Ernest Makes Big Career Move With The Launch Of His Own Label, DeVille Records
This announcement also teased a new star-studded mixtape project, “Cadillac Sessions.”
Ernest; Photo by Delaney Royer
Ernest has announced the launch of his own label, DeVille Records, in a joint venture with Big Loud Records.
The country hitmaker has been making waves in Nashville since signing with the Big Loud in 2019. Within these five years, he’s racked up an impressive list of chart-topping songwriting credits, and developed a sound that’s deeply rooted in the traditions of Music City. When looking to take the next step in his career, it only made sense to further dive into the business side with his own personal imprint.
The new business venture, named after Ernest’s beloved 1975 Coupe DeVille, is all about helping budding artists develop lasting careers while honing in on their personal songwriting craft in a collaborative and creative environment.
“We’re going to build this thing wide and on concrete,” says Ernest. “Artist development. Write the songs and do it the old-school way. Make the videos, see the vision, help the vision come to life.”
“We have been in business with Ernest for almost a decade. What started with Ern as a young prolific songwriter-artist in Big Loud’s publishing hallways, has evolved into so much more over the years,” Big Loud CEO/Partner Seth England shares. “Our partnerships in Ern’s Cadillac Music have gone so well, and his desire to create DeVille Records alongside of it made sense. Ernest himself grew in an independent and cultural environment much like the one he desires to create. He and I have talked about this day for years, and all of the unique ways we could help break the next wave of prolific artists. Kudos to Rhys, Cody and Chandler for buying into this vision and supporting this unique rollout style with our upcoming DeVille project.”
Announcing The News To Fans
ERNEST shared the big news with a cinematic video posted across social media, that explores why he decided to embark on this journey, introduces the first set of artists and prepares listeners for the release of the inaugural DeVille Records EP.
“I kind of had the idea in my head that I wanted to have a label one day…and then the pieces started falling and we’re getting started,” he can be heard declaring in the narration. “Once I had that Coupe DeVille, I kind of just wanted everything to exist in that world.”
“I’m able to create something nobody else is making. It’s just up to us to not mess it up,” he added.
Introducing The New Label’s Roster
Taking fans inside the studio, the clip goes on to list the first signings to the new label’s roster – Chandler Walters, Rhys Rutherford and Cody Lohden.
Hailing from Marietta, Georgia, Walkers developed his craft as a steel-guitar player while touring with acts like Post Malone and Ernest. In addition to his instrumental skills, he’s earned success as a multi-Platinum, all-genre No. 1 songwriter with Post Malone’s five-times Platinum “I Had Some Help (feat. Morgan Wallen)”.
Lohden former firefighter/paramedic turned singer-songwriter who found inspiration in the honest storytelling of country legends like Keith Whitley and Don Williams, along with the raw edge of rock icons like Bob Seger. Over the past few years, he’s been carving out his own path with a one-of-a-kind journey rooted in passion.
The third member of the roster is son of Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Rivers Rutherford, Rhys Rutherford. A Nashville native with a standout baritone voice, the emerging act was just starting to make waves with his first few songs when ERNEST stepped in and pushed him to chase a career as an artist.
Miranda Lambert, Snoop Dogg & More To Appear On “Cadillac Sessions”
With these three budding acts along with a few “superstar guests” like Miranda Lambert, Snoop Dogg, Jake Worthington and more, Ernest set out to create the first project to be released on DeVille Records, “Cadillac Sessions.”
The mixtape-style record will feature two new originals and one cover, all of which celebrate sounds of ‘90s country music and Western swing interlaced with a modern twist.
“Together we sat down and created a collaborative album to show the world what we’re going to do. You’re going to get a chance to see their personalities. I’m going to pull it out of them if it’s the last thing I do,” added the Grammy-nominated performer.
Fans will finally get to experience the magic behind this collaboration when it drops on May 9.
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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