Heartland is back and better than ever says People Magazine and I couldn’t agree more. The ACM, CMA nominated, and platinum-selling group returns for the first single in over a decade with "No Tomorrow." The "live-for-today anthem" (MusicRow), is available now from Yellowhammer Music Group.
When I sat down and spoke with the band, comprised of Craig Anderson, Todd Anderson, Mike Myerson, and new lead vocalist Lance Horton, I remembered meeting Craig and Lance at CRS 2022 when they were promoting new music for Madison Station.
Craig told me, “Lance and I had been working on a duo project and tracking songs in the studio. We all had been hit up a lot to reform Heartland.”
The original three needed a new lead singer and with his powerful, convicting vocals, choosing Lance Horton was a no-brainer.
“The timing was right,” Craig confirmed.
Anyone in the music industry knows that if you can write a Christmas or wedding song that catches on, you will have income for life. Their multiplatinum hit from 2006 “I Loved Her First” is a song that besides having unprecedented airplay, has been featured in thousands of weddings.
Todd told People magazine, "We are incredibly proud of our past, and the love that fans have shown us through the years is truly remarkable. 'I Loved Her First,' has allowed us to bond with people in such a personal way… it’s a blessing that we never take for granted.”
With “No Tomorrow,” Heartland’s music has evolved along with their fanbase. And while they did not write their newest single, the band has written most of the songs on their forthcoming record. With the theme of living life to its fullest, they felt it was the best song to reintroduce themselves to their fans while amassing new ones.
Mike advised, “Whenever we were shopping for songs, and they presented [No Tomorrow] to the group, it really resonated with me. Our whole reunion is about capturing the moment, just like that song.”
The chance to get on stage again with the camaraderie is something they don’t take for granted. Now all four have families and children who were unfamiliar with Heartland’s former success.
Lance explained, “For me, I’ve got young kids. I would love for them to be able to see me on stage.
Todd concurred, “Just getting back to the live performance. That was always something Heartland took great pride in. It was very high-energy. Since Heartland was last out, my eight-year-old daughter had no idea that Daddy played drums until a few months ago, except for church. I am really looking forward to her being able to see us on stage.”
Heartland has a full album to drop when the timing is right.
In 2006, the last time around, it was a rocket ship. They signed a record deal, they released the song, and within five months, they had a number-one song.
“We had no album to back it up,” Craig recalled.
With experience being the best teacher, this time around they are ready to go.
“Our story has always been about overcoming and perseverance. Our music is about positivity.”
In the meantime, we will just have to wait to find out when they will be touring, and which song(s) will be released next.
Todd advised, “It’s all part of a schedule that is done by people smarter than us. We have the right people on our team who handle that stuff. We just play the music.”
Because of music streaming, the main source of revenue for any artist is touring. And since the COVID pandemic, people appreciate live music more than ever.
I can’t express how thrilled I am that Heartland is back. If their newest single, "No Tomorrow" is any indication, we are all in for a treat!
You can follow Heartland on their website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and all streaming platforms.
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Bethany Bowman is a freelance entertainment writer. You can follow her blog, Instagram, Threads, and X (Twitter).