Zach Bryan Responds to John Moreland’s Social Media Critique

Tulsa, Oklahoma — Tensions are rising in the music industry following a recent Instagram exchange between country artists Zach Bryan and John Moreland. On May 7, Moreland took to social media to express his thoughts on Bryan’s lucrative $350 million deal, stating, “$350M is a lot of money to pay for the fu–in off-brand version of me. Y’all have a great day.” This cryptic message has since stirred discussions among fans and observers alike.

John Moreland, a respected songwriter and one of Bryan’s influences, has been vocal about their relationship. In past interviews, Bryan has praised Moreland’s craft, calling him “on a level all his own” and lauding his thoughtful songwriting. Despite their collaboration on the track “Memphis: The Blues” from Bryan’s 2024 album The Great American Bar Scene, Moreland’s latest comments suggest a more contentious vibe.

Shortly after Moreland’s post, Bryan responded with a story of his own. He wrote, “Yooo just saw this from an artist I’ve always respected and supported. Not trying to be dramatic but refuse to have anyone with a problem with me on my records. Replacing ‘Memphis the Blues.'” This indicates he plans to remove the collaboration from streaming platforms, sparking further debate among fans.

The back-and-forth comes days after Bryan’s $350 million deal was reported, which included a partnership with Warner Records for at least two new albums. Many musicians have expressed feelings of envy, as Bryan’s career trajectory of stadium tours and chart-topping hits seems unparalleled.

As Moreland deleted his initial post soon after it went live, some speculate it may have been a moment of impulsivity. Yet the underlying sentiments of jealousy and rivalry resonate with fans and critics, raising concerns about the impact of such disputes on both their careers.

This isn’t the first time Moreland has faced criticism from fellow musicians. Last August, he was involved in a confrontation with members of another band over differing views, further establishing his reputation for having a hot temper.

Amid the drama, some fans voiced their thoughts online, with mixed reactions to both artists’ actions. While some sided with Bryan, others expressed sympathy for Moreland, viewing his outburst as rooted in artist frustration.

As of now, Bryan’s song featuring Moreland remains available for streaming, although its future is uncertain. Fans await further developments as the artists navigate their complex relationship.