Chase Matthew

When you begin your career as an independent artist dreaming up songs in your bedroom with little more than a USB microphone and a $200 laptop purchased off Facebook Marketplace, the enormity of world tours with megawatt Country stars, headline shows at iconic hometown venues, and thousands of fans singing your songs back to you every night can certainly be a lot to digest. Chase Matthew will be the first to admit this wild, ever-humbling rocket ship ride of a career trajectory he’s currently on is oftentimes hard to comprehend. “Sometimes I struggle to even believe it myself,” he admits.

The reality, however, is indisputable – the Nashville singer-songwriter has quickly emerged as one of Country music’s most promising, in-demand young artists. In 2024 alone, Matthew – who to date has amassed more than 1 BILLION global career streams – officially became a Billboard Hot 100-charting artist with his Top 5, PLATINUM-certified debut single “Love You Again.” He also garnered his first award show nomination (2024 People’s Choice Country Awards), supported red-hot artists including Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan, and released a pair of acclaimed EPs (We All Grow Up and Always Be Mine) alongside cross-genre collaborations with Flo Rida and Fernando & Sorocaba.

His success has also been validated with multiple RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications, including the PLATINUM-certified breakout smash “County Line” and the PLATINUM-certified “Love You Again.” Adding to his breakout momentum, Matthew was recently named an iHeart On The Verge Country Artist, with his single “Darlin” currently blazing up the Country radio charts.

In 2024, Matthew was named a member of The Opry NextStage Class of 2024 and went on to sell out his favorite hometown venue, the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, on February 21. That same day, he released his most accomplished project yet: the thrilling and highly personal self-titled third studio album, CHASE. Over 13 brand-new tracks, Matthew spread his sonic wings like never before, writing on nine of them (including the solo-written and co-produced “WAITING ON YOU TO CALL”). The LP blends party-starters (“DRIVES MY TRUCK,” “I DON’T WANNA KNOW”) with some of his most vulnerable material to date, including “MISSIN’ ME MISSIN’ YOU” and “HEART HALF EMPTY,” a stunning duet with Lauren Alaina.

“I haven’t been this excited about a project since my first album,” Matthew declares. “Some of these songs are really vulnerable for me and come from a place that I haven’t talked from in a while. But I would rather die trying and care less about what people think than not show people who I am. This album is a perfect representation of me, which is why I named it CHASE. My life is a chase. My goals are a chase. We’re all chasing something.”

Considering all that Matthew accomplished in the less than four years since he unveiled “County Line,” it may appear as if he’s been on the fast track to success. But the humble artist will be the first to tell you that’s hardly the case: Matthew believes making it in Country music is less about talent or luck and more about work ethic and connection to fans. It’s why he’s consistently made it a top priority to directly engage with his fanbase via social media, creating a unique bond between artist and audience. “I find my light through the internet by talking directly with the fans,” he explains. “I cherish that. There’s a direct connection with my fans that a lot of artists struggle to build.”

And that’s to say nothing of the way he interacts with his fans during every one of his momentous live performances. In 2024, Matthew surpassed 145 shows in a year and entertained over 1 million fans. “Every night we rip the roof off the place,” he says with a smile. “That plays a huge role in the growth I’ve had. It’s one thing to make your name blow up on social media – you can get likes and views. But when someone buys a ticket to your show, you have one chance to win them over. That’s why I give it my all every night. If there’s something you can expect from a Chase show, it’s a party.”

The reaction to Chase’s live performances attracted the attention of several global brand partners that integrate perfectly into his lifestyle. Lucas Oil, Jockey, and Twisted tea have all inked long term deals that fuse their brands into Chase’s career to provide fans with unique opportunities and experiences.

Matthew admittedly says he’s had little time to reflect on his whirlwind journey to the present, but he’s never been more focused to take his career to the next level.

“With everything moving and growing so fast, it’s certainly going to be a lot of work,” he realizes of what lies ahead in 2025. “But I’m ready for it. That’s what put me here today.”

Jason Aldean

New album Songs About Us out 4/24

Pre-save, pre-add, pre-order + hear 7 songs now ⬇️

https://jasonaldean.lnk.to/songsaboutus

Kane Brown

Named to the 2021 Time100 list of the most influential people in the world, 5X American Music Award (AMA) winner Kane Brown continues to expand the perception of Country music and break musical boundaries. Noted as the “future of Country” (Billboard) and one of “31 People Changing the South” (Time), the chart-topping entertainer earned an ACM Album of the Year nomination for Mixtape Vol. 1, (2020) and won an ACM Video of the Year Award for his anthem “Worldwide Beautiful.”

