As a former contestant on the fifth season of Nashville Star and, later, a competitor on the 23rd season of Survivor, Whitney Duncan has been acquainted with just about any obstacle or challenge whether it be in the limelight or not. During our most recent Swag Spotlight interview, Duncan discussed everything from falling in love with music at such a young age, her reality TV detour as well as both current and previous music releases.

At four years old, right around the time her granddad had introduced her to Elvis and became so intrigued by his art, Duncan claimed she had found her calling, and she could not have been more accurate. “…I was walking out of church, and I guess the sermon had been about everybody having a purpose… and I told my mom, I was like ‘well I know my purpose, I’m gonna sing’”, Duncan explains, thinking back on that moment of innocent confidence. Though, this was not some fantastical dream. Not for Duncan. Flash forward to today, and this singer-songwriter chased after that momentous dream with no hesitation.

In fact, nine years later, at the age of 13, Duncan had been offered a record deal and though it didn’t turn out to be entirely authentic or reliable, it had brought her to Nashville. And after being advised by a vocal coach and an entertainment attorney, Duncan walked away from the opportunity and began writing songs because “that’s what this city is all about…it’s a song city, for sure”.

Now, an artist who has collaborated and toured with Kenny Rogers, Duncan is ready to release new music after almost 11 years since her debut full-length album Right Road Now. “You live, you learn. You change so much from your early 20s to early 30s, so I’m just bringing a whole different perspective,” the singer reveals.

The latest single release titled “Lightweight” is a tell-tale sign that Duncan’s music has taken on a new layer of maturity both sonically and vocally. After a writing retreat on the beach with her bandmates and her now-producer Michael Carter in April 2016, “Lightweight” has been reinvented years later and inspired a new project that is under construction with new music on the horizon.

To keep up with Whitney Duncan, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter.

“Lightweight” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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