Acclaimed for his hit song “Cowgirls” and recognized as a four-time ACM Award nominee, Ernest is taking a significant step in his musical journey by launching his own record label, DeVille Records. This ambitious venture is a collaborative effort with Big Loud Records, where Ernest himself began his artist journey back in 2019. By establishing this label, he aims to cultivate new talent and provide a platform for emerging artists within the vibrant country music landscape.
Under the umbrella of DeVille Records, Ernest proudly presents his first wave of artists, including talented musicians Chandler Walters, Rhys Rutherford, and Cody Lohden. The management of these emerging stars falls under the newly formed Greenhouse Management company, spearheaded by the dynamic Kiley Donohoe. This strategic collaboration is designed to nurture and develop the next generation of country music talent, ensuring they receive the guidance and support necessary to thrive in the music industry.
The inaugural project from DeVille Records is an exciting mixtape-style compilation titled Cadillac Sessions, scheduled for release on May 9. This collection will showcase an impressive mix of two original songs and a cover from the talented roster of Ernest, Walters, Rutherford, and Lohden, alongside contributions from guest artists. The eclectic musical project promises to blend genres, incorporating elements of honky-tonk, ’90s country, and Western swing, offering listeners a taste of diverse sounds and rich storytelling.
Ernest expressed his vision for DeVille Records, stating, “We’re going to build this thing wide and on concrete.” His commitment to artist development emphasizes the importance of writing authentic songs and creating high-quality music videos. He aims to bring the vision of each artist to life by focusing on traditional methods in the music industry, ensuring that the artistry shines through every project they undertake.
Big Loud CEO and partner Seth England shared insights into the longstanding partnership with Ernest, highlighting how it has evolved over the years. “What started with ERN as a young prolific songwriter-artist in Big Loud’s publishing hallways has transformed into something much greater,” he noted. Seth praised the collaboration in ERN’s Cadillac Music and acknowledged the natural progression to create DeVille Records. The vision they share aims to foster a unique environment for breaking new artists, and he commended Rhys, Cody, and Chandler for embracing this innovative approach as they embark on the upcoming DeVille project.
With the establishment of DeVille Records, Ernest reaffirms his dedication to giving back to his beloved hometown of Nashville. Last year, he released a heartfelt album titled Nashville, Tennessee, which serves as a musical tribute to the city that shaped him. His accolades include multiple nominations from the ACM, CMA, and Grammy awards, highlighting his exceptional contributions to music. He is currently nominated for ACM’s artist-songwriter of the year and is recognized for co-writing the ACM song of the year-nominated track “I Had Some Help,” which was performed by Morgan Wallen and Post Malone.
Among the promising artists on DeVille Records is Chandler Walters, who is not only a talented writer and artist but also an accomplished steel guitar player. He is currently touring with Post Malone and Ernest, adding to his growing resume. Walters co-wrote the hit song “I Had Some Help” with Morgan Wallen. Additionally, Cody Lohden, a Kentucky native and former firefighter/paramedic, brings the essence of ’80s country music to the forefront, drawing inspiration from legends like Keith Whitley and Don Williams. He has shared the stage with notable artists including Ernest, Bailey Zimmerman, and Walker Hayes. Rhys Rutherford has also made his mark by contributing to songs such as “Is This Really Over?” and collaborations with Ernest, including “Hangin’ On,” as well as works with Kashus Culpepper and George Pippen.
