Your new EP "Is That So Wrong" just dropped—congratulations! What does the title
track and overall EP represent for you right now?
Thank you so much! The title track and the EP as a whole really represent a personal comeback
for me. I stepped away from the music scene for over two years to deal with some significant
personal matters, so returning with this project feels incredibly meaningful.
‘Is That So Wrong’ captures a sense of confidence and self-acceptance, and that theme carries
throughout the EP. It’s about coming back stronger, being more grounded in who I am, and
reconnecting with my passion for country music in a way that feels authentic and honest.
The EP includes remastered versions of "Is That So Wrong?" and "I See You," plus "If I
Was A Memory." Why did you choose these specific songs to showcase together, and what
makes this collection feel like your best work to date?
I feel like these songs really capture who I am, not just as an artist, but as a person, a songwriter,
and a musician. Each track highlights a different side of me and the things that inspire my
creativity.
‘Is That So Wrong?’ brings out that fun, carefree energy. It’s the side of me that loves being out
with family and friends, having a beer on a Friday night, and just letting go of the stress for a
while. On the other hand, ‘I See You’ and ‘If I Was a Memory’ are much more intimate and
reflective, showing a softer, more vulnerable side of who I am.
I chose these songs because, together, they tell a more complete story. They show both Nick
Hedden the artist and Nick Hedden the person.
What makes this collection feel like my best work to date is the authenticity behind it. These
songs are rooted in real experiences and real emotions, and I think that honesty is what truly
connects with listeners. At the end of the day, being genuine is what matters most to me, and this
EP really reflects that.
You worked with veteran producer Dan McConomy for the remixes/remasters and had
mastering by Randy Merrill (who’s worked with huge names like Ed Sheeran and Taylor
Swift). How did that collaboration elevate the sound of the EP?
Working with Dan and Randy really took these songs to another level. I was already proud of the
original recordings, but their experience and perspective brought a new level of clarity, balance,
and polish to the project. Dan was able to breathe new life into the mixes, highlighting details
and emotions that might’ve been sitting just under the surface, while Randy’s mastering gave
everything that final cohesion and competitive edge.
They’ve both spent years working at the highest level, so they have an instinct for what makes a
song truly connect and translate, whether that’s on radio, streaming platforms, or live. That kind
of trained ear is hard to replicate, and having it applied to these tracks made a huge difference. It
not only elevated the overall sound but also gave me a lot of confidence that the songs are now
living up to their full potential and can stand alongside anything else out there sonically.
The EP has already racked up strong streams and is described as charming, uplifting
country-pop with catchy hooks and heartfelt lyrics. What kind of listener response are you
hoping for, or already seeing?
We’ve been really encouraged by the response so far, seeing listeners connect with the EP across
streaming platforms has been incredibly rewarding. Anytime you put music out, you hope it
finds its audience, and it feels like these songs are starting to do that.
More than anything, what I’m hoping for is that people connect with the songs on a personal
level. The songs that tend to stick are the ones that feel relatable, the ones where someone hears a
lyric and thinks, “that’s exactly how I’ve felt.” If these tracks can be part of someone’s story,
whether it’s a good night out, a relationship, or just a moment in time, then I feel like we’ve done
our job.
Let’s talk about the title track "Is That So Wrong?" — what inspired it, and what situation
or feeling is it exploring?
I was fortunate to be pitched “Is That So Wrong?” by some incredible Nashville writers Emma-
Lee, Brandon Ray, and Bobby Campbell, right around the time I was starting to think about
releasing new music a few years back. While I can’t speak directly to what inspired them to write
it, I can say the connection for me was immediate.
I still remember hearing it for the first time on a long drive, going through a batch of demos. As
soon as that signature guitar riff kicked in, it grabbed me. I knew right away it was something I
wanted to record and make my own.
Growing up in a small town, the vibe and energy of the song felt really authentic to my life. It
captures that feeling of wanting to unwind, kick back with friends, have a drink, and just enjoy
the simple moments without overthinking it. That sense of freedom and not worrying about what
anyone else thinks is something I really connected with.
