Meet our artists

  • There are at least a hundred country lanes between Illinois and Mississippi. But when it comes to country music, the ones that led Joe Hanson and Chris Ray to Nashville and to each other are the ones that matter. Hanson and Ray have found well-deserved recognition and a loyal following on social media, and now the two are poised to make their mark on country music as one of the genre’s most promising duos. While both Hanson and Ray grew up singing and performing in church–and have the repertoire of instruments mastered to prove it–the vocal powerhouse that is 2 Lane Summer is where they both shine. Since joining forces, 2 Lane Summer has given their loyal fan base a taste of their sound on social media, recording country covers, YouTube shorts, and even a popular streak of country mash-ups. They know what country fans like, and there’s no greater way to showcase their mutual admiration of the music than taking popular songs and making them their own. Every tune they touch sounds like they were born to sing in harmony. But by far, the songs they’re penning for themselves “hit people in the heart,” according to Ray. And Hanson says that it’s the storytelling and musicality of Nashville’s bread and butter that gives them something to strive for in every songwriting session. Their debut single “Eyes That Ain’t Yours” was the product of their first taste of bona fide blood, sweat, and tears. The first release is already giving the duo the chance to bring their distinctive sound from the social media realm into real-life studios, stages and beyond. Until then, you’ll find 2 Lane Summer still intersecting every day in every way.

  • Louisiana native Joe Haydel broadens the Nashville soundscape with an original style. Inspired by idols such as John Mayer, Rob Thomas, and John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, Joe’s sound is influenced by the alternative rock of the late ’90s and early 2000s. Growing up in a music household, Joe has always been awed by the ability to create sounds with instruments. “Music is almost like a portal into another dimension. It takes me to another place where I’m not thinking about anything else but the song.” 

    Haydel moved to Nashville in January of 2020 with nothing but a plan and ambition to fully commit to music. As Joe describes it “for me it’s music or bust.”  A year later, Joe inked his first pub deal with Wide Open Music, landed his first outside cut “Even Now” on artist, Chase Bryant, and his own opening slot on Aaron Lewis’ Frayed At Both Ends tour. 

    For Joe, no feeling can describe connecting with another person on a musical level. This is just the beginning for Joe, he is excited for what the future holds and cannot wait to share the new music he’s been working on very soon.

  • Lakelin Lemmings is an up and coming singer/songwriter from West Tennessee. She feels most at home when she’s on stage entertaining. Lakelin’s voice is a unique blend of twang and vibrato. Growing up listening to Dolly and Reba, her influences are definitely apparent in the music she is creating. She looks forward to writing and releasing new songs, traveling the world on tour and connecting with people through music. Lemmings quotes “When people come to my shows, I don’t want them to be stressing about relationships, work, school, ect. I want them to have fun and laugh or cry if they need to. I want them to know they are loved not only by me but God.”

  • As a South Philadelphia Pennsylvania native, Matt Gorman moved to Nashville in 2019 to finish his education and play baseball at Lipscomb University. When he was out of class or practice he’d fill up any spare time co-writing songs and playing shows throughout Music City. Since then, he’s landed multiple cuts with independent artists as well as released music of his own. Matt was featured on season 20 of American Idol alongside his girlfriend Kaylin Roberson. Deeply rooted in his faith, Matt’s mission is to bring country music fans closer to God through the songs that he writes and performs.

meet our writers

  • Hailing from Jackson, Tennessee, Ash Bowers came to Nashville inspired by the music of his heroes like Kenny Chesney, Garth Brooks, and Jerry Lee Lewis. In 2009, Ash became the first recording artist signed to Stoney Creek Records, collaborating with renowned producer Buddy Cannon—the man behind Chesney’s hits. His debut single, "Stuck," released in August 2009, debuted at #60 on the U.S. Billboard country singles chart. Subsequently, Ash’s singles "Ain't No Stopping Her Now" and "I Still Believe in That" also made chart appearances. Transitioning from artist to songwriter and producer, Bowers found success pitching songs to top artists such as Keith Urban, Montgomery Gentry, and Dustin Lynch. In 2013, he co-founded Wide Open Music, a publishing and management venture with his friend Steve Williams. As a songwriter, manager, producer, and publisher, Ash’s ability to wear so many hats in the industry is a testament to his passion for music. Matt Stell’s single "Prayed for You," co-written and produced by Bowers, was the only debut single to reach #1 on the Billboard charts in 2019. In 2022, Ash co-wrote and produced "Freedom Was A Highway," performed by Jimmie Allen and Brad Paisley, which also hit No. 1. In recognition of his impact on country music, Ash was named one of Billboard Magazine’s 2022 Power Players. His journey from solo artist to industry heavyweight highlights his versatility and enduring influence in country music. Leveraging his experiences and connections in Nashville, Bowers has built one of the most dynamic and multifaceted careers on Music Row.

  • Joe Hanson is already breaking the mold in country music. With nearly 6 years of being an artist and songwriter in Nashville, he is equipped with a striking tenor voice and a knack for shaping a melody. Even now, Hanson knows how to write the kind of songs that stick in your head, with lyrics that reflect the bitter and the sweet he’s tasted in life. And while he seems to have been born to sing country music — in fact, he probably was — it took Hanson a while to decide whether his destiny was in Christian music, on which he was raised back in Naperville, Illinois alongside country stalwarts like Randy Travis, Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, John Denver and more. After experimenting with various sounds and projects, Hanson knew that his calling was to make country music, so he officially moved to Nashville. Since then, Hanson has joined forces with Chris Ray to start a country music duo under the name “2 Lane Summer.” Since joining Wide Open Music he has continued to forge his way through Nashville as an artist and songwriter striving to leave his mark on the industry and chase his passion for music.

  • Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, Chris Ray’s musical journey started at the mere age of 2 years old. From singing and performing in church to writing and composing original songs, it was apparent that music was in his DNA. Ray is a multi-instrumentalist, demonstrating expert skill on the piano, guitar, and drums. His music incorporates elements loyal to his southern roots along with hints of rock, inspired by influences such as Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, and Michael Jackson. After making the move to Music City in 2015, Ray got a job at Cracker Barrel and worked tirelessly on music in between shifts, eventually playing at songwriter’s rounds where he quickly gained interest from industry peers. Since then, Ray has joined forces with Joe Hanson, and their impressive country duo “2 Lane Summer” is blazing through Nashville with new music on the horizon.

  • Neal Coty's upbringing in rural Western Maryland, influenced by his uncles' diverse musical tastes, shaped his passion for music at a young age. Inspired by rock and roll as well as gospel and traditional country, Coty began writing songs at the age of five after receiving a guitar. Jimmy Webb's "Wichita Lineman" further fueled his dedication to music. Throughout his career, he has toured extensively, sharing the stage with artists ranging from Tanya Tucker to Tonic, and released several well-received albums on Mercury Records. As a songwriter, Coty's compositions have been recorded by numerous notable artists including Blake Shelton, Mark Chestnutt, Craig Morgan, Montgomery Gentry, Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBride, George Jones,  Hank Williams, and many others.

  • Jaron Boyer has written songs for a multitude of esteemed artists including Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Cole Swindell, Chris Stapleton, Sam Hunt, and Rascal Flatts. Boyer has pinned five No. 1’s and 8 top 20 songs–to name a few,“Hell Of A Night” (Dustin Lynch), “Somewhere On A Beach” (Dierks Bentley), “Flatliner” (Cole Swindell feat. Dierks Bentley), “Girl Like You” (Jason Aldean), and “Mind On You” (George Birge).

  • Louisiana native Joe Haydel broadens the Nashville soundscape with an original style. Inspired by idols such as John Mayer, Rob Thomas, and John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls, Joe’s sound is influenced by the alternative rock of the late ’90s and early 2000s. Growing up in a music household, Joe has always been awed by the ability to create sounds with instruments. “Music is almost like a portal into another dimension. It takes me to another place where I’m not thinking about anything else but the song.”

    Haydel moved to Nashville in January of 2020 with nothing but a plan and ambition to fully commit to music. As Joe describes it “for me it’s music or bust.” A year later, Joe inked his first pub deal with Wide Open Music, landed his first outside cut “Even Now” on artist, Chase Bryant, and his own opening slot on Aaron Lewis’ Frayed At Both Ends tour.

    For Joe, no feeling can describe connecting with another person on a musical level. This is just the beginning for Joe, he is excited for what the future holds and cannot wait to share the new music he’s been working on very soon.

  • Born and raised in the outskirts of central Louisiana, John Stephens discovered his love for music at an early age while playing drums in church. A few years after graduating from the University of Louisiana Monroe, Stephens made the move to Nashville to pursue his career in music. Since then, he’s written and produced a plethora of songs and is only just getting started. With a wide range of influences that span over multiple decades and genres (Kings of Leon, George Strait, and Wes Davidson, to name a few), John values music that tells a story—and while he may be a sucker for a slow song, he also can’t deny a catchy feel-good beat when he hears one (or comes up with it on the spot). When he’s not writing or producing music, you can catch him duck hunting, eating cajun food, or taking short walks on the beach.

  • Lakelin Lemmings was born and raised in West Tennessee and began her musical career as soon as she could talk. Between singing at church to performing at festivals, it was evident from an early age that music was her calling. By the age of 12 she was writing and recording her own music in Nashville. Influenced by Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, and Lainey Wilson, Lakelin yearns to connect with people through her songwriting and hopes her music can inspire others to be proud of who they are and where they came from.

  • Nathan's impressive resume showcases his talent and dedication to creating uplifting and impactful music. Having over 60 songs recorded, his collaborations with well-known artists and his recognition as a Grammy-nominated songwriter highlight his skill and creativity in the industry. Nathan's contributions to the faith-based film Running the Bases further solidify his reputation as a versatile and talented songwriter and producer. His music has touched the hearts of many and continues to inspire listeners with its powerful messages of faith and hope. Nathan's work is a testament to his passion for creating meaningful music that resonates with audiences worldwide.

  • Music industry veteran and pure songwriter Tim Owens has cuts with Sugarland, Brad Paisley, Diamond Rio, Kristian Bush, Craig Morgan, Hannah Montana, and Granger Smith.

    Tim was a major player in both Sugarland and Brad Paisley’s careers. Some of his most notable cuts include Sugarland’s “Settling”, Brad Paisley’s “Two People Fell In Love” and “Ticks.” More recently he co-wrote “I Kill Spiders” on Granger Smith’s latest EP Country Things, Vol. 1.