Lainey Wilson Takes Country Music in a Surprising New Direction With John Mayer Collaboration — and Husband Duck Hodges Steals the Spotlight in Her Wild New Video
Lainey Wilson is embracing a fresh musical direction with her latest single, “Kinda Love It,” a playful country-pop anthem about falling for someone who might be more trouble than expected.
The reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year has built her career around authentic storytelling, unmistakable Southern vocals and songs that celebrate life’s complicated emotions.
Now, she’s experimenting with a brighter, pop-influenced sound while staying connected to the country roots that made her a star.
The new track brings together an impressive songwriting team, including John Mayer and acclaimed producer Kid Harpoon, whose previous work includes collaborations with Harry Styles and Miley Cyrus.
But the surprises don’t end with the music.
Wilson’s accompanying video features her husband, former NFL quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges, taking her on a wild ride around their farm.
Lainey Wilson Falls for a Bad Boy in Kinda Love It
At the centre of “Kinda Love It” is a familiar romantic dilemma: knowing someone might be trouble but finding them impossible to resist.
Wilson portrays a woman who never intended to fall for a rebellious, unpredictable man.
Despite recognizing the potential complications, she discovers that the attraction is stronger than her reservations.
Rather than walking away, she decides to embrace the uncertainty and see where the relationship leads.
The song’s upbeat energy reflects that sense of excitement.
Its lyrics acknowledge the risks of getting involved with someone who might not be ready to settle down, while also revealing the singer’s growing willingness to imagine a future together.
The playful storytelling gives the track a lighthearted personality, even as it explores the vulnerability that comes with falling in love.
Wilson delivers the lyrics with her characteristic country twang, ensuring that the song retains her musical identity despite its contemporary production.
John Mayer and Kid Harpoon Help Shape a New Sound
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“Kinda Love It” was written by Wilson alongside John Mayer, Kid Harpoon and Jon Decious.
The collaboration represents an interesting creative combination.
Wilson brings her country storytelling instincts and distinctive vocal delivery, while Mayer contributes his experience as a singer, songwriter and guitarist.
Kid Harpoon, meanwhile, is known for producing and writing music with major pop artists, including Harry Styles and Miley Cyrus.
His involvement helps explain the track’s polished, pop-oriented production.
Compared with some of Wilson’s more traditional country recordings, “Kinda Love It” leans into a brighter and more contemporary musical atmosphere.
Nevertheless, its lyrical themes and Wilson’s vocal performance maintain a clear connection to country music.
The result is a song that allows the singer to experiment without abandoning the style that has defined her career.
Wilson Reveals Why the Writing Session Felt Different
Ahead of the release, Wilson shared her enthusiasm for the creative process behind the track.
“This has to be one of my favorite days in the writing room,” she revealed.
The singer also explained that her approach to songwriting has been changing.
Rather than entering every session with a predetermined direction, she has begun allowing ideas to develop more naturally.
“Lately I’ve been walking into the writing room without knowing exactly where we’re headed. Against my better judgment, it’s working,” Wilson shared.
She explained that she has always enjoyed assembling the different elements of a song, but has recently discovered the freedom that comes with letting the music guide the process.
“I’ve always loved putting the puzzle pieces together, but I’m learning there’s a lot of fun in letting the song just tell you what it wants to be.”
The experience has left her feeling enthusiastic about exploring unfamiliar creative territory.
“Feels like I’m stepping into something new and enjoying the ride,” she added.
Her comments suggest that “Kinda Love It” is more than a one-off experiment.
It reflects a growing willingness to explore different sounds and approaches while continuing to develop as a songwriter.
Duck Hodges Joins Lainey Wilson for a Wild Ride
The song’s playful spirit carries over into its accompanying music video.
Wilson’s husband, Devlin “Duck” Hodges, appears alongside her in a lighthearted sequence filmed around their farm.
The former professional football player takes the singer for an energetic ride on an all-terrain vehicle.
As Hodges drives around the property, Wilson holds on tightly while singing along to the track.
The scene captures the carefree, slightly chaotic feeling of the song’s central romance.
It also offers a personal glimpse of the couple away from the concert stage and awards ceremonies.
Rather than relying on an elaborate storyline, the video uses their natural chemistry and playful interaction to bring the lyrics to life.
Hodges’ appearance adds another layer of personality to the release, connecting Wilson’s musical storytelling with a moment from her life at home.
Another John Mayer Collaboration Is Already Climbing the Charts
“Kinda Love It” arrives as Wilson continues to enjoy success with another track connected to John Mayer.
Her recent country radio single, “Phone, Keys, Wallet,” features Mayer on guitar.
The song has already reached the Top 15 on country radio and continues to gain momentum.
The two recordings highlight different aspects of Wilson’s collaboration with Mayer.
On “Phone, Keys, Wallet,” he contributes his instrumental talents.
For “Kinda Love It,” he joins the songwriting team behind the track.
Together, the releases demonstrate Wilson’s interest in working with artists and producers whose musical backgrounds extend beyond traditional country music.
That approach could help her explore new creative possibilities while continuing to appeal to listeners who appreciate her established sound.
Lainey Wilson Prepares for Another Major CMA Awards Night
The new music comes during another significant period in Wilson’s career.
The 12-time CMA Award winner is preparing to return as host of the 60th Annual CMA Awards.
She is also nominated in three categories at this year’s ceremony.
Wilson is competing for Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and Single of the Year for “Somewhere Over Laredo.”
The nominations reflect her continued prominence within country music.
She recently added another achievement to her growing list of honors after receiving the CMA International Artist Achievement Award.
The recognition acknowledges her impact beyond the United States and the international reach of her music.
With another major awards ceremony approaching, a successful radio single and fresh material arriving, Wilson continues to maintain an active presence across several areas of the country music industry.
A New Chapter Without Leaving Her Country Roots Behind
Throughout her rise to stardom, Wilson has become known for combining traditional country influences with contemporary storytelling.
“Kinda Love It” demonstrates how she can expand that approach without losing the personality that makes her music recognizable.
The song’s pop-influenced production gives it a different energy, while its romantic storytelling remains firmly connected to her country background.
Her collaboration with John Mayer, Kid Harpoon and Jon Decious also highlights a willingness to explore ideas with musicians from different creative worlds.
Meanwhile, the music video featuring Duck Hodges provides a playful visual interpretation of the song’s adventurous spirit.
With a new sound, an unexpected songwriting team and a music video featuring her husband, Lainey Wilson is showing another side of her artistry. And as she prepares for another major CMA Awards appearance, “Kinda Love It” offers an exciting glimpse of where her music could be heading next.
