Carrie Underwood is teaming up with Papa Roach for a new song, and it’s for a worthwhile cause. The country music icon and rock band are combining their talents for a new song, “Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark),” out on Friday, August 2.
The song is part of Papa Roach’s ongoing mission to raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health awareness, working alongside the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), which will receive royalties generated from both artists from the song, in perpetuity. “Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark)” will also raise awareness for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States and Canada.
“We were humbled that Carrie was open to our mission, and hearing the power of Carrie’s voice in that recording session we were blown away,” says Papa Roach lead singer, Jacoby Shaddix. “Not only is her vocal ability unequaled, but the impact of her voice brings a new meaning to our cause and will help people all over the globe. It’s an honor to have a ‘Rock Star’ bring life to this track with us.”
“I’m such a huge fan of Jacoby and Papa Roach and was honored to be invited to record ‘Leave A Light On’ with them,” adds Underwood. “It’s a beautiful song and the message behind it and the band’s mission to shine a light on suicide prevention and mental health awareness has never been more important.”
“Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark)” has been a mainstay in Papa Roach’s live shows since they first performed the song in 2023 with Shinedown and Spiritbox. Underwood was able to witness them perform the song, which begins with a video PSA from Shaddix, when she attended their Nashville show last year.
Underwood might be a country music superstar, but she has made no secret of her love of rock music. The Grand Ole Opry member is an outspoken fan of rock and roll, even taking some time last year to open for Guns N’ Roses on their 2023 Global Tour.
Photo Credit: Jeff Johnson
“I’m super excited to get to open a few shows for Guns N’ Roses,” Underwood told her record label before the tour began. “Of course, I’ve been a massive GNR fan for pretty much my whole life. I’ve been able to sing with Guns N’ Roses and Axl [Rose] separately a few times … “ think the things I look forward to most are obviously watching their show, and being around them. But it’s just such a fun vibe. Their fans are absolutely incredible and so supportive and just have been so much fun [in] everything that I’ve seen from them.
“But [I’m] also looking forward to just doing some things in our set list that I might not get the chance to do any other time,” she added. “I wanted to be me, but I also wanted to bridge the gap between me and Guns N’ Roses a little bit, so we’re just having a blast with it.”
Underwood just announced she is extending her REFLECTIONS: The Las Vegas Residency into 2025, due to fan demand. Find all of Underwood’s music and tour dates at CarrieUnderwoodOfficial.com.
Photo Credit: Bryson Roatch