“Broken Hearts,” Riley Green & Finding Her Voice | Hannah McFarland
Hannah McFarland joined Heart of the Gulch host Tony Mendoza during CMA Fest 2026 to talk about her Broken Hearts EP, touring with Riley Green, making her Grand Ole Opry debut, and finding her voice as one of country music's rising singer-songwriters.
The Alabama native has been chasing music since her teens, and the past few years have brought some major milestones—from high-profile collaborations and tours to Stagecoach 2026.
Hannah McFarland talks Broken Hearts, “Missing Me” and the emotional songwriting that has helped define her growing country music career.
From Alabama to Nashville
Hannah's journey began long before Broken Hearts.
She reflects on pursuing music since age 15 and the years of growth that eventually brought her from Alabama to Nashville. Her major-label debut “Hey Highway” helped introduce a new chapter, but Hannah's strength remains the emotional honesty behind her songwriting.
Whether she's writing about heartbreak, relationships or growing up, she wants listeners to hear something real.
Touring With Riley Green
Life on the road has put Hannah alongside some major country artists, including Riley Green, Tucker Wetmore, Kip Moore and Chase Rice.
She talks about what she's learned from watching Riley Green build a career and connect with audiences night after night.
Their connection has extended into the studio as well, with Hannah collaborating with Riley on “I Just Need You.”
She's also appeared with Brett Young on “In Case You Didn't Know 2.0” and Chase Rice on “Foolin'.”
Heart of the Gulch host Tony Mendoza sits down with Hannah McFarland during CMA Fest 2026 to talk touring, songwriting and finding her voice.
The Songs Behind Broken Hearts
Heartbreak has become an important part of Hannah's storytelling.
Her 2025 debut EP Broken Hearts gave listeners an introduction to that side of her writing, while songs like “Missing Me” continue pushing her into increasingly personal territory.
Hannah explains why releasing “Missing Me” meant so much to her and how hearing from fans who have found comfort in her songs gives those experiences a new purpose.
A heartbreak might begin as her story.
Once the song is released, it can become someone else's.
From the Opry to Stagecoach
Hannah has also started checking off some major career dreams.
She made her Grand Ole Opry debut and earned a spot on the Stagecoach 2026 lineup, milestones that would have felt almost unimaginable to the teenager who first started chasing country music.
But those accomplishments haven't eliminated uncertainty.
Hannah talks about confidence, authenticity and relying on her faith while learning to trust where her career is taking her.
Hannah McFarland reflects on touring with Riley Green, making her Grand Ole Opry debut and reaching new milestones in her career.
What's Next for Hannah McFarland
New music is already taking shape, and Hannah even shares some of the visual inspiration and colors surrounding her next project.
The sound may continue evolving, but the foundation isn't changing: honest songs built around experiences people can actually feel.
From Broken Hearts and “Missing Me” to Riley Green, the Grand Ole Opry and Stagecoach, Hannah McFarland has covered a lot of ground since she started chasing this dream at 15.
And she's still just getting started.
Watch Hannah McFarland on Heart of the Gulch
Watch the full Hannah McFarland interview from CMA Fest 2026 as she joins Tony Mendoza to discuss Broken Hearts, “Missing Me,” touring with Riley Green, songwriting, the Grand Ole Opry, faith and what's coming next.
Interview Chapters
0:00 — Hannah McFarland Interview | CMA Fest 2026
0:34 — Touring With Riley Green & Life on the Road
1:55 — Learning From Riley Green as a Rising Country Artist
3:02 — The Story Behind “Missing Me”
3:48 — Hannah McFarland Reflects on Her Journey Since Age 15
4:59 — The Color & Inspiration Behind Her Next Project
5:52 — Songwriting, Storytelling & Creating Authentic Music
6:55 — How Hannah McFarland's Music Helps Fans Through Heartbreak
8:06 — Grand Ole Opry, Live Shows & Country Music Dreams
9:10 — Hannah McFarland's Most Underrated Song
10:03 — Why Releasing “Missing Me” Was So Personal
10:58 — Authenticity, Confidence & Finding Her Voice
12:06 — Faith, Following God's Plan & Chasing Your Dreams
13:22 — New Music, Tour Dates & Future Goals
13:58 — Final Thoughts
Tony Mendoza and Hannah McFarland together following her Heart of the Gulch interview during CMA Fest 2026.
Tony Mendoza is the Nashville-based host and creator of Heart of the Gulch, featuring conversations with country artists, songwriters and personalities from Nashville and beyond.
