Nashville’s rising country duo Reckless Bound, made up of Emma Hanlon and Sydney Paige, are pouring their hearts into their latest single 'Glass of Whiskey'. Known for their heartfelt songwriting and undeniable chemistry on stage, the pair deliver a track that captures the bittersweet burn of heartache, a relatable anthem for anyone who’s ever found comfort in a quiet moment and a strong drink.
Co-written with Mark Mulch and produced by Joshua Gramling and Dran Michele, 'Glass of Whiskey' is, as the duo describes, their “love letter to whiskey,” embracing its role as both a companion and a symbol of resilience through tough times. With a sound that channels the emotive storytelling of Kelsea Ballerini, Maddie and Tae, Carly Pearce, and The Chicks, Reckless Bound continue to carve out their place in the modern country scene.
So with the new single out now, we sit down with Emma and Sydney to talk about their journey as a duo, and how they’re connecting with fans one song (and one drink) at a time.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
We both started playing acoustic guitar at a young age, which sparked our love for music, songwriting, and the instrument itself. We still play the original guitars we learned on which is a great reminder of where it all began.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Sydney: My favourite music growing up was classic rock and ’80s hits.
Emma: I was a ’90s country fan through and through.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Sydney: The one I remember most is ‘The Best Damn Thing by Avril Lavigne. I used to imagine myself performing in the music video every time it played.
Emma: ‘Come On Over’ by Shania Twain. I had it on repeat every morning on my CD Walkman on the way to school.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
We both would’ve loved to have written ‘Better Man’ by Little Big Town. The melody and harmonies are incredible, and the lyrics are so much fun to sing. It’s easily one of our favourite songs to cover.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
For us, it’s less about rituals and more about the environment. We try to create a space that feels warm, comfortable, and full of natural light to help set the tone. Sydney likes to write on a specific guitar and it really helps her tap into her creativity. Emma prefers writing her songs with pen and paper, so she’s particular about the notebook and pen she uses. Basically, we’re one broken guitar string and a missing pen away from a creative crisis.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Emma: “Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Carter Faith. I really enjoy her writing style. I’ve also been a fan of Madeline Merlo for years and absolutely adore her voice. Pretty much anything she puts out, I’m into. Her newest album is incredible.”
Sydney: “Ashley McBryde is one of the reasons I fell in love with country music. I recently saw her at a small writers’ round in Nashville, and she was amazing and seeing her up close only furthered my love and respect for her.”
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
If we could open for anyone, it would be Luke Combs hands down. We both love his music, and getting to share a stage with him would be an absolute dream and honour!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding thing for us right now is the messages we receive after shows whether it’s through social media, email, or in person. Those kind words truly mean the world to us. They remind us that we’re on the right path with our passion and that our music is reaching people in the same way other artists have reached us.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part is constantly putting yourself out there and facing rejection. It’s just part of the job but as tough as it can be, it really does help you grow in the long run.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
The best piece of advice we’ve gotten is to just keep going—even when it feels like you’re not making progress toward your end goal. You never know what you might discover along the way that makes the journey worthwhile.
-
Reckless Bound's new single 'Glass Of Whiskey' is out now. Check it out in the player below.