Brown first broke through with his No. 1 self-titled debut album, which spent 13 weeks at the top of the chart and helped him become the first artist in Billboard history to top all 5 Billboard Country charts simultaneously. Brown’s “Heaven” and “What Ifs” are the 3rd and 7th most streamed country songs of all time. Brown’s sophomore album Experiment debuted No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and solidified Brown as the only male country artist in more than 24 years to achieve this all-genre chart feat. Experiment produced three back-to-back Double Platinum No. 1 hits and was ranked by The New York Times as one of the Top 10 Best Albums of the Year.

One of only 10 country artists to sell out Los Angeles’ famed STAPLES Center (recently renamed CRYPTO.com Arena), Brown recently repeated this milestone on his newly launched Blessed & Free headlining tour, where he is the first country artist to visit all NBA Arenas in one tour. Brown’s current top 10 and climbing hit, “One Mississippi” released on the heels of his three-time CMA nominated multi-week No. 1 single with Chris Young, “Famous Friends.” Brown recently released his latest collaboration, “Blessed & Free” with Grammy and Oscar Award winning artist, H.E.R. to critical acclaim from The New York Times, Billboard, Rolling Stone, American Songwriter and UPROXX.

Bailey Zimmerman

@CoreyKent

Singer/Songwriter.
Husband. Father. Believer.
Big Fan of Kings of Leon, Oklahoma State Football & Indian Motorcycles.

Clay Walker

Clay Walker is a true fan favorite with a devoted legion of followers across the country. Clay has sold over 11 million albums; has had 11 No. 1 hit singles, four RIAA Platinum and two Gold certified albums under his belt. Clay has just released his 12th studio album called "Long Live the Cowboy".

Off stage and out of the studio, Clay is the founder of Band Against MS (BAMS) a non-profit charity that funds MS research and education. Walker established BAMS in 2003 with the goal of helping others living with the same disease he has battled since 1996.

Terri Clark

Terri Clark (born on August 5, 1968 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada) is a country musician. She grew up in Medicine Hat, Alberta and moved to Nashville at age 18. There she played at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, where she got her start. She signed with Mercury Records, and her first single, "Better Things to Do," reached No. 3. Clark was the first Canadian woman to be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on June 12, 2004. Her hits include: Better Things To Do, When Boys Meets Girl, If I Were You, Suddenly Single, Poor Poor Pitiful Me, Emotional Girl, Just The Same, Something in the Water, Now That I Found You, You're Easy on the Eyes, Everytime I Cry, Unsung Hero, A Little Gasoline, No Fear, Getting There, Empty, I Just Wanna Be Mad, Three Mississippi, I Wanna Do It All, You Can't Take It With You, Girls Lie Too, The World Needs a Drink, She Didn't Have Time, Damn Right, Slow News Day, Dirty Girl In late November 2005, she moved to Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Her contract with Mercury Records Nashville expired in March of 2006 and she signed with BNA Records in 2007. Terri Clark ended her contract with BNA in November 2008 in order to be more creative, to focus more on Canada and to start her own label.

Nate Smith

Since moving from Chesapeake, Virginia to New York City in 2001, Nate Smith has helped reinvigorate the international jazz scene with his visceral style of drumming by playing with such esteemed leading lights as bassist Dave Holland, saxophonists Chris Potter and Ravi Coltrane, and singers Patricia Barber, Somi, and JoséJames. The New York Times described Smith as “a firecracker of a drummer.”

Smith’s rising career reaches a new benchmark with the release of his bandleader debut, KINFOLK: Postcards from Everywhere, on which he fuses his original modern jazz compositions with R&B, pop, and hip-hop. The disc shows Smith leading a scintillating core ensemble, consisting of pianist and keyboardist Kris Bowers, guitarist Jeremy Most, alto and soprano saxophonist Jaleel Shaw, electric bassist Fima Ephron, and singer and lyricist Amma Whatt, and Michael Mayo on backing vocals. The lineup expands on several cuts with the inclusion of Potter and Holland along with other illustrious guests – guitarists Lionel Loueke and Adam Rogers, and singer Gretchen Parlato.

As the title KINFOLK suggests, the music bristles with a magnetism that can be only achieved by assembling the right musicians, building upon and blending their individual voices and developing a bracing group rapport. Indeed, Smith refers to the aforementioned musicians as “kindred spirits,” while embracing some philosophies gleaned from his mentor, Holland. “Dave once told me, ‘I really believe that musicians find each other,’” Smith recalls. “He feels that all the collaborations he’s done and all the sidemen that he’s hired came into his life on purpose, even though he might not have been looking for something specific. He discovers people along the way.

