has welcomed thousands of fans in person while reaching millions more online. In addition, she hosted Connect With Country Now, a weekly interview series featuring conversations with rising country stars. Throughout her career, Black has earned a reputation for discovering and championing artists long before they become household names. She has covered Luke Bryan since the early days of his career, beginning when he was writing songs for other artists, including Billy Currington’s No. 1 hit “Good Directions,” before stepping into the spotlight with his debut single, “All My Friends Say” and eventually becoming one of biggest names in music. She also gave Megan Moroney her first opportunity to walk a major red carpet as Country Now’s official guest correspondent at the 2022 CMA Awards. An interview she conducted in 2018 for Forbes.com with Luke Combs that inspired his multi-week No. 1 hit, “Doin’ This.” She has also hosted stages at CMA Fest, moderated an industry panel at Country Radio Seminar, and helped lead important conversations about the evolving landscape of country music media. Beyond journalism, Black has also used her platform to support charitable causes and highlight organizations making an impact. Through Country Now Live, she has helped raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, while also advocating for animal rescue through Country Now’s Pupdate series, spotlighting organizations including MuttNation Foundation, Wags & Walks, and Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue. Black has been recognized as one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. She is a longtime member of both the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). After nearly 20 years covering country music, Lauren Jo Black has spent her career telling the stories behind the artists, songs, and moments that have shaped the genre. Her first-ever book, Country Music Forever: An A-to-Z Celebration of Icons, Songs and Stories, brings that same passion and firsthand knowledge to the page, celebrating not only the legendary artists and timeless songs that have become the soundtrack to generations of fans, but also the places, traditions, and cultural moments that have made country music one of the most beloved genres around the world.