Midnight South Premiere Their Single “Piece of Me” Featuring Erin Gibney

As a country band, Midnight South ensure that they pay respects to the past while driving the genre forward. You can hear it in their new single “Piece of Me,” which features Erin Gibney, a highly lauded country-pop vocalist who the band has formed a close bond with (check out our premiere of Gibney’s “You Made Your Bed” single last year).

“Piece of Me,” being released via Rock Ridge Music, is the band’s third single released this year. It was preceded by “I Want It All” and “Best Bar In Town.” It’s been only three years since they formed, but in that time, Midnight South has been particularly productive with numerous single releases. Formed in Central Arkansas, the band tries to share a piece of where they’re from with every song. It’s apparent in their musical style, combining modern country, classic Southern rock, pop, and old-time music.

“Piece of Me” was originally not intended to be a collaboration. Explaining how it became one, Midnight South bassist Jeremy Castaldo explains:

“When we were writing this song with our producer, Aaron Gillespie, we knew adding female vocals would make the song more impactful and exciting. It really adds depth, both musically and emotionally. This song was personal, and we needed to get that across with more than just the lyrics.”

Discussing working with Gibney and the impact she had on the song, Castaldo states:

“We had the opportunity to perform in Nashville with Erin Gibney, a fellow Rock Ridge Music artist, and we were really taken in by her talent and just her real, kind personality. Whatcha see is whatcha get. We’re the same and love surrounding ourselves with real people. We felt like her voice brought exactly what the song needed.

“When we were working with her, she really understood the vision and knew exactly what to do to take it to the next level. She’s an incredible talent, and it really made the project that much more meaningful. We’ve loved working with her! Since then, we have played a handful of shows together, and it’s always a great time. Excited for everyone to hear this tune.”

Erin Gibney in 2022, photo by Robby Klein

Articulating her experiences with working with the band and providing her contributions, Gibney says:

“I was so excited when Midnight South invited me to feature on this song. I have been a fan of the band for so long, and it was an honour to get to bring my creative insight into their music and go out on the road with them to Arkansas this past June. When I first heard ‘Piece of Me,’ it instantly felt like the right fit. I am so excited to be a part of it and for it to be out there in the world.

“When I first recorded my part in this song, it fell together really naturally. Working with Cam McClaren, producer on the vocals and drummer for Larry Fleet, was a seamless process, and it was exciting to add another layer to the music. We tried so many variations of the featured sections and finally landed on what you hear now!”

While they certainly don’t sound dated, there’s plenty of old country spirit to go around in Midnight South’s music. They feel like every song they release is a small piece of their Central Arkansas roots. They grew up on ’90s and 2000s country like Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band. But just as influential are the all-time greats like Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash who was of course originally from Arkansas. The band is proud of their heritage and they aim to make you feel nostalgic for the country and the South, even if you’re not from either.

Midnight South “Piece of Me” single artwork