Parker McCollum Celebrates Fourth No. 1 Hit "Burn It Down" with Nashville’s Finest Songwriters

It was a milestone afternoon on September 25th when BMI’s Nashville headquarters opened its doors to celebrate the unstoppable rise of Parker McCollum, MCA Nashville's hitmaker, as he achieved his fourth consecutive No. 1 hit with “Burn It Down.” This Platinum-certified track not only marks another chart-topping success but also solidifies McCollum’s place as the first MCA Nashville artist to have every single release reach the top of the charts—a rare and impressive feat in the music world.

Photo Back Row L-R: Concord’s Brad Kennard, Liz Rose Music’s Dave Pacula, BMI’s Mason Hunter, MCA Nashville’s Miranda McDonald, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Warner Chappell’s Jessi Stevenson, Creative Nation’s Emily Furman; Front Row L-R: Lori McKenna (BMI), Liz Rose (BMI), Parker McCollum (BMI), Hillary Lindsey (ASCAP),Studio Bank’s Ron Cox; Photo Credit Aubrey Wise for BMI

“Burn It Down,” a song brimming with passion, heartbreak, and raw emotion, was co-written by McCollum alongside Nashville songwriting royalty, The Love Junkies—Liz Rose, Lori McKenna, and Hillary Lindsey. These powerhouse women, each celebrated for their storytelling mastery, are no strangers to accolades: Rose is a 2024 Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame nominee, McKenna is a three-time GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter, and Lindsey was recently inducted into the 2024 Songwriters Hall of Fame. Together, they crafted a song that’s as relatable as it is deeply personal, resonating with fans across the country.

The celebration, hosted by BMI and ASCAP, was not just about the music but also about giving back. Ron Cox from Studio Bank made a heartfelt donation on behalf of McCollum and the songwriters to Folds of Honor, an organization that provides educational scholarships to the families of fallen military members and first responders. It was a poignant moment that reflected the importance of community in the world of country music.

Before the festivities began, McCollum and his writing team sat down with All Country News and other media outlets to share the story behind the song. McCollum’s reflection on the emotional weight of “Burn It Down” offered a glimpse into his artistic process and the universal appeal of the track.

“You know, anybody that’s got love right the very first time they tried, kudos to you," McCollum said with a laugh. "But the vast majority of people have probably felt like they just wanted to burn it all down and walk away. That’s a real emotion, and when you can capture that in a song without being cliché or cheesy, it’s something people can really connect with.”

McCollum’s authenticity shines through not just in his music but in his gratitude for the people who helped bring his vision to life. He paid special thanks to his MCA team, emphasizing that his success wouldn’t have been possible without their unwavering support. “Burn It Down’s the only song I singled that I said, ‘I think this could be the one,’” McCollum confessed. “And y’all championed the other three. I can’t even fathom that I have four in a row.”

Hillary Lindsey, one of the song's co-writers, reminisced about the writing process, vividly recalling McCollum’s energy and connection to the song. “Lyrically, melodically—he was there from the start,” Lindsey shared. “It was as if he was already on stage performing it, feeling every word.”

The chemistry between McCollum and The Love Junkies was evident, and McCollum didn’t hesitate to acknowledge the journey it took to reach such a peak. “When I first came to town and was co-writing, I didn’t know how it worked. You don’t start out writing with Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey, and Lori McKenna. You start at the bottom with other writers trying to make it, just like you,” McCollum reflected. “To now be able to call these ladies family—three of the best songwriters this town has ever seen—that’s special.”

The celebration of “Burn It Down” wasn’t just a testament to McCollum’s talent but also to the collaborative spirit of Nashville’s songwriting community. As the song continues to climb, it’s clear that McCollum’s fire isn’t burning out anytime soon—he’s just getting started.