Music Row Magazine reports West Plains native Jacob Hackworth has signed with MCA Records in collaboration with Goat Island Sound, marking a major milestone in the rising songwriter‑turned‑artist’s fast‑accelerating career.
Hackworth has emerged as one of Nashville’s most in‑demand young writers, amassing more than one billion streams in 2025 alone. Since signing his first publishing deal in 2022, he has earned around 60 major‑label cuts and celebrated two No. 1 hits. He officially launched his artist career in 2025 with three releases: “When I Don’t,” “You Ain’t,” and “Bad As I Do.”
To celebrate the label announcement, Hackworth released a new single, “What Took You So Long,”.
Hackworth says the decision to join MCA came naturally after spending time with the team while on tour with Tucker Wetmore.
“It quickly became clear they were the right fit—not just as a label, but as people I genuinely connect with,” Hackworth shared. “When I moved to Nashville, my goal was to earn a record deal—without fully understanding how difficult that would be. I dove deep into songwriting along the way, but this moment was always what I was working toward.”
He added that the milestone feels surreal.
“I don’t know how to explain the excitement, gratitude, motivation and all of the other feelings I have right now. It also isn’t lost on me that, of the hundreds of songs I’ve written, my first radio single was inspired by the breakup that drove me to Nashville. Life has a funny way of working out.”
With a new label home, a rapidly growing fan base, and a proven track record as a hit songwriter, Hackworth enters his next chapter positioned as one of country music’s most promising new voices.
