Ariel Hutchins wins big at Texas radio awards and releases powerful new song, “Label”
Ariel Hutchins wins big at Texas Regional Radio awards and releases a powerful song about the effects of alcoholism on a relationship. (Photo credit: Michelle Ray)
CROSS PLAINS — (April 30, 2023) – Ariel Hutchins is officially “the one to watch” in Texas country music. The rising star from Cross Plains, Texas, took home Female Vocalist of the Year and Video of the Year at the recent Texas Regional Radio Awards in Arlington. And, she has released a powerful new song that addresses the pain caused by alcoholism. “Label” is now available on all streaming platforms and playing on Texas country radio.
For Hutchins, 2023 has already been a spectacular year. As she released her fifth song to Texas radio last month, she walked away with two trophies at the TRRR Awards, beating out several big names in the Texas Music Scene.
“Winning Female Vocalist of the Year means the world to me. I was nominated among peers – women I have looked up to and call my friends,” said Hutchins. “And to also win Video of the Year was icing on the cake. I am so happy and honored that fans have really loved what we are doing and continue to show their support.”
Hutchins took home the trophy for best music video for “Stuck,” her fourth consecutive No.1 song in Texas. The song was written by Casey Beathard, Bonnie Pine and legendary songwriter Dean Dillon – who is credited for writing dozens of No. 1 songs for George Strait. Up-and-coming producer and director Michelle Ray of Coleman, Texas, brought the song to life with the fun, light-hearted video.
“This was my first nomination and to win was surreal,” said Ray, a career photographer who recently branched out to test her talents in filmmaking. “The other videos that were nominated were so good, so it was definitely amazing to win. I got to produce a video for a Dean Dillon song – who gets to say that? Ariel is so easy to work with, and the camera loves her. I am still on cloud nine and honored and blessed to be doing this.”
Hutchins worked with Ray again for the video of her new song, “Label,” which is quickly climbing the Texas country music charts. “Label,” written by Amy Barnett of Huntsville, Texas, is a sad country song, but one with a powerful message that describes how alcoholism can destroy a relationship.
“When I first heard ‘Label,’ it gave me the deepest kind of chills you can get,” said Hutchins. “The perfect song; the perfect feeling. You just sometimes know when a song was made for you to sing. I hope it conveys what couples go through – whether it’s alcohol or substance abuse. It’s never easy to leave. It’s not easy to stay at times. A relationship can drag you through hell, and the feeling can stay with you forever.”
Listeners can hear the pain in Hutchins’ voice with each lyric, and the music video takes our feelings a step further.
“’Label’ really hit me with so many emotions. I was listening as I was driving home one day and it had me in tears, but I could see the video. I called Ariel immediately and said, ‘Okay, this is the story. We have to tell it,”’ said Ray.
This dynamic duo hit it out of the park again. Click here to watch the official music video for “Label,” and stream the song wherever you get your music.
Hutchins has officially kicked off her spring concert tour. Visit www.arielhutchinsmusic.com to find out when she will be playing a show near you.
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About Ariel Hutchins
Ariel Hutchins is a Texas singer/songwriter and performing artist. Her music celebrates her West Texas heritage and embodies her love of country music past and present. She was born in Abilene, Texas, where she spent her early childhood before moving to the small town of Cross Plains. Upon graduation from high school, she formed her own band and began playing honky-tonks, bars and festivals throughout the state. The Ariel Hutchins Band has opened for Kevin Fowler, Stoney Larue and William Clark Green. Her first four radio singles have all gone straight to the top of the Texas country music charts. Among her hits are “Wine Won’t Work,” “Showing Off” (a duet with Sundance Head), and “The Cowboy He Will Be.” Ariel is also an advocate for foster children everywhere. Through her music she hopes to encourage fans of all ages to pursue their dreams, whether it’s a life with bright lights or white picket fences… or both.