Video: Eric Church announces new album 'Desperate Man,' including collaboration with Ray Wylie Hubbard

In a video message speaking directly to his fans, two-time Country Music Association Album of the Year winner Eric Church told members of his Church Choir official fan club earlier this morning, “It’s been a while; I just want to say I have missed you. I have good news - the album is done, and we are back. It’s called 'Desperate Man' and the first single is called ‘Desperate Man,’” with Choir members getting access to listen first through their login today.

Church continues, “Just like last time – just like 'Mr. Misunderstood' – if you’re in the Church Choir, on Oct. 5 you’re going to get the album,” as Church renegotiated his record deal with EMI Nashville leading into 'Desperate Man' to include his fans, according to a news release.

“Desperate Man,” Church’s first single off the new album, will be made available everywhere Friday. Co-written by Church with Oklahoma-Texas music icon Ray Wylie Hubbard, “Desperate Man” sees Church again collaborating with producer Jay Joyce. ­­­

It's great to see the ongoing relationship between Church and Hubbard, a Soper native, continuing. As previously reported, Church name-checked Hubbard on his 2015 song "Mr. Misunderstood," and Hubbard recruited Church to provide backing vocals on the title track to his latest album, "Tell the Devil I'm Getting There as Fast as I Can." Hubbard, who is playing an Oklahoma City show July 26 at the Tower Theatre, is an underground music legend, and it's great to see Church putting a little mainstream spotlight on the native Oklahoman's considerable songwriting talents.

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In 2015, Church stunned industry and fans alike with the surprise release of his last album, "Mr. Misunderstood," giving it away to his fans first without interviews, hype or promotion. Church Choir members spoke directly to local television on how they received the record, being the first to confirm its existence. Church said then, "Everyone is so focused on your first week. But I am more concerned with week 80 than week one.'' "Mr. Misunderstood" went on to win Album of the Year at the CMA Awards in 2016 and reached platinum certification earlier this year.

It will be interesting to see if Church again worked with native Oklahoman songwriter Luke Dick, with whom he penned some of the best tracks on "Mr. Misunderstood," including the fantastic single "Kill a Word."

According to a news release, Church has been working to change his fan club to make it better and even more inclusive. Membership tiers are simplified to two options: paid and free. Members of the Choir will also be in control of what music and bundles they receive upon signing up and at renewal. Members who annual renew or auto-renew, and new fans who sign up will now receive an album of their choice from Church’s catalog – in addition to all the benefits paid members currently receive including access to purchase pre-sale tickets, chances for meet and greets, opportunities to attend Church Choir events and much more. The free tier of Church Choir membership includes access to the online community, email updates and special offers.

Church Choir can hear its first single/title track now by logging in at EricChurch.com.

Church concludes the video message saying, “I look forward to seeing you on the road. I’m very proud of this album. See you soon.”

For more information, go to EricChurch.com. 

-BAM