Rutherford is one of three artists signed to Ernest’s new label
Recently announced as one-of-three inaugural signees of Ernest’s DeVille Records in partnership with Big Loud Records, rising singer-songwriter Rhys Rutherford releases his first-ever offering, the sonically smooth and lyrically clever “Southern Belle.” The new song is the second release – following Ernest’s collaboration “Gettin’ Gone” featuring Snoop Dogg – from upcoming Cadillac Sessions, out May 9th.
“I’m proud to release ‘Southern Belle’ as my first song,” shares Rutherford. “I hope it’s a reflection of my influences – from the artists whose country music I grew up on like Tim McGraw and Toby Keith to artists leading the way today like Ernest and Luke Combs.”
Raised on songs, Rutherford is now putting his education to work. Born and raised in Nashville, the student of songwriting masters learned at the foot of his father – Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Rivers Rutherford – soaking up the wisdom and sound of chart-topping contemporary country.
With the instincts of a Music City hitmaker, Rutherford, signed to Ern’s Cadillac Music, penned “Southern Belle” alongside Clara Park and John Pierce. Flanked with fiddle and pedal steel, Rutherford’s debut song hinges on the clever lyrical turn: that rings a southern belle / it’s a burn that I know all too well.
DeVille Records’ inaugural project Cadillac Sessions is a mixtape-style compilation featuring two new originals and one cover from Ernest, Chandler Walters, Rutherford and Cody Lohden – plus special guests Snoop Dogg, Miranda Lambert and Jake Worthington. The organic sonics of honky tonk, Western swing, ’90s country, and more collide with vivid imagery and modern hooks on the project, becoming a hybrid of classic and cutting edge which positions each artist’s skill. Production was done at Nashville’s Castle Recording Studios and filmed documentary-style capturing the creative camaraderie – and the spark of first-time artists living out their dreams, essential to country’s next chapter.
With the killer instincts of a Music City hitmaker, 25-year-old Rhys Rutherford was raised on songs – and is now putting his education to work. The emerging country songwriter’s first batch of tunes were just beginning to land, when provocateur (and benevolent bossman) Ernest encouraged him to pursue an artistic career.
“His voice is too good to just give away songs,” Ernest says.
BMatching that to a penchant for classic rock, grunge and hip-hop, he wrote his first song at 16 – and after coming home from a short stint at Ole Miss, began using that open-minded fusion of styles for real. Years of under-the-radar work led to a publishing deal with Ern’s Cadillac Music in 2023, and then early cuts like Bailey Zimmerman’s “Is This Really Over?,” Ernest’s “Hangin’ On” featuring Morgan Wallen,” George Pippen’s “Rest of Our Life,” and more.
With a solo debut in the works, Rutherford is just scratching the surface of his potential.
