Is GTA 6 single-handedly bringing back the radio?
Back in 2013, when Grand Theft Auto V was released, the in-game radio stations remained a huge part of the experience, featuring more than 240 songs, 17 music and talk stations, and even real-life celebrities serving as hosts. And considering this was 13 years ago, when people were arguably a little more accustomed to flipping on the radio in the car, the feature naturally mirrored everyday life.
This time around, GTA VI is keeping that tradition alive with a fresh spin. The long-awaited game will still let players flip through a variety of stations while they steal cars, wreak havoc, and run over a few strippers in the road. There have also been rumors that players could eventually be able to connect directly to Spotify, but honestly, I have a feeling fans are just as excited about the simple promise of being able to cruise around and station-hop like old times.
Luckily for country music fans, this includes the confirmed “Back Country Radio,” which is set to be hosted by none other than Morgan Wallen alongside Lana Del Rey. The pairing definitely comes as a bit of a curveball, especially considering Wallen’s music is far from what many would classify as “outlaw country.” Still, he’s already gotten involved with the game, releasing his highly successful track “Last Thing You Need” for the soundtrack album last month.
Lana Del Rey is also far from a country staple, but she’s continued leaning into the genre, teasing her upcoming country-inspired album Stove while embracing her second-home base in Louisiana with her husband. In the game, Wallen’s on-air alias goes by ‘MW,’ with the “Summertime Sadness” singer joining him by the name of ‘Delta Dawne.’
Lana’s husband, Jeremy Dufrene, is also featured in the game as Mud Dog Mike, who fittingly appears as a reporter, swamp meteorologist, and airport captain on the station. Rockstar Games gave a preview of what to expect with the “unlikely duo” MW and Delta Dawne introducing a few of the featured songs, including David Allan Coe’s “Need A Little Time Off For Bad Behavior,” Loretta Lynn’s “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)” and Hank William Jr. and Waylon Jennings’ “The Conversation.”
Per the snippet, the station will feature tracks ranging from Outlaw country to rebel rock, honkytonk, and red dirt anthems. So far they’ve also confirmed four other stations, including Cocoteo FM (Latin), AfroBank FM (African), The Chamber 106.6 (metal), Flash FM (pop), and Dirty South Classics (rap/hip-hop).
As of right now, GTA 6 is scheduled to release on November 19…but then again, I’ve heard that one before.