“KINFOLK is about the musical family that I’ve put together,” Smith continues. “All core members of the band have very unique and specific points of view.” He reinforces the idea of family by composing tunes that touch upon his childhood. Such is the case with the jovial “Morning and Allison,” whose title partly invokes Allison Drive, the street on which Smith grew up. The song stars Ms. Whatt serenading idyllic recollections of a child enjoying a bright, fun-filled Sunday morning.

Smith recorded his parents – Lettie and Theodore Smith – talking about their respective parents on the mesmerizing interludes “Mom” and “Dad.” On the former, Smith’s mother tells how her father migrated from Virginia to Detroit and was drafted into U.S. Army then later returned to Virginia, where he bought the family a house. The latter provides a vehicle for his father to recall how his father tirelessly worked at Navy shipyard in Norfolk, Virginia during the Jim Crow era without getting proper financial compensation or promotion until decades later. “I think of these stories as snapshots that ultimately gave shape to the Black American experience into which I was born, which ultimately informs this music” Smith explains, before stressing the importance of having his parents’ voices on the album.

The significance of having Smith’s father on the disc was brought home even more after his passing in March 2015. “He never got a chance to hear the music or the band,” Smith says.

Smith celebrates the legacy of his paternal grandfather on the haunting ballad “Home Free (Peter Joe).” The song begins with a chamber- like string intro then moves into a gorgeous hymnal melody, highlighted by Shaw’s uncoiling of a splendid, blues-soaked lyricism. “Of my four grandparents, Peter Joe was the one I felt the closest to,” Smith says. “He was a real buddy of mine. He died when I was only nine but I still think about him a lot.”

Smith reemphasizes the theme of nostalgia with “Retold” and “Pages.” “Retold” finds Bowers tickling a melancholy yet romantic melodic motif on which guitar and saxophone run parallel lines across. “When I started writing this song, it always sounded like someone telling a love story from start to finish,” Smith says. “The real feature of the song is Kris’ amazing piano solo. He’s so lyrical and rhythmic in the way that he plays.” The dreamy ““Pages” becomes a superb showcase for Parlato to sing the song’s theme about turning the pages of a photo album. “I’ve loved Gretchen since the first time I heard her sing,” Smith says. “She becomes a part of the musical fabric. When she sings, it’s never about the singer being at the front and the band being way in the back. It’s all one sound. She also has really big ears and has amazing ideas about phrasing.”

The spirit of the Black Lives Matter movement permeates the somber ballad “Disenchantment: The Weight,” another tune that spotlights Whatt’s thoughtful lyrics and delicate singing. Underneath the prowling melody, Smith drums martial rhythms that convey a sense of marching forward. Written in the summer of 2013 soon after the verdict of the Trayvon Martin murder trial, Smith says that the song’s cyclical harmonic pattern represents a longing sigh that many people felt and continue to feel after witnessing such ongoing travesties.

Following that aforementioned song is “Spinning Down,” an intricate tune, marked by multiple subdivided rhythms inside of larger rhythmic cycles. Featuring Holland playing acoustic bass alongside Ephron on electric, intertwining saxophone passages from Shaw; incredible solos from Bowers and Loueke, and surprisingly the only drum solo on the disc, the song touches upon the theme of trying to ease a restless mind. “It works well right after ‘Disenchantment’ because that song is about everything that’s wrong,” Smith explains. “Spinning Down’ is about the mind trying to work all that wrong out.”

The other tunes on KINFOLK reflect Smith’s unfettered love for groove and funk. The disc opens with the feisty “Skip Step,” a tricky tune, featuring Holland and Loueke, which Smith explains was influenced by his love for Earth, Wind & Fire; specifically the level of musical sophistication that the group’s founder and leader, Maurice White ceaselessly incorporated in its signature sound. Smith describes the song as a straight-up R&B jam with an extra eighth note at the end – hence the song’s title. “I wanted the song to be as danceable as possible but with this one little hiccup or skip at the end of the phrase,” Smith says. “I also thought about Lionel, because, like Dave, he can make anything groove. He’s such a relaxed player and his time-feel is so crazy that he can make any song feel good.”

