Country music’s next big thing has officially arrived, and she’s making sure everyone knows it. Mackenzie Carpenter is stepping into the spotlight with Hey Country Queen, her long-awaited debut album that’s equal parts sassy, heartfelt, and undeniably fun. Out now via The Valory Music Co., the 13-track project showcases Carpenter’s signature blend of clever storytelling, infectious melodies, and unapologetic personality, proving why she’s one of the most exciting rising stars in the genre.
“This album mirrors the emotional highs and lows we all experience, especially as girls in our 20s,” Mackenzie shares in a press release. “I want listeners to walk away knowing there’s a song for any place in life they’re currently in — whether that’s a heartbreak song or a female power anthem. That’s why I wanted to title the album after ‘Country Queen.’ It’s my way of saying, ‘It’ll all be okay. Wear your crown and be yourself — and if they can’t handle it, just pick up the pieces and move on.’”
Before she was belting out her own anthems, Mackenzie was penning them for some of country’s hottest names. She co-wrote Lily Rose’s No. 1 hit “Villain” and played a major role in crafting Megan Moroney’s viral smash “I’m Not Pretty,” along with fan-favorites like “Indifferent” and “28th of June.” But Hey Country Queen marks a new chapter — one where she’s the one owning the stage.
“It has been really cool to be a part of songs with Megan and get to write songs like ‘Indifferent’ and ‘I’m Not Pretty,’” she tells Celeb Secrets during CRS 2025 in Nashville back in February. “But to get to take that energy and put it toward my own album has been a really, really exciting feeling.”
And that energy? It’s electric.
Kicking things off with a bang, Hey Country Queen is packed with songs that feel destined for country radio domination. Take “Dozen Red Flags,” for example — a hilariously relatable anthem about falling for the wrong guy even when the warning signs are flashing in neon.
“That song is just the ultimate shoulda-known-better girl anthem,” Mackenzie laughs. “Because you meet somebody and they’re giving nothing but red flags, but then you look at them and they’re, like, beautiful—or you’re like, ‘But they were so tall!’ So you give in to the red flags.”
Then there’s “I Wish You Would,” her dreamy, flirty duet with country trio Midland that captures the magic of having a crush.
“This song is so special to me because I feel like it’s the exact feeling of having a crush,” she explains. “There’s almost no better feeling in the world than when you’re still trying to figure out all the things about that person and you wish they would make all these moves or say the right thing.”
The collaboration with Midland was something Mackenzie had been dreaming about for a while. “I’ve always been a big fan of theirs. I saw them play at the Georgia Theatre when I was in high school, and I just thought they were amazing,” she shares.
Through a twist of fate, she connected with Harper, her current creative director who happens to be married to Cam from Midland. “Harper has been behind the camera for my EP and album visuals, and I’d mentioned to her a few times that maybe one day I’d love to collaborate with them. When we were looking for the perfect duet partner, they immediately came to mind. Since we’re label mates, it all came together, and they were so on board.”
The music video, shot in East Nashville at Hubba Hubba Tiki Tonk, gave Mackenzie the chance to step into full-on glam mode. “We had glam Mackenzie, then we had spring break Mackenzie,” she laughs. “It was so fun getting to be an actress for a minute and play this role.”
While Hey Country Queen is undeniably country at its core, Mackenzie made sure to incorporate a variety of influences to keep things fresh and unexpected. “I wanted this album to sound like a playlist I would listen to,” she says. “When I’m driving around, I’m always bebopping, listening to all different genres and sounds. So while it’s country, there are a lot of different influences that I think you’ll hear.”
She describes the sound as a mix of traditional country, western vibes, and modern pop production. “A song like ‘I Wish You Would’ has that classic country and western feel, while ‘Cowgirl Like Me’ literally has 808s on it,” she explains. “I just wanted this album to be a reflection of me — fun, emotional, and a little unpredictable.”
View this post on Instagram
Mackenzie is bringing Hey Country Queen to life on tour, hitting the road with her longtime friend and collaborator Megan Moroney. The duo will be stopping in cities across the country, including a major hometown show in Athens, GA.
“If you haven’t gotten your tickets, come see us — it’s going to be such a fun trip getting the girls back together!” she teases.
And when she’s not on stage, she’s writing — because some things never change. “One thing about me and Megan is that we always find time to write on the road,” Mackenzie shares. “So hopefully, we’ll be able to sneak away and get some new songs out of it.”
With Hey Country Queen already racking up streams and bringing in new fans by the minute, Mackenzie has her sights set on the next milestone: country radio.
“My goal for this year would be to have my first song sent to country radio,” she reveals. “That’s the next step.”
Considering her track record, it’s only a matter of time before she takes over the airwaves. Mackenzie Carpenter isn’t just stepping into the spotlight—she’s owning it, crown and all.
For more on Mackenzie’s debut album, make sure to watch our full interview below — and don’t forget to let us know what you think of Hey Country Queen by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecretscountry.
