With piercing blue eyes and standing tall at 6′ 6,” it’s impossible to miss ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year Brett Young. The former college pitcher and avid songwriter uses his competitive edge to create music that critics, radio and fans cannot stop raving about. “An ace songwriter” (Entertainment Weekly) Brett has spent many late nights in the recording studio strumming chords and perfecting lyrics that encompass his “CALIVILLE” sound – the world between Brett’s SoCal roots and Music City coming-of-age. This can be heard on his GOLD-certified “soothing, approachable self-titled debut album” (New York Times) from BMLG, which released February 10, 2017. Produced by Dann Huff, Brett is credited on 11 of the 12 tracks, showcasing his “melodic craftsmanship” (Billboard) through his songwriting.

“I think my background has a lot to do with my work ethic,” expresses Brett. “There is a discipline that you learn growing up playing sports, which I did through college. It is always my goal to work harder than the next guy.”

Brett’s soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics are derived from a myriad of personal experience. One pass through the California native’s self-titled debut release, you are completely immersed in his love, passion, hope and honesty.

“Everyone leaves a trail of ‘almosts’ and bittersweet memories behind on the road to ‘the one’,” says Brett. “It has happened to me on my journey—it happens to everyone – but I’m learning to use those moments now when I write music. I’m a hopeless romantic who feels everything, and that shows in my songs.”

Brett makes love look like an art form with songs like his back-to-back No. 1 debut singles, PLATINUM-certified “Sleep Without You,” 3X PLATINUM-certified “In Case You Didn’t Know” and PLATINUM-selling “Like I Loved You.” His azure-hued gaze pierces through the audience, understanding each person’s point of view and displaying an unnerving vulnerability as he introduces his music throughout Nashville.

“I grew up with Marvin Gaye, Kenny Rogers, Tim McGraw – emotionally expressive singers. I like that the emotion carries the songs, where the music is almost secondary,” he explains. “Tim McGraw’s ‘Don’t Take The Girl’ – that for me was the first time I heard a country song and said this is what I wanna do. That influenced me; as a songwriter and a performer, I want to connect like that. When your audience really feels what you’re singing, it becomes about much more than the show. You have a connection…you truly have a fan and a shared special moment.”

His BMLG Records introduction follows a string of previously released recordings that gathered a cult following, with more folks jumping on board every day. With performances on Today Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, LIVE with Kelly & Ryan and NPR’s Here & Now, along with a packed tour schedule, Brett Young is capturing international attention. Rolling Stone has proclaimed that he is “destined for mass appeal” with Washington Post declaring “Young is in the fast lane to become one of country’s breakout stars.”