“Feel good” vibes carry over into “Bounce (Part I and II),” featuring Potter on tenor saxophone. In fact, the song was first performed during Smith’s tenure as a core member of Potter’s acclaimed Underground ensemble. Smith revised the song to include another section after being influenced by Miles Davis’ seminal 1986 LP, Tutu. “On Tutu, there’s a little bit of written material and then there’s a little bit of groove section in which people start improvising,” Smith says. “Then they go back to the written material. They cycle that around. That was the idea for ‘Bounce.’”

Just as the second part of “Bounce” offered a canvas for Potter to improvise, the

quicksilver “From Here – Interlude” does the same for Shaw, whom Smith praises as someone whose improvisations balance the wisdom of an older musician with the fiery enthusiasm of young gun.

As the title suggests, the fractured, hip-hop leaning “Small Moves – Interlude,” is a play on Smith’s manipulation of the song’s chord changes by moving them from minor to major by the addition or subtraction of one note. “To me, that’s an allegory for life – you can make one small move or say one small thing out of kindness or cruelty and it’ll change your entire trajectory,” Smith says.

“Spiracles” – the sole non-original on the disc – is a Stereolab song from the group’s 1999 disc, Cobra and Phases Group Play Voltage in the Milky Night. On Smith’s makeover, he decelerates the tempo then buttresses it with a more defining backbeat while retaining the song’s billowing melody. The song includes a tender alto saxophone aside from Shaw, along with a lulling guitar solo from Rogers. “I love the chord changes and the melody of that song. There’s a cycle of discovery every time I go through that song’s form,” Smith enthuses.

Because Smith didn’t come strictly from the formal matriculation of music studies as so many of his jazz contemporaries did, he lovingly describes his approach to drumming as “unrefined,” which in turns helps him distinguish his voice. He did, however, earned his bachelor’s degree in 1997 in media arts and design from James Madison University. While he was still in college, the legendary singer Betty Carter recruited him for her world-acclaimed Jazz Ahead program.

Smith says that the visual arts discipline he studied in college definitely seeps into his compositions. “I love great movies and images. I’ve always had a deep interest in composing for film,” Smith says. “For this project, there is something very cinematic about the way that I conceived this record. That’s why it was so important for me to cast the right characters in terms of musicians. They bring to life the themes of family, nostalgia and identity that define this music.” Ultimately, Smith likens the songs on KINFOLK to film vignettes sequenced together to tell a greater story about the unfolding journey of a working artist. This music represents snapshots from that voyage – these songs are the postcards from everywhere along the winding road.

Neal McCoy

Fresh from the underground, bouncing through the German hip-hop landscape with gusto and creating a great atmosphere in the process – Rutger has done this like a pro in recent years. Having grown up in the serene community of Passau, the DIY MC, real name Jakob, raps about life in a small town, parties and hedonism in all its facets and colours over juicy techno beats in the 150bpm range. Tracks such as ‘Roll’ or ‘Jukebox’ (2024) prove that, despite his newcomer status, he’s already thought through his formula for a powerful club anthem in detail and can play it in many variations. Rutger has also been able to slot various features with other names from the German festival scene such as Jimbo, DJ Susi or JuleZ into the relevant playlists. Whatever this guy touches quickly becomes a well-kept tip for excessive partying or just a relaxed day at the lake with friends. The collab with Liebestrunken under the divine title ‘Entspannter Hase’ (2024) or the latest single ‘Freitag auf Montag Freestyle’ (2025) continue the glorious march of Rutger's positive vibe - a vibe that is infectious and celebrates the moment.

Tucker Wetmore

Aaron Tippin

Emily Ann Roberts

Josh Ross

Josh Ross wasn't always bound for Nashville. He spent most of his life devoted to sports as a hockey player, avid Motocross competitor, and college football scholarship recipient. A member of Western University's football team, Ross' dream was to play in the CFL. After several injuries sidelining his career in football, Ross picked up his guitar and embarked on a journey exploring his lifelong love of Country music. Ross' talent led him to join the Emerging Artist Showcase at Canada's largest country music festival, Boots and Hearts, where he performed for over 10,000 country music fans, opening for Jake Owen, High Valley and Luke Bryan. After winning the hearts of many and encouragement from his newest supporters, he trekked to Music City to pursue his dreams of becoming a singer-songwriter. He spent his time crafting his songwriting skills and cultivating a sound of his own, reflective of his musical interests and influences. In the summer of 2021, Ross unveiled his track "Tall Boys," – a summertime anthem that took off and has accumulated over 4M streams and counting. His follow-up, "First Taste of Gone," showcases a different side of Ross both lyrically and vocally and continues to impress.

