Ernest: 'Cadillac Sessions'

Ernest releases his brand new compilation mixtape, Cadillac Sessions, out now, May 7th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new project here.

To kick off the launch of his new record label, DeVille Records, ERNEST is introducing the world to a host of new talent. In celebration of the release, the singer-songwriter released the Cadillac Sessions, a countrified mix-tape compilation featuring three new artists’ work alongside his own.

The artists featured here, the first signed to the new label, are Chandler Walters, Rhys Rutherford, and Cody Lohden. The LP features two new originals and a cover from each, as well as a few new songs from the Nashville native. Additionally, a few superstar guests hop in to join forces with ERNEST, including Miranda Lambert, Jake Worthington, and Snoop Dogg.

Launched in conjunction with Big Loud Records, DeVille records is focused on doing things differently. “We’re going to build this thing wide and on concrete,” ERNEST says. “Artist development. Write the songs and do it the old-school way. Make the videos, see the vision, help the vision come to life. All of that. … They’re writing such good songs. I just wanted to try to figure out a way to showcase each of ‘em.”

Produced at Nashville’s Castle Recording Studios, the LP finds itself firmly in its country roots, heavily tinted with Western swing, honkytonk, and most obviously, 90’s country. It’s a unique and appealing concept, allowing listeners a mix of new and established artists in a way that doesn’t feel forced or inauthentic. In fact, the songs featured on the Cadillac Sessions fit seamlessly together, despite including everything from Miranda Lambert to Snoop Dogg to Alabama covers.

As to be expected, ERNEST takes up a fair amount of real estate on the LP, but never overshadows the other talents. Instead, he compliments their songs and styles. “Gettin’ Gone” with Snoop kicks off the album with a swamp and bayou-leaning jaunt, while “Another Thing to Love” with Lambert is a quintessential country duet. “Turn Me Up” is a playful and romantic tune, while “Did It Anyway” has a hint of Eagles-leaning easy listening.

Rhys Rutherford’s originals include “Get Her Name” and “Southern Belle,” with the former a clever take on the one who got away. “Belle” is a melodic ode to the nostalgia of an old love, while “Name” is a catchy midtempo about a bar room rendezvous.

“She likes reading when it rains // Knows every Zeppelin song // She shoots her whiskey straight // Don’t mind doing it alone // Little wild in them brown eyes // Says she gets it from her mom // For a moment she was all mine // Still wonderin’ what went wrong // ‘Cause now she’s gone And it’s drivin’ me”

Cody Lohden makes his mark with “Tail Light, Porch Light, Miller Light” and “TV On,” specifically shining on the latter heartbreak ballad.

“The silence is killing me // Here in these empty sheets I hear the clock, every drop from the kitchen sink // Lamp light keeps buzzin’ on // Fan just keeps hummin’ songs // Girl I’ve been fighting this quiet since you’ve been gone I need some company // That’s why I tend to leave The TV on”

Chandler Walters shines on “Whatever Happened to Us” and “Worth the Trouble,” both which are 90’s inspired and nostalgic tales of love and the past. While “Worth the Trouble” is a swinging dancehall uptempo, “Whatever Happened to Us” finds him longing for simpler times.

“Nowadays the Raiders play in Vegas // Cameras got replaced by mobile phones // Taylor Swift moved onto bigger stages // Willie quit and Petty overdosed // Half of California moved to Nashville // And half of Nashville turned to high-rise now // No one carries any cash // Swipe or tap to pay our tabs // So no one has to lay their bottom dollar down // That’s the game I play when I drink whiskey // How’d we get to here from where it was // One thing in this world remains a mystery // Girl, whatever happened to us?”

With a gorgeous rendition of the Kris Kristofferson classic “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” ERNEST kicks off a segment of the LP dedicated to classic country covers. Walters lets loose “One More Chance” by Vince Gill, Rutherford takes on the Glen Campbell classic, “Gentle On My Mind,” and Lohden puts his spin on Shenandoah’s “Two Dozen Roses.”

Jake Worthington joins ERNEST on the George Jones and Merle Haggard duet, “Yesterday’s Wine,” and the pair trade verses with perfection, voices complimenting each other. The LP ends with a cover of the classic “Song of the South” and it’s a fun, true-to-the-original cover that allows for ERNEST and his proteges to let loose and harmonize in that classic Alabama style.

While the Cadillac Sessions may not be your typical album, it’s showcasing new and established talents alike. “I don’t know if there’s another label that’s doing what I’m doing,” ERNEST explains. “I truly believe this label will compete and be a staple in Nashville, Tennessee, and I think this city could probably use a little refresh. To get back to some artist development and really watering the songwriting culture. “DeVille Records is here and we’re going to make a splash,” he goes on. “I feel like now’s the perfect time for me to do it.”

Country Swag Picks:

Another Thing To Love – ERNEST & Miranda Lambert
Get Her Name – Rhys Rutherford
Whatever Happened to Us – Chandler Walters
TV On – Cody Lohen

Cadillac Sessions Tracklist:

Gettin’ Gone (feat. Snoop Dogg) – ERNEST
Get Her Name – Rhys Rutherford
Tail Light, Porch Light, Miller Lite – Cody Lohden
Whatever Happened To Us – Chandler Walters
Turn Me Up – ERNEST
Worth The Trouble – Chandler Walters
Another Thing To Love (feat. Miranda Lambert) – ERNEST
TV On – Cody Lohden
Did It Anyway – ERNEST
Southern Belle – Rhys Rutherford
Help Me Make It Through The Night – ERNEST
One More Last Chance – Chandler Walters
Gentle On My Mind – Rhys Rutherford
Two Dozen Roses – Cody Lohden
Yesterday’s Wine (feat. Jake Worthington) – ERNEST
Song Of The South – ERNEST, Cody Lohden, Rhys Rutherford, Chandler Walters

On the debut release from ERNEST’s new record label, DeVille Records, the star introduces Chandler Walters, Rhys Rutherford, and Cody Lohden.

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Cadillac Sessions is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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