Radio Single Finally Named From Pistol Annies’ New Record ‘Interstate Gospel’
Yes, The Pistol Annies will have a radio single, and it will be the rambunctious “Got My Name Changed Back.” Going for adds on October 29th via RCA Nashville, it will give the supergroup consisting of Miranda Lambert, Angaleena Presley, and Ashley Monroe an opportunity to try and break the male-dominated monopoly on country radio, and perhaps help promote their upcoming record in the process.
“Got My Name Changed Back” was one of three songs initially released when the Pistol Annies announced their new album Interstate Gospel in September. The album is due to be released on November 2nd. But when none of the tracks emerged as the one song to lead the charge on radio, the concern became the trio wouldn’t enjoy a bona fide single at all. Not sending promoted singles to radio is one of the reasons women are disappearing from the radio charts.
Though speculation upon the inspiration for “Got My Name Changed Back” is pervasive, the Pistol Annies insist the song isn’t written about anyone specifically, though the trio does boast two divorces among them, including one by Miranda Lambert who sings lead on the song. Written by the trio themselves, the song features three full instrumental solos—something pretty unheard of for a radio song. It also appears radio will receive a slightly edited version of of the track for airplay since “Got My Name Changed Back” makes reference to “road whores” in the album version.
On October 7th, the Pistol Annies were spotted in Murfreesboro, Tennessee near Nashville filming a video for the song. It’s a little late for the single to start climbing the charts to help promote the November 2nd album release, and it’s speculative if the song will get played at all since Miranda Lambert and other women are struggling to find significant traction for songs on country radio. But you can’t play what you don’t have, and sending “Got My Name Changed Back” to radio just before the trick-or-treaters head out is a step in the right direction. We’ll also keep an eye out to see if the song makes it onto big streaming playlists, which are quickly challenging radio for importance in the music marketplace.
Sunny
October 22, 2018 @ 9:10 am
Streaming services add their song to Americana playlists. Spotify’s the Pulse of Americana has title track of album, whild Apple Music does have Got My Name Changed Back in one of americana playlists.
Trigger
October 22, 2018 @ 9:40 am
The Pistol Annies are not an Americana act. They are a country music act, signed to a mainstream country label, and include the reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year. Relegating them to Americana is unfair to the Pistol Annies, and also unfair to an Americana artist who would otherwise be featured on an Americana playlist. This was the point Tyler Childers was trying to make when he went on his rant at the Americana Music Awards. Americana is great, but relegating country artists with the term is a distraction from the bigger problem.
Sunny
November 5, 2018 @ 4:14 am
It is now in Hot Country playlist 🙂 (at #6)
Jimmy's Carhartt
October 22, 2018 @ 10:05 am
Awful pick, especially with Best Years of My Life on the table. This is the only one of the pre-release tracks I can’t stand.
Dirt Road Derek
October 22, 2018 @ 10:34 am
Awesome song, I can’t wait to see the video 🙂
Amy
October 22, 2018 @ 10:40 am
I get that radio isn’t gonna play them regardless but you’d think they’d at least TRY for some airplay by sending a song with an actual chorus.
Fuzzy TwoShirts
October 22, 2018 @ 11:55 am
the song’s flippant attitude about divorce aside, it’s probably the most stomachable thing to be sent to Radio at least thematically, content-based objections notwithstanding.
Gena R.
October 22, 2018 @ 12:00 pm
Fun song, but too bad they went with the Miranda showcase rather than a track that does a better job of showcasing all three ladies. :\ (I would’ve guessed “Sugar Daddy” — perhaps a little too rock, or too thematically similar to “Hell on Heels”?)
Aaron
October 22, 2018 @ 12:15 pm
No doubt they are using the divorce angle here to gain some traction for this single and album…I’m sure the music video will highlight this even more. More Miranda vs Blake articles to come! Sigh what a shame the music media has become.
Nicolas
October 22, 2018 @ 1:22 pm
“Best years of my life” would have been a better choice. I was hoping they would pick it. Maybe it will be a single too, later. While, we are lucky enough to have, finally, a Pistol Annies’ single on mainstream radios. Let’s go on !