Ashley Cooke

Ashley Cooke has weathered the storm and is ready to open her heart and shed the armor as

she looks to her next chapter. With new music on the horizon and after a year filled with some of

the highest highs and lowest lows, breakout country sensation Ashley Cooke has dug deeper

than ever into her songwriting and storytelling to reveal her strongest, most vulnerable, and

most honest work yet.

After winning Belmont's prestigious Country Showcase and releasing her debut album on Big

Loud/Back Blocks Music 'shot in the dark,' Cooke went on to win her first CMT Award for

Breakthrough Female Video of the Year in 2024 and has been nominated twice for ACM's New

Female Artist of the Year, as well as Best New Country Artist at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music

Awards. Cooke also notched her first #1 hit at Country radio with her breakthrough track, "your

place." As her career started to thrive and take flight - something she had been working towards

since penning her first song at the age of eleven - the silky songstress' personal life seemed to

be spiraling. Cooke and her family navigated severe health issues, losses, heartbreak, and

struggles with mental health - all while putting on a smile night-after-night on stage to deliver

unforgettable moments with her fans and showing gratitude for the amazing accolades she

began to stack up. Those experiences and hardships have fueled Cooke more than ever to

throw herself completely into her music - and what's to come is a testament to that.

Cooke has made debuts at the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium; national TV

appearances on ABC’s The Bachelorette and NBC’s TODAY Show; collaborations and tours

with Ne-Yo, Rascal Flatts, Joe Jonas, Marshmello, Luke Bryan, Jordan Davis, Cole Swindell,

Brett Young; an opening slot on Kane Brown’s stadium and arena tour, and direct support for Parker McCollum.

Atlus

Just a dude that drinks beer and watches Netflix

Chase McDaniel

Raised by his grandparents in Greensburg, Kentucky, Chase McDaniel is one of Nashville’s most determined singer-songwriters — proof that grit and heart still matter. After graduating from the University of Louisville, he moved to Nashville to chase Country music dreams, only to be sidelined by the pandemic. Jobless and down to his last $12, he nearly gave up before a friend loaned him enough to stay afloat. McDaniel worked double shifts, slept four hours a night, and wrote with producer and best friend Jerry Jacobs whenever he could.
That relentless work ethic paid off. He hit #1 on the Billboard Country Digital Song Sales and iTunes Country charts with “Project” and reached #3 all-genre on iTunes with “Your Daughter.” Signed to Big Machine Records, McDaniel released his debut EP Blame It All On Country Music and has since taken his Country-rock sound and rich baritone to sold-out crowds nationwide. With “Burned Down Heaven” at Country radio and new music like “Risk It All,” McDaniel’s mission is simple: help others find the light.

Austin Brown

Originally born and raised in Tifton, Austin's South Georgia roots have followed him everywhere.

Growing up with his father in the southern gospel community and his mother in church, it’s no surprise that this musical heritage shaped his life, giving him an ear for harmony and a passion for singing.

In the fall of 2000, Austin moved with his father to Milledgeville, Georgia, where he attended Baldwin High School. During his senior year, upon the suggestion of his choral teacher, he spearheaded and directed his high school's first-ever competitive male quartet, achieving a second-place state victory in Georgia's highly competitive 4AAAA division. That same year, he also secured an overall state championship as a soloist, following numerous starring roles in his school's and community's musical productions. Naturally, he decided to pursue music further.

He attended Oklahoma City University on a full-tuition scholarship, majoring in Music Theatre. The training he received there, as well as the friends he made, proved invaluable to his future aspirations. He further developed his overall knowledge as a musician, a cappella enthusiast, arranger, and director while growing in his vocal and acting skills. He also found his niche as a songwriter, often collaborating with his closest peers.

Since college, Austin's career as a vocalist and entertainer has flourished. He has toured the world extensively as a featured singer with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. He has performed with The Voices of Liberty at Disney World's Epcot in Orlando, Florida, spent a season in Branson at Silver Dollar City, and spent over a decade with Home Free Vocal Band.

In 2020, Austin launched his solo music career and hasn't looked back. His song "Hers Ain't Mine" brought him internet fame and earned him fans worldwide. His fans have dubbed his music "happy husband country" and cherish his love for his wife Amberly. Austin is currently gearing up for his first solo tour and looks forward to meeting all the fans on the road!

Tigirlily Gold

Mary Kutter

Talk To Yourself is out now! 💙

ELIZABETH NICHOLS

Adrien Nunez

Chandler Walters

Dalton Davis

Timothy Wayne

Chase Matthew

Flytjendur