Shaboozey & EMPIRE Unveil American Dogwood — A Label for the Future

Advertisement

The Launch

Shaboozey has teamed up with EMPIRE to create a new independent label, American Dogwood. Inspired by the culture and traditions of Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic, the label is dedicated to spotlighting fresh, genre-bending talent.

Who’s Behind It

• Shaboozey leads the charge, building on the momentum of his recent commercial success.
• He co-founded the label with longtime collaborators Jared Cotter and Abas Pauti, both experienced in guiding multi-platinum artists.
• EMPIRE will handle distribution, infrastructure, and global reach to expand the label’s influence.

First Signing: Kevin Powers

The label’s debut signing is Kevin Powers, a Nashville-based artist originally from Raleigh, NC. Powers has already gained traction with viral singles like “Walked In” and “How You Been?”. He also co-wrote “Amen”, Shaboozey’s collaboration with Jelly Roll, which racked up over 50 million streams in just three months.

What’s Next

To celebrate the launch, Shaboozey and Powers will release a joint single, “Move On”, on September 19. Powers is also set to join Shaboozey as an opener on The Great American Roadshow Tour, kicking off September 22 in Indianapolis.

Why It Matters

• Artistic Vision & Legacy: For Shaboozey, this label marks a transition from artist to industry leader, creating a platform for others while shaping his own legacy.
• Genre-Defying Approach: American Dogwood is designed to highlight artists who blur lines between country, hip-hop, pop, and storytelling — much like Shaboozey himself.
• Perfect Timing: With the multi-platinum success of A Bar Song (Tipsy) and recent chart wins, Shaboozey is leveraging his momentum to establish something lasting.

What to Watch

• The reception of “Move On” as an early marker of the label’s sound and identity.
• Whether more artists from the Mid-Atlantic join the roster.
• How live shows and fan engagement feed into the label’s growth.
• The role EMPIRE plays in boosting global exposure.

Closing Thoughts

American Dogwood is more than just a new label — it’s Shaboozey’s vision of a creative hub where heritage meets innovation. With Kevin Powers as the first signing, the foundation is set for a roster that thrives on authenticity and boundary-pushing music.

With the upcoming single and tour, American Dogwood will soon show if it can live up to its bold mission. Early signs suggest it could become a major force in country, Americana, and cross-genre music alike.