THE VALORY MUSIC CO. SIGNS BRANTLEY GILBERT

NASHVILLE, TN --  The Valory Music Co. is thrilled to announce the signing of country rocker Brantley Gilbert to its label roster.

At the young age of 25, Gilbert already has a list of impressive industry accolades notched on his belt.  The rising star’s second album – the independently-released Halfway to Heaven --  reached  #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Album Chart and #2 on the iTunes Country chart. 

In addition, Halfway to Heaven, has spent 48 consecutive weeks to-date in the Top 20 of the Billboard Heatseekers Album Chart.   Gilbert’s first album, A Modern Day Prodigal Son, has also spent 32 consecutive weeks on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart.  

The Jefferson County, GA, native has built a powerful fan base by performing his unique brand of southern country rock in roadhouses and clubs – and is currently selling out 2,000+ capacity venues throughout the Midwest and Southeast.

Also a celebrated songwriter, Gilbert most recently penned, “My Kinda Party,” the hit title track to superstar Jason Aldean’s latest album.

“It's so rare when an artist is able to truly build a substantial rabid fan base without any mainstream media but Brantley has done just that,” says Scott Borchetta, President & CEO of the Big Machine Label Group.  “His live shows are a movement and his songwriting is nothing short of game-changing.  Look no further than newly minted superstar Jason Aldean as Jason has covered multiple Brantley-penned songs including the anthemic #1 single ‘My Kind Of Party.’ ”  

Continues Borchetta, “I am thrilled that Brantley has chosen to join our family. Let me be the messenger - that rumble that you hear thundering down the road and the bright red flare that you see is lighting up the sky... Get ready... Here comes Brantley Gilbert.  You have been warned."

“Words can't express how excited everyone in my organization is to become part of the Valory Music Co. family.  Scott Borchetta and his team have the most reputable work ethic in the business. We will finally get to experience what it is we've prayed for, dreamed about and worked for for so long,” says Gilbert.  “I sincerely feel like countless prayers are being answered, and countless blessings are in store.  I take great pride in the fact that the people who have stuck with me through thick and thin---my brothers and my TRUE friends---are here with me now as we embark on this journey.  We've got the muscle, we've got the Big Machine, and we're all on a mission. It’s goin' down baby!”

Gilbert’s first single will impact Country radio in April 2011 with his first The Valory Music Co. album to be released later this year.  In addition, Gilbert will headline the second stage of Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown tour this summer. 

About the Valory Music Co. The Valory Music Co., the sister label to Big Machine Records, was established in November 2007 with an initial artist roster that included multi-platinum recording artist Jewel as well as Country Soul singer Jimmy Wayne and newcomer Southern Country stylist Justin Moore.  The Valory Music Co. celebrated its first #1 album with Jewel’s Perfectly Clear, only 7 months after opening its doors.  The label celebrated its first #1 single 3 months later when Jimmy Wayne’s “Do You Believe Me Now,” spent 3 weeks atop the Country singles charts. Newcomer Justin Moore’s poignant anthem, “Small Town USA,” reached #1 a few months later.  In November 2008, The Valory Music Co. signed multimedia superstar Reba McEntire who saw her first album on the label debut at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and spend two consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart. Since then Reba enjoyed the two biggest chart hits of her illustrious 30+ year career when “Consider Me Gone,” spent a historic 4 weeks at #1 and “Turn on the Radio” followed, allowing Reba to both begin and end 2010 at #1.  The Valory Music Co. possesses an exclusive, in-house promotion branding team while utilizing existing Big Machine Records backroom service and is distributed by UMGD.