The song is Church’s first solo release in more than three years, following his 2021 triple album Heart & Soul.
Eric Church Releases New Song to Support Hurricane Helene Victims
Rescue missions and relief efforts are still ongoing for those affected by Hurricane Helene. After the storm hit the southeastern U.S., thousands of people across six states were left devastated as it destroyed homes and businesses, resulting in over 200 fatalities.
One of the states that experienced the worst effects of the tropical storm was North Carolina, Eric Church’s home state. In a statement posted to his social media, Church shared his condolences to everyone affected.
“I’m devastated by the destruction in the mountains of western North Carolina,” Church wrote. “These are our family members, friends, and neighbors.”
Read his full statement below.
Days after his initial statement, Church provided an update on Friday, October 4, announcing the release of his first solo track in over three years, titled “Darkest Hour.” He felt it was fitting to release this song during such a challenging time, as many people are facing their “darkest hour” in the wake of Hurricane Helene’s aftermath.
“I had this song that I’d written, and the line that struck me in light of the recent devastation was ‘I’ll come running,’ because there are a lot of people out there right now who are in their darkest hour and they need people to come running,” he said.
Eric Church Gives All Rights & Royalties From “Darkest Hour” To North Carolina
Of course, the cause is too personal for Church to just stop at a song release. He also revealed that along with the new track, he signed away all of the song’s rights and royalties to support North Carolina’s recovery efforts.
“Not only for now but forever,” Church said. “It’s no longer mine. It’ll be theirs. All the proceeds, all the money, all the future money.”
“This is not a quick thing to fix, so hopefully ‘Darkest Hour’ will be able to contribute to that for a long time to come,” Church added. “This song goes to my home, North Carolina, now and forever.”
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More Country Artists Step Up to Aid Hurricane Helene Victims
Church’s generous act is amazing, and he joins a growing list of country music artists taking action to support those in need.
Scotty McCreery, another North Carolina native, has stepped up to show his support by sharing a list of organizations working tirelessly for relief efforts and making donations to them as well. Similarly, Luke Combs has expressed his commitment to doing whatever he can to help those in his home state.
Miranda Lambert has announced a donation of $100,000 through her MuttNation Foundation to assist pets and animals affected by the hurricane. Additionally, Morgan Wallen has contributed a total of $500,000 to the American Red Cross, one of many organizations working to raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Helene.
Listen to Eric Church’s new song “Darkest Hour” below.