How a Day of Fishing with Luke Bryan Led to Riley Green’s Catchiest Collaboration Yet
For Riley Green, a casual day on the lake with Luke Bryan didn’t just end in a few fish — it sparked a full-blown collaboration on his latest album, Don’t Mind If I Do.
Among the album’s 18 tracks are two notable duets: the title track with Ella Langley, and a laid-back, clever tune called “Reel Problems,” featuring none other than Bryan himself.
A Friendship That Hooked a Song
Recounting how it all began, Green shared in a recent label interview that it was a shared love of fishing that got the ball rolling.
“That was one of the first things we did together — we went fishing at his lake down in South Nashville,” Green said. “He’s such an easy guy to be around. We hit it off right away — he’s from Georgia, I’m from Alabama. We grew up the same way.”
Written with Erik Dylan and Wyatt McCubbin, “Reel Problems” is a tongue-in-cheek play on the phrase “real problems,” swapping it out for a nod to rod-and-reel issues every fisherman knows all too well. For Green, the concept came naturally.
“I’d had that title written in my phone for a while. It was just one of those songs that kind of wrote itself,” he said. “Most of my songs are more serious, emotional stuff — but this one was just pure fun.”
Reel Recognizes Reel
Once the song was finished, there was only one person Green thought to send it to.
“That fishing trip probably made Luke the obvious choice. I knew he’d get it — he loves this kind of music, and he loves fishing,” Green said. “Touring with him, we’ve built that kind of friendship where these things just happen naturally.”
Instead of running the idea through managers or labels, Green took the direct route.
“I just texted him the song,” he laughed. “Technically, those kinds of features are supposed to go through the proper channels, but I figured I’d cut to the chase.”
Casting Big Plans
While there’s no confirmation yet on whether “Reel Problems” will head to radio as a single, Green has already started thinking about a music video — no doubt one involving rods, reels, and maybe a few comedic misfires.
The track is one of several standouts on Don’t Mind If I Do, alongside the chart-topping “Worst Way,” the heartfelt “Jesus Saves,” and the title track with Ella Langley, which is set to hit country radio on July 21.
With his Damn Country Music Tour stretching into December, and a record full of hits and heart, Riley Green isn’t slowing down any time soon — and if you ask him, the best songs still come from real friendships, a good laugh, and maybe a few hours on the water.