Charles Wesley Godwin Signs with Big Loud Records

One of the hottest up-and-coming artists in all of country music is now signed to the roster of one of the hottest labels in all of country music. Announced Wednesday afternoon (3-29), West Virginia native Charles Wesley Godwin has signed to Big Loud Records, which is the home of Morgan Wallen, Hardy, Ernest, Hailey Whitters, and others. Though officially an independent label, Big Loud has mainstream implications with its reach throughout the mainstream country music industry.

“I’m thrilled to partner up with Big Loud Records for this next chapter of my career. Their enthusiasm and belief in my music matches that of my family, friends, bandmates, and team,” says Charles Wesley Godwin. “Ultimately that is what is most important. It’s been an unbelievably good experience getting to know Seth (England), Nate (Yetton), and the entire Big Loud staff. I’m so excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to share new music with the world.”

From when we initially heard Godwin though his band Union Sound Treaty, to his solo debut album Seneca in 2019 that put his West Virginia experience into song, Charles Wesley Godwin has proved himself to be one of the preeminent members of the new resurgence of authentic voices from the Appalachian region. Godwin’s 2021 album How The Mighty Fall upped the ante even more, and touring regularly as an opener for Zach Bryan over the last few years has dramatically expanded Godwin’s name recognition and fan base.

Though previously unsigned to a label, Godwin has been working closely with True Grit Management for years, which is also the management company behind the success of Cody Jinks and others. “The most important thing to Charles was finding a partner who would fully support his artistic vision. Big Loud is clearly committed to that and their passion for Charles’ music is unmatched,” says True Grit Management founder Arthur Penhallow Jr. “We look forward to working with them during this exciting next phase of his career.”

The word around country music was that Charles Wesley Godwin was highly sought after by a number of labels after seeing his swelling fan base and the explosion of peers like Zach Bryan and Cody Jinks. Big Loud and the Morgan Wallen/Hardy/Ernest troika isn’t exactly what you think of when you think independent country and Appalachia authenticity, and one of Big Loud’s founders is producer Joey Moi who was the mastermind behind Florida Georgia Line, Hardy, and now Morgan Wallen. The label also has artists that don’t fit the mainstream mold, though have enjoyed mainstream recognition like Hailey Whitters and Larry Fleet.

“We’re honored to be partnering with Charles Wesley Godwin in this capacity,” Big Loud Partner / CEO Seth England says. “I first heard about Charles last year from my brother Eric; fatefully, the timing aligned perfectly with when our company was exploring endeavors in alternative genres, branching out into Americana, indie, folk, roots, and more. I was blown away immediately by Charles’ undeniable talent, grit, songwriting ability, and distinct perspective; it truly sets him apart. Big Loud is excited to stand proudly with him and his team as we launch a new chapter for our company and bring this body of music to the world.”

But Charles Wesley Godwin shouldn’t be considered as an “alternative” to anything. Sure, his music also aligns with folk and roots. But as Zach Bryan and others have proven, the alternative is becoming the mainstream in country. There is no reason that Godwin’s music shouldn’t be considered ready for the big time, and hopefully Big Loud realizes this as well, and puts the right amount of backing behind Godwin’s music to make that happen.

Stay tuned for more information on Charles Wesley Godwin’s debut on Big Loud Records.

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