Matthew McConaughey releases new song with Ben Hardesty

Matthew McConaughey’s banjo strums and deep, soulful voice take center stage in a surprise soundtrack drop. Lakeshore Records released “Quill,” a single from the original motion picture soundtrack of *The Rivals of Amziah King*, on Friday, complete with a music video featuring McConaughey singing lead alongside Ben Hardesty, Miranda Zickler, and Angelina LookingGlass.

This isn’t just another celebrity cameo—it’s part of a growing trend of A-list actors flexing creative muscles off-screen. McConaughey, known for his dramatic turns in *Dallas Buyers Club* and *Interstellar*, has long nurtured a love of music, playing guitar and singing in his Southern-tinged folk style. “Quill,” a character-driven ballad, fits perfectly with the film’s folk-noir vibe, blending storytelling with raw instrumentation. The track was recorded during production, giving the cast a chance to bond over music, a rarity in modern filmmaking.

The video doubles as a teaser for the indie drama *The Rivals of Amziah King*, due later this year. It’s set in the rural South and centers on a young man’s quest for justice, with McConaughey playing a mentor figure. His performance of “Quill” serves as both a narrative pivot and a standalone artistic statement. Early reactions online have praised his vocal delivery and the song’s haunting melody, calling it a standout in a year already crowded with star-studded soundtracks.

For McConaughey, this could be more than a fun detour—it may signal a shift toward deeper creative collaboration in his post-Oscar career. With his production company, Campfire Effect, expanding into music and film, “Quill” might just be the first of several off-screen ventures. Fans can expect the full soundtrack drop when the film premieres, giving listeners a fuller taste of the rustic, soulful sound driving the story forward.