Gary Pratt knows how to tell a story — the kind that brings you back to a simpler time, maybe even to your own family farm, or to the first time someone parked their truck a little too close and your heart started racing. His new single “Red Barn” captures all that and more, wrapped in a feel-good melody and down-to-earth lyrics that are pure country through and through.
Released as the first single from his upcoming project, “Red Barn” is a playful, nostalgic track that paints the picture of a young couple finding love and laughter away from the world — in a quiet red barn, no neighbors, just moonlight, memories, and a Silverado. It’s flirty, fun, and full of the charm country fans love. But there’s also real heart behind the song, and that’s where Gary Pratt truly shines.
What makes this release even more special is the story behind it. After the success of his last album Something Worth Remembering — a deeply personal project dedicated to his late brother — Gary wasn’t planning to jump into the studio anytime soon. That changed in late 2023 when producer Adam Ernst (who played most of the instrumentation on Gary’s last album) and longtime engineer Douglas Kasper reached out with a window of opportunity. With Adam now based in Nashville and busy with other projects, Gary knew this was a rare chance to team up again with the duo who helped shape his signature sound.
With no songs in hand and little time to prepare, Gary jumped at the opportunity, and over the course of 2024, the team crafted what’s shaping up to be his most dynamic work yet. “Red Barn,” written by Nashville hitmaker Jason Patrick Matthews, immediately stood out to Gary. It reminded him of the barn on his great-grandfather’s farm — a place full of memories and stories passed down through generations. That connection made the song personal, and his delivery makes it feel just as real for the listener.
Adding even more chemistry to the track is the vocal presence of Kate Szallar, Gary’s duet partner and frequent stage collaborator. Their voices blend effortlessly, bringing the lyrics to life in a way that feels authentic and down-home. From the moment Gary sings about sneaking away under a full moon to the final chorus promising help with chores in the morning, it’s a song that makes you smile — and maybe want to dance.
Speaking of dancing, a line dance choreographed by Karen Zima is already in the works for “Red Barn,” with plans to roll it out at upcoming shows. It’s another reason fans are getting excited — this song isn’t just for listening, it’s for living. It’s the kind of track you want to hear on a summer night with your boots in the dirt and someone special close by.
Gary Pratt continues to prove that country music is at its best when it’s honest, heartfelt, and rooted in real life. “Red Barn” might feel like a lighthearted tune on the surface, but at its core, it’s about connection — to people, to places, and to the memories that make us who we are. And that’s what country music has always been about.
With a new album on the way and more music in the pipeline, Gary is staying true to the values that have always defined his career: authenticity, strong storytelling, and a deep love for his fans and his roots. If “Red Barn” is any indication of what’s ahead, we’re all in for a toe-tapping, heartstring-pulling good time.
–Colleen Marie Turner
