2023 CMT “LISTEN UP” ARTIST CODY BELEW BRINGS SOUTHERN FLAIR TO HIS FIRST CMT MUSIC AWARDS RED CARPET

The Nashville singer-songwriter’s electrifying new single, “Charlene,” arrives May 9

Austin, TX (April 2, 2023) – Earlier today, Nashville singer-songwriter Cody Belew made his red carpet debut at the 2023 CMT Music Awards. Belew, who was selected by CMT for their coveted “Listen Up” program this year, wore an eye-catching navy satin three-piece bib suit by Nashville-based designer Andrew Clancey for his brand, Any Old Iron. The dazzling design, which features intricate hand-beading, offers a nod to Belew’s Southern roots while honoring the Arkansas native’s bold style. That panache will soon present itself in Belew’s forthcoming single, “Charlene,” arriving May 9 via Visionary Media Group. The stirring single, which was inspired by Belew’s experiences of being a gay Christian man in the South, will deliver a powerful and timely message, particularly amid today’s divisive political climate. The song’s equally poignant music video will be available to view on CMT.

Belew, who is currently working on his full-length debut, has enjoyed a triumphant year, beginning with the release of his 2022 self-titled debut EP – a mix of candid originals and well-loved classics by artists who inspired him. Among the highlights was lead single, “Rodeo,” which premiered in Times Square and quickly found regular rotation on CMT. Belew’s take on the Dolly Parton classic “Here You Come Again,” meanwhile, drew high praise from Robert Oermann at Music Row Magazine, who declared “he completely reinterprets this 1977 Dolly hit, transforming it from a bouncy ditty into a cry of romantic anguish. His only accompaniment is a pianist, but his dramatic performance is so gripping that it needs nothing else.” Last year also found Belew reimagining the Brooks & Dunn classic “Neon Moon” with GRAMMY® Award-winning producer Dave Audé. The disco-tinged cover recently hit the one million streams mark on Spotify.

A long-time Nashville resident, Cody recently completed a yearlong, sold-out residency at the city’s famed Lipstick Lounge. At the same time, he looks forward to playing a slew of upcoming shows for a fan base he’s built with his impassioned vocals, authentic storytelling, and undeniable stage presence.

Press hits include features in
Wide Open Country and American Songwriter

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For more information on Cody Belew, please visit his official website.
For press inquiries, please contact Bianca Bianconi at 42 West: Bianca.Bianconi@42west.net