Stephen Wilson Jr. & Miranda Lambert Team Up For Powerful New Collab, “Hardwired”
on Aug 03, 2026
Miranda Lambert & Stephen Wilson Jr. Release New Duet
Miranda Lambert and rising country star Stephen Wilson Jr. have teamed up to release a soulful new duet dedicated to the working class.
Wilson first caught attention with his 2023 debut album, søn of dad, a 22-track, deeply personal project dedicated to his late father. Released on Big Loud Records, the album combines grunge, Americana, and modern country, landing at the top of several “Best of 2023” lists, including Holler’s Album of the Year.
He drew widespread attention during last year’s CMA Awards when Wilson took the stage for an emotional cover of the hit, “Stand By Me,” dedicated to his late father.
The “Holler from the Holler” singer was also nominated for “New Artist of the Year,” alongside Ella Langley and Zach Top. According to Wilson Jr., his gritty vocals and laid-back style has been heavily influenced by Willie Nelson.
“Hardwired” Gives Voice To The Working Class
Wilson is continuing his breakout year with another major collaboration, this time teaming up with Lambert on their newly released duet, “Hardwired.” The song was released on July 31 and combines country with an interpolation of Pixies’ classic “Where Is My Mind?”
“Hardwired” marks Wilson’s latest popular duet of 2026, following his collaboration with Jelly Roll on “Preacher’s Kid,” which was released earlier this year.
Written alongside Jesse Frasure and Adam Hood, the song shares Wilson giving a voice to the working class. It captures the relentless hard work of everyday life and the emotional toll that comes with constantly pushing forward.
Centered around the idea that “hard living’s for the hardwired,” the track explains the exhaustion that can accompany a life spent working without pause. However, it highlights the resilience of those who keep going despite life’s challenges.
Lambert offers excellent backup vocals, offering a new range to her typical upbeat country style.
You can give “Hardwired” a listen below.
