Hunter Hughes Band Releases New Single “Another Broken Heart”

The Hunter Hughes Band has released their new single, “Another Broken Heart,” the first track off their upcoming album Heartbreaks and Hangovers. The song captures the raw emotion of heartbreak while delivering the band’s signature red dirt rock and roll energy.

The lyrics were written by guitarist Brock Vaughan and were inspired by a difficult breakup during his college years. “It was his heartbreak when he and his girlfriend broke up,” Hughes explains. “The story is about people talking to someone who just got out of a relationship, telling them to move on. He would rather play his guitar than worry about another broken heart. It’s about improving yourself, running solo for a while, and growing from a situation.”

Though written years ago, Vaughan only recently agreed to record the track. “I’ve been trying to get him to let me record it forever,” Hughes says. “He finally decided to let it come out. He wanted to throw it on the album, and I thought it could be something good.”

“Another Broken Heart” was recorded at Jordan Cain’s Morning Star Sound Recordings in Elk City, Oklahoma, and produced by Charlie Wiles, who also plays guitar for Lady Antebellum. “He’s a badass producer,” Hughes says. “He is awesome at what he does. Everything just flew out in the studio.”

Musically, the single finds the band leaning into a heavier red dirt sound. “In terms of style, I feel like it compares really well to ‘She’s Been Sleeping.’ It’s got that rock and roll red dirt vibe, that Treaty Oak flow,” Hughes explains. “Our goal was to sound like something Treaty Oak would put out. That heartfelt rock and roll style. It’s our take on a dad rock song, really.”

The band is especially proud of the song’s high-energy outro. “There’s a moment in the song, the breakdown after the very last chorus that goes into this big riff,” Hughes says. “It’s a big breakdown for the outro.”

Since its release, “Another Broken Heart” has been met with positive feedback from fans. Hughes says listeners have responded strongly to the song’s catchiness and writing, with many gravitating toward its balance of sadness and energy. “Everybody who’s heard it has liked it,” he says. “People think it’s really catchy, well written, and easy to connect with.”

One element in particular has stood out to listeners. “The breakdown at the end is what people keep talking about,” Hughes says. “It’s a sad song, but it’s upbeat. A lot of people are into that nowadays, and that breakdown really brings it to life.”

While the reception has been encouraging, Hughes admits the release came with lessons learned. “I honestly expected it to do better,” he says. “We had planned to release it a long time ago, and we marketed it heavily on TikTok for almost a year. I think we wore it out a little. We probably should’ve dropped it while it was hot.” Even so, the band is already looking ahead. “We’ve got eleven more songs coming, and we’re planning to release them all this year.”

For longtime listeners, the single represents a clear step forward in the band’s evolution. “They’re seeing the direction we’re moving in,” Hughes says. “We’re gravitating more toward a southern rock sound, but with red dirt roots. We’re getting comfortable in our own shoes and really defining our sound.”

Photo by Opacity Sky Media.

“Another Broken Heart” has also translated well to the stage. The band debuted it live on New Year’s Eve at The Blockhouse, the same night as its release. “A lot of people were anticipating that song,” Hughes says. “It’s been doing really well live, and the crowd response has been great.”

As the first taste of Heartbreaks and Hangovers, the single offers a glimpse into what is coming next. “I think it gave people a little hint,” Hughes says. “That album is going to be big. It’s going to have a big sound. ‘Another Broken Heart’ is a good reference point, but it’s really foreshadowing what’s to come.”

The band is now setting its sights on the Calf Fry Battle of the Bands in Stillwater, Oklahoma. For Hughes, the opportunity is significant. “Playing the Battle of the Bands is a chance to play at Calf Fry,” he says. “Thousands of people attend it every year, so that could be a really big deal for us.”

Screenshot from @calffryok on Instagram.

Preparation for the competition has been focused and intentional. “We’re taking our time to perfect a five-song setlist and be as prepared as possible,” Hughes says. “We’re bringing everything we’ve got and making sure we’re firing on all eight cylinders.”

While the band strives to bring the same energy to every show, Hughes acknowledges that competition adds another layer. “We try to bring it every night, but Battle of the Bands is different,” he says. “We’re all competitors at heart, so we definitely step it up. We did one in Eufaula last summer and almost won.”

Looking ahead, Hughes hopes to connect with the Stillwater crowd, especially those seeing the band for the first time. “Really just those rowdy college kids who want to have a good time,” he says. “There’s a lot of red dirt music in Stillwater, so we feel at home with people like that.”

With a busy year ahead, Hughes is confident in the band’s momentum. “We’ve got a lot of shows lined up, and I truly believe this will be our best year yet,” he says. “We’re focused on staying consistent. We’re going to have a bigger presence this year for sure.”

For new listeners discovering the band through “Another Broken Heart,” Hughes hopes the connection feels personal. “I hope they see some small-town kids who grew up like they did,” he says. “We just want to write relatable music and connect with people like us.”

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