(L to R): Front: TK Kimbrell (TKO Artist Management), Colton Dawson, Cris Lacy (Chair & President, Warner Records Nashville), Back: Cassie Petty (TKO Artist Management), Stephanie Davenport (Vice President, A&R, Warner Records Nashville), Jordan Bernal (TKO Artist Management) | Photo Credit: Ben Humphrey/Warner Records Nashville
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 13, 2026) – Warner Records Nashville has officially announced the signing of rising country neo-traditionalist Colton Dawson, marking his first-ever record deal and a major milestone in the 19-year-old’s budding career. The artist’s first-ever release, “Might Be In It,” comes Friday, May 15. Pre-save the song HERE.
“As soon as I first met the folks over at Warner Records Nashville, I knew it was the team I wanted to work with to make the music I love,” said Colton Dawson, adding, “Getting to work with one of the finest labels in the genre is a privilege that I’m very excited to have. It’s a high honor that they believed in me and my songs enough to help me share them with the world. Since before I learned to walk, I’ve been obsessed with country music, so I look forward to carrying on the sound my heroes established. God Bless Country Music”.
“Despite our best efforts to join forces early with this undeniable star, Colton asked Warner Records Nashville not to make him an offer until his debut album with Roger Springer and Chuck Ainlay was completed. This desire for his label partner to love not only the buzz around his talent, but every note of his music, demonstrated a fearlessness and a commitment to a vision that is the hallmark of all great artists. We are proud to be on this rocketship with him,” said Cris Lacey, Chair & President of Warner Records Nashville.
In addition, Colton Dawson will be managed by TK Kimbrell, Jordan Bernal, and the TKO Artist Management team. TKO’s roster also includes: The Bacon Brothers, Glen Campbell, Jackson Dean, Scotty Emerick, Jamey Johnson, Krystal Keith, Toby Keith, Chris LeDoux, Ned LeDoux, Mac McAnally, and Clay Walker.
“It’s rare that artists come along and totally stun you. Colton Dawson did that for us at TKO. We believe the future of Country music is strong in the hands of artists like Colton and look forward to the ride,” said TK Kimbrell, President of TKO Artist Management.
Colton first made waves when he made a surprise appearance opening for multi-platinum country music singer Clay Walker at his sold-out Ryman Auditorium show, where he received two standing ovations that night. This record deal builds on Colton’s fast-growing momentum driven by standout performances opening for some of country music’s biggest names, including Hardy, Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, Braxton Keith, Jake Worthington, and Josh Turner. Drawing inspiration from artists like Merle Haggard, Keith Whitley, Randy Travis, and Vince Gill, Dawson’s silky, smooth vocals combined with his timeless sound make his music refreshingly new yet familiar.
About Colton Dawson
One of the hottest artists to watch on the country music scene, Colton Dawson is blazing a trail from his home in Arizona all the way to Music City and beyond. His smooth vocals, sharp guitar work, and honest storytelling are quickly setting him apart in Nashville’s new wave of traditional country. With a breakout performance at a sold-out Ryman Auditorium opening for country hitmaker Clay Walker, just him and his guitar, he received not one, but two standing ovations. Audiences react heavily to his wise-beyond-his-years lyrical truths, slick melodies, and nostalgic style, be it onstage or online. Colton has collaborated with GRAMMY Award-winning producer Chuck Ainlay and hit songwriter Roger Springer to create his debut project. Don’t miss out on Colton Dawson.
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