Music
Cam Newby: A Nashville Journey from Oklahoma City
2024-12-19
Pictured: (L–R, top row): Emily Witters, Eryca Schebler and Kim Wiggins; (L–R, second row): JD Groover, Brandon Gregg and Chris Dubois. (L–R, third row): Tammi Kidd Hutton and Lynn Hutton; (front): Cam Newby

Signing a Joint Publishing Deal

Cam Newby has achieved a significant milestone by signing a joint publishing deal with Sea Gayle Music and Magnolia Sky Music Group. Born and raised in Oklahoma City, he always had Nashville in his sights. As a child, he would sit in the back of his brother-in-law’s Bronco, absorbing every song on the CDs. He was particularly drawn to Mark Chesnutt’s storytelling, Tracy Lawrence’s voice, and James Taylor’s ability to evoke emotions with an acoustic guitar. As he grew older, his musical tastes expanded from red dirt-country to ’80s pop, and he knew that music would be his life’s pursuit.When he was 18, Newby made the move to Nashville and never looked back. After graduating from Belmont University, he started writing songs immediately. Over the years, he had the opportunity to learn from his heroes and some of them became his closest collaborators.“If I told 15-year-old me, strumming away on a cheap Washburn guitar in his bedroom, where I would end up one day—I’m not sure he would have believed me,” he shares. “Chris DuBois, Lynn Hutton, and Tammi Kidd [Hutton] have had a profound impact on my life in ways that words can’t fully capture. The opportunities I have here extend far beyond songwriting, and I am forever grateful to Sea Gayle and Magnolia Sky for believing in me. I came to town seeking a career and found a family instead. Every moment of waiting was worthwhile.”“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Cam Newby join the Sea Gayle family,” says DuBois, Sea Gayle Music Founder & CEO. “Cam is an extraordinarily talented singer-songwriter with a unique talent for storytelling that touches everyone. We are extremely grateful to Lynn and Tammi Hutton for partnering with us on Cam’s journey, and we are excited to be a part of his musical path moving forward.”“Cam is an exceptional songwriter with an unwavering work ethic,” adds Lynn Hutton, Magnolia Sky Music Group Co-Founder. “I am very proud to be working with him, and I can’t wait for the town to discover his talent.”

Early Influences

Newby’s early musical influences played a crucial role in shaping his career. Mark Chesnutt’s ability to weave stories through his songs inspired Newby to develop his own storytelling skills. Tracy Lawrence’s powerful voice made a lasting impression on him, teaching him the importance of emotive delivery. And James Taylor’s use of the acoustic guitar to create deep emotions showed Newby the power of simplicity in music. These influences laid the foundation for his future as a singer-songwriter.As he delved deeper into music, Newby explored different genres and styles. He discovered the raw energy of red dirt-country and the catchy melodies of ’80s pop. This exploration broadened his musical palette and allowed him to incorporate various elements into his own songs.

Life in Nashville

Moving to Nashville at 18 was a life-changing decision for Newby. The city was a hub of musical activity, and he was eager to soak up as much knowledge as possible. After graduating from Belmont University, he began writing songs and quickly made a name for himself.Over the years, he had the chance to collaborate with some of his heroes, which was a dream come true. These collaborations not only enhanced his songwriting skills but also gave him a deeper understanding of the music industry.Newby’s journey in Nashville has been filled with ups and downs, but he has remained committed to his craft. He has worked hard to establish himself in the music scene and has now signed a joint publishing deal with Sea Gayle Music and Magnolia Sky Music Group.“This is not just a business deal for me; it’s a chance to fulfill my dreams and share my music with the world,” he says. “I am grateful for every opportunity that has come my way and look forward to continuing to grow as a singer-songwriter.”

Future Prospects

With the joint publishing deal in place, Newby’s future looks bright. He is excited to collaborate with other talented artists and continue to create music that resonates with audiences.“The possibilities are endless,” he says. “I want to use this platform to reach a wider audience and make a meaningful impact with my music. I am grateful for the support of Sea Gayle and Magnolia Sky and look forward to seeing where this journey takes me.”As he looks to the future, Newby remains focused on his music and continues to work hard. He knows that there will be challenges along the way, but he is determined to overcome them and achieve his goals.
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