Budding country singer Cody Hibbard wants people to remember him not only for his catchy songs, but for who he really is as a person.
The standout talent is letting the world get a glimpse into his everyday life with the release of his new project Long Ride in a Short Bed, which you can listen to wherever you stream music.
Produced by Grady Saxman, the 10-track album blends a distinctive mix of influences from both iconic figures and contemporary masters in the songwriter community. With tunes like the recently released sentimental ballad “Backroad To Heaven,” to drum-driven “Storm That I Ride” (feat. A Thousand Horses) to the title track – co-written with hitmakers Rivers Rutherford and Adam Craig – his brazen brand of blue collar honesty radiates, setting the stage for an artist driven by what comes naturally rather than what an industry expects of him.
“This album is truly about my life from start to finish. That’s the ride. Most of my life has been traveling, working, farming, etc., so it was fitting to call this Long Ride in a Short Bed. I’m trying to get the listeners to truly understand who Cody Hibbard is. This album is where I was, where I am, and where I’m going,” Cody tells Celeb Secrets in an exclusive interview.
“I’ve had some success putting out music, and I get the line all the time, ‘I know that song but I didn’t know you sang it.’ It was time to open up and let people in on me a little more,” he continues.
We sit down with Cody (virtually) to learn more about his new project and the meaning behind it, his favorite memories from making it, getting vulnerable on letting fans know who he really is and more. He even shares some behind-the-scenes secrets from the record that you’ll have to read more about by scrolling through the full Q&A below.
Don’t forget to let us know what you think of Long Ride in a Short Bed by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecretscountry.
You can connect with Cody by giving him a follow on Instagram at @codyhibbard_.
Celeb Secrets Country: Your new album, Long Ride in a Short Bed is officially here! How does it feel knowing that the project you’ve worked so hard on is finally out for people to listen to?
Cody Hibbard: “It feels great! Having an idea of what I wanted to do for this album has made the process really fun. I was really able to enjoy the writing and recording process, and the promotion knowing the end goal of this album.”
CSC: Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind the album’s title and what story you’re trying to tell with this new body of work?
CH: “This album is truly about my life from start to finish. That’s the ride. Most of my life has been traveling, working, farming, etc., so it was fitting to call this Long Ride in a Short Bed. I’m trying to get the listeners to truly understand who Cody Hibbard is. This album is where I was, where I am, and where I’m going.”
CSC: For people that haven’t listened yet, how would you describe its sound in three words?
CH: “The three words I would use would be ‘statement,’ ‘feeling,’ and ‘loud.’”
CSC: Was there anyone or anything in particular that inspired you for this project?
CH: “Just me. I’ve had some success putting out music, and I get the line all the time, ‘I know that song but I didn’t know you sang it.’ It was time to open up and let people in on me a little more.
CSC: You’re a co-writer on all 10 songs on your album. Can you share some of your favorite memories from writing “Long Ride In A Short Bed”?
CH: “I’m not sure that it’s a memory, per say, but I’m really proud of the vulnerability that I had to give to let others write about me. It’s a feeling that’s hard to explain. Scared. Nervous. Happy. Excited. Even the three songs I wrote solo – I had to really dig deep to find the best way to tell the story. I really can’t thank my co-writers enough for pushing me to find the best lyrics possible to tell these stories.
CSC: You have two tracks with features – one with A Thousand Horses and the other with Aaron Watson. How did y’all connect and what was it like working together on these songs?
CH: “So A Thousand Horses is managed by the same company that my manager works with. We thought it was a great fit to get together and write. I’ve been a fan since I first heard the guys, and we were able to get a really cool song. When we finished, I asked the guys if they would play on the track and they happily agreed.
I’ve known Aaron for a little while being down in Texas. He’s been such a great role model and mentor. When we finished writing ‘Long Ride,’ I knew I wanted someone with that wisdom of the road on the second verse. Aaron didn’t hesitate, and it’s been an absolute dream working with him and his camp. I can’t thank A Thousand Horses and Aaron enough for being on this debut album.”
CSC: Is there a song that you’re most proud of and if so, why?
CH: “It’s so hard to pick a track I’m most proud of. Every one of them is very personal in one way or another. ‘Had It Been A Boy’ is so special to me because it’s about my daughter and how she has straightened me out without even knowing it. She has my heart and always will. I don’t think I haven’t teared up to that song yet.”
CSC: What’s your current favorite off the record?
CH: “I think my current favorite is ‘Bad Trip.’ It’s about a bad night I had when I was still on pills. I needed a song to get the point across of how much of a mess up I was. I didn’t want to make it too hearty, so I gave it a little rise. It’s a fun song with a dark meaning. I wrote it solo, so it shows my messed up brain a little.”
CSC: Do you have plans to tour the new music? If so, what can you tease?
CH: “I do! I always just let shows come in. I’ll play anywhere and everywhere, if it makes sense. I just want to get this music out as much as possible.”
CSC: Why should people listen to “Long Ride In A Short Bed?”
CH: “People should listen to Long Ride because there’s something for everyone. Songs to have fun to, songs to drink to, songs to cry to, songs to get over things to. The reason I do music is for people to relate and if you want a collection of songs from just a normal everyday guy, this is your album.”
CSC: Since we’re Celeb Secrets, do you have any secrets from making the project that we wouldn’t know just by listening to it?
CH: “The only ‘secret’ I can really think of is Rivers Rutherford, Hall of Fame Songwriter, who helped pen ‘Long Ride in a Short Bed,’ played acoustic parts on the track in the studio for me. It was extremely special to me because he’s always been a writer and player I’ve looked up to.”
LISTEN TO “LONG RIDE IN A SHORT BED” HERE:
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