“Challenge Accepted (ft. Johnny and Heidi)” Out Now
NASHVILLE, TN (June 7, 2024) – In collaboration with veteran Phyllis Wilson and renowned songwriters Johnny Bulford and Heidi Raye, CreatiVets today releases “Challenge Accepted (ft. Johnny and Heidi)” in partnership with Big Machine Label Group. Released ahead of Women Veterans Recognition Day on June 12, the song is a powerful anthem honoring the courage and dedication of female veterans.
LISTEN TO “CHALLENGE ACCEPTED (FT. JOHNNY AND HEIDI)” HERE
Phyllis, a proud military woman, discovered CreatiVets last year and was invited to participate in a songwriting session during a conference over Veterans Day. “Challenge Accepted (ft. Johnny and Heidi)” embodies the pride and resilience of military women, highlighting Phyllis’ own journey alongside her grandmother’s service. Phyllis expressed her hope that the song becomes an anthem for all military women, emphasizing their determination and success despite the challenges they face.
“I never thought of myself as creative or artistic,” shared Phyllis. “The experience was incredible. We laughed and cried as I shared my experiences in the military. The song seemed to just write itself.”
Songwriters Johnny and Heidi shared their admiration for Phyllis’ dedication to female veterans, stating, “Her passion for female veterans and rare experiences made this writing session so fun and exciting! Thank you, Phyllis, for everything you’ve done and continue to do for our amazing female veterans.”
Since its founding in 2013, CreatiVets has helped more than 2,500 combat veterans — with more than 500 veterans participating in its songwriting programs to date. Serving as a connector for opportunities that magnify CreatiVets within the entertainment space, Big Machine Label Group continues to contribute to CreatiVets’ operational initiatives through Scott and Sandi Borchetta’s Music Has Value Fund and through Big Machine Music, which serves as the co-publisher for CreatiVets.
For more information on CreatiVets, visit creativets.org.
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ABOUT CREATIVETS: CreatiVets is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose mission is to provide wounded veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury with opportunities to use art, music, and creative writing to heal their unseen wounds of war. Their goal is to empower veterans with tools they can use for the rest of their lives and enable them to see their own capacity for success in an arena outside the battlefield. Learn more at www.creativets.org.
ABOUT MUSIC HAS VALUE: The Music Has Value fund was created in 2015 by Scott and Sandi Borchetta to provide funds to organizations which support those who make music, aspire to make music, and access and appreciate music. Music Has Value focuses on two specific lanes. The fund, administered by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, will continue to target K-12 schools needing instruments and resources, with an emphasis on rural areas that are often overlooked. Additionally, Music Has Value aims to enrich lives both young and old, and a portion of the dollars pledged will support music therapy programs for seniors and those battling Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit www.MusicHasValue.com.
ABOUT BIG MACHINE LABEL GROUP: Led by Chairman and CEO Scott Borchetta, HYBE America’s Big Machine Label Group encompasses Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co., Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, Big Machine Rock, The Hard Working Record Co., and publishing company Big Machine Music. BMLG artists include superstars Tim McGraw, Sheryl Crow, Mötley Crüe, Thomas Rhett, Brantley Gilbert (and recent releases by Garth Brooks and Dolly Parton); chart-topping acts Justin Moore, Chris Janson, Brian Kelley, Eli Young Band, Brett Young, Midland, Carly Pearce, Riley Green, Jackson Dean, Daughtry, Aaron Lewis, and Badflower; plus rising talents Chase McDaniel, Conner Smith, Greylan James, LECADE, Mackenzie Carpenter, Mae Estes, Shane Profitt, The Cadillac Three, The Struts, Noah Hicks, Dylan Matthew, Lillian Hepler. BMLG also works in partnership with CreatiVets, the Tom Petty Estate, Toby Keith, Darryl Worley and Glen Campbell. BMLG artists have received multiple GRAMMY, CMA, ACM, AMA, CMT, Teen Choice, MTV, Billboard, People’s Choice and BRIT Awards. Big Machine is the first-ever American label to align with terrestrial radio for performance royalty rights for its artists and is an industry leader in fighting for artist, songwriter, publisher and record company rights. Visit BigMachineLabelGroup.com for more information.
