2024 CCMA Female Artist of the Year nominee Madeline Merlo has announced her latest project, ONE HOUSE DOWN (from the girl next door), out October 11.
A profound six-track exploration of the non-linear healing cycle after a breakup, the narrative is built around the universal experience of moving on from a once-promising relationship, and the poignant melancholy of adjusting to new realities.
Pre-save ONE HOUSE DOWN (from the girl next door) here.
Ahead of the EP release, Madeline Merlo teamed up with MULTI-PLATINUM, 9x #1 hitmaker Dustin Lynch for its lead track, “Broken Heart Thing (feat. Dustin Lynch)”. The song explores both sides of a recent heartbreak and how they’re both still getting used to the relationship falling apart. The melancholy melody serves up a storyline that perfectly complements the vulnerable moments captured on this recording.
“A huge thank you to Dustin Lynch for lending his signature vocals to this song, one that delves into the complexities of navigating life right after a broken heart,” said Merlo. “It’s a relatable journey that I’m hoping people can find some sense of not being alone in that feeling when they hear this song.”
“I’ve gotten a chance to invite Madeline out a few times now to perform with me, so I was honored to be asked to jump on this song with her,” shared Lynch. “I love how our voices blend on this track, and the power in her vulnerability. It’s so relatable and I’m looking forward to seeing how this one connects!”
ONE HOUSE DOWN (from the girl next door) tracklisting:
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Broken Heart Thing (feat. Dustin Lynch) (Madeline Merlo, James McNair, Michael Tyler, Lalo Guzman, Zach Crowell)
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Bar Fight (Madeline Merlo, Seth Mosley, Claire Douglas)
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Same Car (Madeline Merlo, Sara Haze, Jason Saenz, Zach Crowell, Josh Osborne)
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Middle of the Bed (Madeline Merlo, Sam Ellis, Kyle Sturrock)
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Good Grief (Madeline Merlo, Jimmy Robbins, Anna Vaus, Micah Carpenter)
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One House Down (from the girl next door) (Madeline Merlo, Seth Mosley, Emily Weisband, James McNair)
From the rawness of a breakup in “Broken Heart Thing”, and the hidden battle between heart and mind in “Bar Fight”, to the acceptance found in “Good Grief”, Merlo’s forthcoming project embodies a narrative of authenticity, vulnerability, and imperfection. It’s a record that speaks directly to anyone who’s had to pick themselves up after heartbreak.
Having “already proven her songwriting chops” (Billboard), Merlo, a 2024 CMT “Next Women of Country,” has “long made a career by telling big emotional stories in the span of 3 minute or so songs” (American Songwriter). Similar to her critically acclaimed label-debut EP, Slide, that scored her praise from Billboard, E! News, PopCulture, Music Row and more, Merlo continues to build her niche as a songwriter and artist, as she brings to life powerful female stories, from budding romances, to growing up and to the lessons learned in-between. “…Ready to make her name and talent known in the American country music landscape” (Country Swag), the “rising country star” (People) will be making her Grand Ole Opry debut with Dustin Lynch on October 16.