Sassy new track recalls Texas and exes don’t mix
The magnetic girl next door, Mackenzie Carpenter, is giving a tinge of classic ‘80s country with the track “Don’t Mess With Exes,” available now via The Valory Music Co. The twangy, yet soulful tune cheekily pays tribute to George Strait’s lesson that Texas and exes just don’t mix. Adding to her growing repertoire of music that includes “Can’t Nobody,” “Huntin’ Season” and the recent “Jesus I’m Jealous,” the 2023 CMT Next Women of Country member is setting the tone for a debut album and a highly anticipated year.
With a groovy, slow beat and 20th century inspiration on display from the first note, Carpenter’s “Don’t Mess With Exes” adds some tough love to the common on-again-off-again love story. The sassy songwriter stays true to her brand, warning her ladies alongside co-writers Nicolle Galyon and Brandon Hood that with past love it’s never just an innocent text.
“They say insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results, so I’m just tryin’ to keep y’all from going insane out here,” laughs Carpenter. “I hope this song inspires whoever hears it to move on from what is holding them back and become the best version of themselves. Take my advice, don’t let him fool you twice!”
“Don’t mess with exes, no matter how bad you want to/ don’t second guess it, when that song gives you déjà vu,” sings Carpenter. “Go on and dust off your boots take a two step or two with somebody new, just whatever you do/ don’t mess with exes, ‘cause they’ll make a mess outta you.”
Mackenzie Carpenter has hit the ground running this year after being inducted into the CMT Next Women of Country 2023 class, playing in sold out shows at the Listening Room and the Basement East, and announcing tours with Danielle Bradbery and Conner Smith. The Georgia native signed her first record deal May 2022 with The Valory Music Co. and released her first tracks following a viral TikTok debut with more than six million views. Carpenter is building a fanbase online and on the road having already opened for Miranda Lambert, Jake Owen, Parker McCollum, Craig Campbell, and Ryan Hurd. She is currently in the studio recording her debut project and gearing up for large-scale events like Country Thunder, Tortuga Music Festival, and Stagecoach in 2023.
