Sam Hunt Explains Why He Released A New Album During The Pandemic

Sam Hunt released his sophomore album, Southside, in April of this year marking six years between a new record and his debut, Montevallo. 

Many artists had to rethink their decision to release new music during a worldwide pandemic and Hunt revealed he had contemplated holding off on releasing the album as coronavirus swept across the world.

While chatting backstage at the 2020 iHeartCountry Festival, Hunt revealed why he decided to continue on with the release of the album and why it mattered so much to get new music out to eager fans.

“Everything with the pandemic happened just about the time we put the record out. There was a moment there where we could have pivoted and held onto the record and waited the thing out, because at that moment we weren't sure if it was going to be a two-week, four-week, six-week thing, or as it turned out it was several months now,” he said. “It's been so long since I put out my first record that I was going to put the music out no matter what. It was finished, it was ready to roll.”

Hunt also expressed how grateful he is to fans for welcoming the new music and taking a listen to it despite what was happening in the world. “I'm just glad that people have been able to tune in and find the songs and hear the songs on the radio even if we're not able to play them live quite yet,” he said.

Hunt was slated to tour the album this summer and was gearing up for it as the pandemic struck. Thankfully, fans can tune into his 2020 iHeartCountry Festival performance.

“They can just sit back and enjoy themselves. I know it's a lot harder when you're not in the environment of a concert to be as involved but I'm just glad they're tuning in. I won't ask too much more of them than that,” he said about his performance.

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