From the start, my goal was to bring that feeling to life in my own way and make sure that same
energy came through in my version.
"If I Was A Memory" is another standout. Is it more personal or storytelling? Can you
share a bit about the emotion or story behind it?
I’d say it’s really a blend of both personal experience and storytelling. At its core, it’s a feeling I
think almost everyone can relate to at some point in their life. There’s often that one relationship
where, deep down, you know you’re not quite right for each other, or maybe one person realizes
it before the other, but it still means something.
The heart of the song is about looking back on that relationship and hoping that, despite how
things ended, you’re remembered in a positive light. It’s about holding onto the good moments,
the memories you shared, and the ways that person helped you grow and understand yourself
better.
When we were writing it, we really wanted to capture that emotional space, how complicated
and heavy it can feel to let something go, especially when you’re younger and still figuring
things out. It’s not about blame, it’s about reflection, growth, and hoping that what you meant to
each other still holds value when it’s all said and done.
Your style is often called a North American take on pop country with an endearing vocal
delivery. How do you think this EP captures or evolves that sound?
I think this EP really captures the sound I’ve been working toward, while also showing some
growth. With every song I release, I feel like I get a little closer to defining exactly who I am as
an artist.
The foundation is still very much rooted in pop country, that blend of strong melodies, catchy
hooks, and relatable lyrics, but I think the biggest evolution has been in the vocal delivery. As
I’ve continued recording and performing, I’ve learned more about my voice, where it sits best,
how to push it, and how to bring more emotion and control into each performance.
So, while the core sound stays consistent, this EP reflects a step forward in confidence and
refinement. It’s me starting to really settle into my lane and understand how to best bring these
songs to life.
As an independent Canadian country artist, what challenges or advantages have you found
in releasing and promoting music like this EP?
Being independent definitely comes with its challenges, especially on the financial side. You
don’t have the backing of a major label with a large budget for marketing, promotion, or touring,
so a lot of it comes down to investing in yourself and being strategic with every move you make.
That said, there’s also a huge upside to that independence. You learn quickly how to wear
multiple hats and build a team around you that truly believes in what you’re doing. It makes
every win feel that much more earned. One of the biggest advantages, though, is having full
creative control over the sound, the songs, the branding, and the overall direction of the project.
You’re able to stay authentic and make the kind of music you genuinely connect with, and I think
listeners can feel that.
What’s one thing about the making of "Is That So Wrong" that fans might be surprised to
learn?
One thing that might surprise people is how global the recording process actually was. We had
session players contributing from all over the world, from keys to banjo, which brought a really
unique energy to the track.
It was a great balance of working with musicians I’ve collaborated with for years, who really
understand my sound, while also bringing in new players who were excited to be part of the
project. Having that mix of familiar chemistry and fresh perspective added something special to
the song, and I think you can hear that in the final product.
If a new listener only had time for one song from the EP to understand Nick Hedden right
now, which would you pick and why?
I’d choose “I See You.” I think that song represents who I am not just as an artist, but as a
person. While a lot of my music leans into the fun, upbeat side of country, “I See You” shows a
more vulnerable and grounded side of me.
At its core, it’s a love song, but it’s also rooted in the values I was raised on, family, loyalty, and
genuine connection. That sense of compassion and sincerity is a big part of who I am, and I want
fans to feel that when they listen. If someone wants to understand me beyond the surface level, I
think that song tells that story best.
What’s the one lyric or moment on the EP that means the most to you personally?
For me, the most meaningful part of this EP goes beyond any one lyric or moment, it’s really
about what it represents as a whole. This project came together during a time where I was facing
some pretty heavy personal challenges, and there were definitely moments where it would’ve
been easier to step away.
But I stuck with it, pushed through, and saw it to completion. So, when I listen back now, I don’t
just hear the songs, I hear that journey. It’s a reminder of resilience, growth, and staying
committed even when things aren’t easy.
That’s why this EP means so much to me. It’s not just a collection of songs, it’s a reflection of
that chapter and a sign that there’s a lot more ahead. And I really appreciate the opportunity to
share that story.
We thank Nick for his time. His new EP is out now and can be streamed below.
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