Instrumentalists bear the burden of communicating musical ideas without the aid of lyrics or storytelling proper. For many years, that’s how 2018 Americana Award nominee Daniel Donato operated as the guitarist for Nashville acts like The Wild Feathers, Paul Cauthen and The Don Kelley Band. From age 14, Donato has developed his brand of crisp, soulful, on-the-edge telecaster picking under bar lights, honing his skills and proving his mettle within the city’s prominent live music scene. All the while, a growing love of songwriting mirrored the pace of his ever-improving guitar chops. Now, a short three years after his departure from Kelley’s classic country outfit, the 23-year-old is signed to WME as an artist with a docket of jam-ready country and bluegrass songs. Backed by his three-piece “Cosmic Country Band” – cosmic country is a catch-all term for experimental roots music, often assisted by electronic sounds – Donato stands at the frontier of his career with characteristic intrepidity, no longer bounded by the expressive limitations of his instrument. His strident voice and explorative songwriting carry his music into new territory, offering bold ideas to his fan base while staying true to what drew them to him in the first place: a palpable love of music delivered through excelled craft. With one eye on the night’s gig and another on the ages, Donato is continuing his journey down country music’s long and winding road, leaving no stone unturned.

A native of the rolling hills and coal mining communities of rural western Kentucky, Grayson Jenkins is a singer-songwriter who now calls Lexington, KY his home. John Prine, Kris Kristofferson, Eagles, Sturgill Simpson, Jason Isbell, and many others have influenced his unique brand of Kentucky country music. His lyrics are inspired by the words of Mark Twain, who always said, “Write what you know.” In keeping with this motto, Grayson’s songs pay homage to the things most important to him—family, friends, and a life without regrets. His latest studio album, Cityscapes & Countrysides, was released in April 2017 and has garnered attention from radio and press in the region.   The project is a collection of songs written by Grayson during a time of transition and coming of age. It shows growth from his first release as a songwriter, musician, and band leader. Grayson maintains a busy performance schedule, both as a solo performer and with his full band. In 2017, he performed over 150 shows in eight states as an independent artist.  Moving forward, Grayson will continue to travel the country playing his songs and winning over new fans each night.