Zach Bryan has intensified his ongoing feud with former collaborator John Moreland by removing their jointly created song “Memphis; The Blues” from streaming platforms. This decision emerged shortly after Moreland expressed his discontent on social media, questioning Bryan’s significant $350 million earnings from the recent sale of his publishing rights and a new record deal with Warner Records. Moreland’s post featured a sarcastic remark, stating, “$350 M is a lot of money to pay for the fuckin off-brand version of me,” implying a rivalry between the two artists.
Bryan’s decision to take down the track signals a strong reaction to Moreland’s comments. In his Instagram stories, Bryan emphasized his refusal to associate with individuals he feels have issues with him and reassured fans that a new version of the song would be released soon. Bryan also acknowledged his respect for Moreland, stating, “No hard feelings! Confused as shit, Tulsans look out for Tulsans!” This reflects the complexity of their relationship, indicating a mix of admiration and frustration.
Although Bryan’s actions are unusual and highlight the fluidity of music in the streaming era, where artists can make last-minute decisions about their work, the removal of a featured artist often signifies deeper issues. Moreland further elaborated on his discontent through an Instagram video, recalling how Bryan’s behavior had affected his perception of him, and expressed his reluctance to collaborate with Bryan again, citing disrespectful behavior towards his friends and wife.
This feud underlines the dynamics often seen in the competitive music industry, where tensions can arise swiftly, even between artists who have previously worked harmoniously together. As both artists navigate this situation, it reflects broader themes in artist relationships and the ever-evolving landscape of the music business.
Amid the controversy, fans and observers express divided opinions, with some siding with Moreland and others maintaining their support for Bryan. This episode serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between personal integrity and artistic collaboration in the world of music.