Country-pop duo 2 Lane Summer are bringing a timeless message of support and togetherness back into focus with their new single, ‘Lean On Me’, a fresh interpretation of the classic Bill Withers song.
Released on September 18 through Quartz Hill Records, the new version is available across major digital music and streaming platforms. The song keeps the heart of Withers’ original message while allowing 2 Lane Summer’s signature vocal chemistry to take centre stage.
Joe Hanson and Chris Ray deliver the track as a duet, blending their voices through smooth, balanced harmonies that give the familiar song a warm and emotional feel. Produced by Ash Bowers, the recording leans into the song’s message of being there for others during difficult moments, making the release feel just as relevant today as the original did when it arrived in 1972.
Withers wrote ‘Lean On Me’ in 1972, and the song went on to become a major Billboard Hot 100 hit. More than five decades later, 2 Lane Summer are introducing the classic to their audience through their own country and soulful pop sensibilities.
The release also marks an important next step for the duo. ‘Lean On Me’ is their first single since the arrival of their debut project, Flawless, which was released on April 24.
The project introduced listeners to the musical world of 2 Lane Summer, bringing together uplifting songs centred on romantic, brotherly and Godly love. Their latest release continues that spirit through a song built around connection, compassion and mutual support.
As a bonus B-side, the duo also include their rendition of ‘Amazed’, the celebrated song originally recorded by Lonestar. Written by Marv Green, Chris Lindsey and Aimee Mayo, the track became a major country and pop success, spending eight weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart and also reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The choice of two familiar classics gives 2 Lane Summer an opportunity to showcase the vocal blend that has become central to their identity. Before coming together as a duo, Hanson and Ray had already developed musical backgrounds shaped by church, country and soulful pop.
Their paths to Nashville were different. Hanson moved south from Illinois, while Ray travelled north from Mississippi. After meeting through Nashville’s Music Row songwriting community, however, the two quickly discovered their shared musical instincts and eventually began experimenting with harmonies.
Both are multi-instrumentalists, and their experience singing in church helped shape the vocal foundation they bring to 2 Lane Summer. Once they began singing together, the combination of their voices revealed a natural chemistry that eventually developed into the duo now known as 2 Lane Summer.
The pair also built an audience through social media before signing with Quartz Hill Records, giving them a foundation of listeners ahead of their debut project.
Now, with ‘Lean On Me’, 2 Lane Summer are taking another step forward while paying tribute to one of popular music’s enduring songs. Their version keeps the emotional core of the classic intact while allowing their harmonies and country-pop identity to shape the performance.
Following the release of Flawless, the new single gives listeners another look at what Hanson and Ray can do together, while the ‘Amazed’ B-side adds another familiar favourite to the package.
With two recognisable songs, strong vocal chemistry and a growing identity as a duo, 2 Lane Summer continue to build their catalogue while reminding listeners of the power of simply being there for one another.
