Mark Morton’s collaboration with Jaren Johnston, the singer of The Cadillac Three, has inspired his first solo album in six years.
“Had a blast writing and recording ‘Hell & Back’ with Jaren,” Morton shared on Twitter. “This was the first song Jaren & I wrote together and it set the tone for the material that followed. The batch of tunes that ‘Hell & Back’ led to all eventually evolved into my upcoming solo album. Much more to come.”
Morton released a new single, “Hell & Back,” featuring Johnston, blending rock and blues while reflecting his Southern rock roots. In a statement, Morton said, “‘Hell & Back’ was so much fun to cook up! We found just the right balance of Southern rock swagger, bluesy grooves, and Outlaw vibes. Jaren is a dear friend of mine and such an incredibly talented songwriter and performer. Our whole process was as laid back and natural as the song sounds.”
Johnston commented, “I was so stoked when Mark and his team reached out and said he was coming to town to work. I jumped at the chance to write with him and in the process made a great friend. I love the unforced mixture of our individual vibes in ‘Hell & Back’ and I was really happy we snuck a kick-a** breakdown in there!”
This is Morton’s first original solo track since 2020, offering a glimpse into his upcoming solo album in 2025, after his recent cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s ‘The Needle and the Spoon’ with Neil Fallon. The song blends genres in a way that appeals to both old and new fans.
Mark’s first solo album, ‘Anesthetic,’ released in 2019, marked a departure from heavy metal. It featured artists like Jacoby Shaddix, Myles Kennedy, Chuck Billy, Mark Lanegan, and Josh Todd.
Had a blast writing and recording “Hell & Back” with @thejaren. This was the first song Jaren & I wrote together and it set the tone for the material that followed. The batch of tunes that Hell & Back led to all eventually evolved into my upcoming solo album. Much more to come. pic.twitter.com/5AFHrMKkJT
— Mark Morton 🇺🇸 (@MarkDuaneMorton) January 17, 2025
