“Ever since I first learned how to strum a couple chords on a guitar, rock music has been a huge influence on my style,” saysTyler Braden.“I think that Neon Gravereally kicks it up a notch. It has that underlying thread of country storytelling, but it also channels the same kind of energy that fans feel during my live shows. I’m excited for everyone to hear and experience the direction that we’re headed in.” Neon Grave, produced by Randy Montanaand released via Warner Music Nashville, marks a creative milestone for Braden. The charismatic singer-songwriterhas spent much of his young life cultivating his distinctive musical vision. He’s also built a massive fan base through a series of more than a dozen successful digital releases, racking up an incredible 200 million streams. Meanwhile, he’s made his mark as a powerhouse live performer, with an earthy energy to match his emotionally insightful, melodically infectious songs. The six tracks that comprise Neon Graveoffer an impressive sampling of Braden’s dynamic musical approach, which effortlessly combines a deep-rooted grounding in country tradition with the rollicking, high-energyinstincts of a bornrock ‘n’ roller. Braden’s ability to imbue his self-penned tunes with gritty urgency andemotional intimacy is reflected in the swaggering, irony-laden title track, and on the stirring “Try Losing One.” The latter number appears on Neon Grave in two distinct versions, one with Braden’s heartfelt solo vocal and the otheras an emotion-charged duet with Sydney Sierota of Echosmith. The original version of “Try Losing One” hit No. 1on Sirius XMThe Highway’s Hot 30 Countdown, while the duet is accompanied by a black-and-white video that underlines the song’s stark emotional landscape.  “Songwriting is one of the most satisfying parts of music for me,” Bradennotes. “Building a song from nothing makes you feel something that’s hard to explain. Especially when it’s something that people can relate to. Every song on Neon Grave has a lot of emotional value for me, different ups and downs, and different moments of relatability. I wanted people to feel what I felt when writing these songs. I feel like, if I can make that happen, it’ll be a success.” Braden’s songs, like his personality, reflect the solid foundation of hispersonal history. Growing up in the small rural community of Slapout, Alabama, he began playing guitar and writing songs in his teens, withthe support of parents who were musicians themselves. He soon demonstrated his mettle as a live performer, fronting a hard-chargingband and gaining a reputation for playing four-hour cover-song sets. He also channeled his energies into his work as a firefighter in nearby Montgomery, learning some key life lessons that he says been able to apply in his musical life.“Being a firefighter taught me emotional stability,” Bradenstates, adding, “That line of work is mentally tough, and the fire service helped to make me the level-headed man that I am.” Braden continued to serve as a firefighter after moving to Music City to pursue his musical career. He met his manager in January 2017 following a performance in Nashville’s influential Whiskey Jam concert series, which led to his current recording deal with Warner Music Nashville. He released his well-received debut EP, What Do They Know, in 2021. The propulsive entertainer continues to win new fans, maintaining a strong online presence and performing live on stages across America.“Our live shows are really high energy,” he asserts. “We try to build moments of emotion into our set list to create a true experience that people will remember. We don’t want it to feel like just a list of songs. And I’m confident that anyone who sees one of our shows will want to see another.” Braden has also made the most of his dues-paying gigs as an opening act, warming up shows for such superstars as Brooks & Dunn, Brantley Gilbert, Chris Stapleton, Dierks Bentley and Mitchell Tenpenny. He’ll join Luke Bryan’s Country On tour this summer.  “I’ve learned a lot from the acts we’re toured with, from watching how they formulate their sets to how they interact with the crowd,” he says. “My favorite way to get people to hear my music is touring as much as possible and getting the live versions out there. That way, the fans can really feel the emotion that we want to convey. That’s my way of spreading the true intention of the songs. So come to one of our shows, and I promise that you’ll get the real deal.”

Rising singer/songwriter Clayton Mullen didn’t follow the typical path to Nashville – he made his own. Born on the West Coast, raised on the East, Clayton didn’t discover his voice as a songwriter until he found himself in the heart of the Texas Music scene while attending TCU. What began with just a paper and pen in a beer-can-littered frat house quickly evolved into a journey down the highways of small-town America in an old '06 E-350 van. Sharing the stage with artists like Chris Lane, Corey Kent, Randall King and Josh Abbott Band, he was able to jump-start his music career before even graduating college. With a diploma in hand, he moved to Music City and quickly established himself as one of Country music’s most exciting new voices.  In October 2024, Clayton released his 13-track sophomore effort START AT THE END, a coming-of-age album that lends to more a journal than a record. Exploring themes of growing up, falling in love and navigating life’s in-between moments, the collection struck a chord and has already amassed over 25 million streams to date. Rooted in Country music storytelling, Clayton has carved out a sound that lives somewhere between the radio and the back porch – authentic, grounded, and unmistakably his own. With a new EP on the way later this summer, Clayton offers a preview with standout tracks “Love On The Radio,” “First Time Feeling Last” and new single “Blue” as Wide Open Country proclaims, “Mullen has the tone, the poise, and the vocal chops of a seasoned country pro.” Recently providing direct support for Warren Zeiders, Vincent Mason and Logan Crosby on tour, Clayton joined Sam Hunt and Billy Currington for select dates last month.