Ray
October 22, 2018 @ 2:31 pm
I am old-school, still listen to the radio and download my favorite songs on iTunes. I am a fan of Miranda and Carrie Underwood, but I think this song, along with “Cry Pretty,” are not the type of song a listener wants to hear repeatedly. When I listen to a song, the first question I ask myself is “Is this something that I am going to still like if radio drives it into the ground?”
albert
October 22, 2018 @ 11:44 pm
GREAT POINT Ray
Sam
October 22, 2018 @ 7:28 pm
Song has plummeted on ITunes. Abysmal streaming numbers. And despite what PA say about it not being about anyone in particular that drivel started when the song dropped. I am so weary of hearing about heartbreak/divorce after 3 years. And wasn’t that what WOTW about? And what about hearing Ash and Ang?? Sugar Daddies is fun, fast and fun. And showcases all three. I’m so disappointed. I hate this song. It’s going to start drama. But hey it’s all PR right?
albert
October 22, 2018 @ 11:51 pm
the other two PA’s have NO traction with fans or with radio. None . It would be the kiss of death to have a so-so single with one anyone but Miranda singing . she’s the recognizable factor and far and away the BEST singer in that trio . you rarely ever heard kix brooks sing a Brooks and Dunn single once they got traction with one of the best country music voices ever in ronnie dunn , Same with PAs ……who would even know ashely or angela ????? as vocalists they are unremarkable …particularly alongside miranda
scott
October 23, 2018 @ 5:29 am
Um, that would be your opinion. Ashley Monroe can flat ass sing.
Head Case
October 23, 2018 @ 6:19 am
I agree that Ashley is a great singer, but Miranda is the only one of the three that have had any sort of success on the radio, little as that may be.
Black Boots
October 23, 2018 @ 6:34 am
One of your strangest opinions is about Ashley Monroe’s voice. I see it time and again from you. It’s so strange. She’s an absolutely incredible country singer in just about every way.
That said, i do think Miranda is the best country singer of all time outside of Hank sr, so while i agree with them peddling a Miranda track to radio for the best chance at traction, Ashley is a motherfucking force.
Having Miranda and Ashley in the same group isn’t much different than John and Paul in my mind.
Jimmy's Carhartt
October 23, 2018 @ 2:16 pm
Miranda Lambert is a better singer than George Jones, Vern Gosdin, Keith Whitley, Trisha Yearwood, or Randy Travis? Alright then.
Black Boots
October 23, 2018 @ 7:00 pm
Yes
albert
October 24, 2018 @ 7:20 am
I humbly accept my place in the minority where Ashley Monroe’s vocal talents are concerned . I hear Miranda’s voice , I hear Reba , I hear Underwood , I hear Maren Morris , Martina McBride and Sara Evans and I just cannot put AM in that company. No , I don’t think she’s the worse singer out there …but her style and vocal skill doesn’t come close to moving me the way the aforementioned and so many others’ do do .
And granted …….maybe that’s just me .
Greg
October 23, 2018 @ 6:59 am
WSM played this song last night.
Corncaster
October 23, 2018 @ 8:53 am
For something not hackneyed and derivative, there’s always Leah Blevins and “Beautiful Disaster”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3i9W47r_4UI
“you turned cold, so I drove South”
Made me stand up and cheer.
Lowcountrygirl
October 23, 2018 @ 11:44 am
I want to get excited for this album but am having difficulty. Got my Name Changed back is catchy but not sure it will work as a single. Interstate Gospel or Sugar Daddy have the most potential (for me) thus far. I’m rooting them in any event. It’s an uphill battle.
Musiccityman
October 26, 2018 @ 4:42 am
“Super group” is being rather generous…
Cilla
October 26, 2018 @ 10:04 pm
I would have to go with” MASTERPIECE”. This should be a single, then would be “Cheyenne”. Theses two would be radio friendly because they’re really good songs with great harmony.
Nan
October 29, 2018 @ 4:26 pm
“Going for adds on October 29th via RCA Nashville……..” Hopefully this single does very well on radio. I think it was a good choice— a fun, uptempo song. 🙂
Reading about their concert on Thursday night at the Ryman Auditorium—I think they need to get tougher security there. The fan that was by the stage, being an annoyance to the group, and the security asked her to leave the area, and she refused, and they seemed to let her be– (?). Lone Star Annie herself had to stop her performance to escort the person out. (It sounds like everyone in the audience cheered at that).
Other than that it sounds like it was a great show, a treat for their fans.