WATCH: Lukas Nelson And Lainey Wilson Team Up For ‘More Than Friends’
Nelson recalled asking the female songstress to sing on his brand-new song while in her dressing room at the 2022 CMA Awards.
Lukas Nelson, Lainey Wilson; Photo Courtesy Lukas Nelson
In preparation for his highly anticipated new album, Sticks and Stones, Lukas Nelson has unveiled the official music video for the first single, “More Than Friends,” featuring Lainey Wilson.
Nicki Fletcher and Mason Allen of Tacklebox Films produced and directed the collaborative video, which debuted on CMT. The video finds the pair and Nelson’s longtime band, Promise of the Real (POTR), performing the catchy track on the stage of a honky tonk, while couples begin to two-step around them on the dance floor.
“When I wrote ‘More Than Friends,’ I had always envisioned it as a duet. I am a big fan of Lainey and she was at the top of my list of artists I wanted to sing with me on this track. When we sent her the song, I was thrilled to hear back that she loved it and wanted to do it,” Nelson shared as he reflected on the invitation he extended to the “Heart Like A Truck” singer during the 2022 CMA Awards.
“‘More Than Friends’ is a modern-day take on the musical, kindred spirits of icons like Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers. I’m so honored to be able to work with someone as talented as Lukas. His artistry and storytelling within music is unlike any other,” Wilson added.
Lainey’s signature Louisiana twang and Nelson’s crisp vocals dance together effortlessly, forming a memorable tune that illustrates the story of two friends who realize their relationship might be turning into something more.
They sing, “Forget tomorrow / We can face the music then / But I promise you tonight will never end / If we pretend / We’re more than friends.”
Nelson acts as the producer and sole writer on “More Than Friends,” which will be featured on the GRAMMY Award-winning artist’s next project, Sticks and Stones, out July 14 via 6ACE Records/Thirty Tigers.
This 12-track collection was penned entirely by Nelson in an effort to bring people together with a feel-good energy that includes themes of love, celebration, longing, and humor. The singer/songwriter also self-produced the album alongside his band, POTR.
According to a recent press release, Sticks and Stones is said to capture the band’s “musical power and fits perfectly alongside the canon of the electric live performances they’re known for.”
“This album is about celebrating the human connection, joy and excitement,” he shared of the record. “We went from quiet and introspective on A Few Stars Apart to something big and fun to really showcase the band’s talent and performance. You can listen to the album Sticks and Stones from start to finish and get the songs to dance to and then the quiet, poignant songs. To me, this album is the perfect setlist.”
Nelson, the son of Country music icon, Willie Nelson, made his music debut over a decade ago. He’s toured the world with his band, selling out countless shows and festivals, and earning a loyal fanbase along the way.
He’s also released seven studio albums to date including his most recent chart-topping project of 2021, A Few Stars Apart. Additionally, he co-produced the music for the popular 2018 film, A Star Is Born, and appeared in the film alongside stars Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. This movie went on to earn a BAFTA Award for Best Original Music, and a GRAMMY Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media.
Before Nelson’s entire full-length project drops, he and POTR will embark on their spring headline tour. The trek kicked off in Charles Town, WV, and will visit 18 cities including Wilmington, NC, New Orleans, Texas and Southern California.
The tour won’t end there because he recently announced nine shows that will take place across the U.K. and Ireland for the month of June.
Written by
Madeleine O’Connell
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.