Big Loud Records’ MULTI-PLATINUM singer/songwriter ERNEST calls for a moment of thanks in the new song “Cheers” and its official video, both out today. The track toasts the little things that make life worth living – even when life is put on hold.
 
Co-written by the Nashville maverick with Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line, plus Henry Agincourt Allen, Emi Dragoi and Jordan Schmidt, the swaying track is full of hand-on-your-heart gratitude, promising to never take good times for granted again.
 
"Cheers" is produced by Joey Moi and co-produced by King Henry and Emi Dragoi. With a warm Country sound steeped in friendship and hope for brighter days, it raises a glass with the easy, comfortable vibe of the favorite hangouts we all miss, naming everything from football and freedom to home-cooked meals and hand-me-down Fords as true blessings. And while it was originally written pre-pandemic, it now feels like a reminder of what we’re hoping to get back. 
 
Directed by Justin Clough, the “Cheers” video spotlights ERNEST leading a group of friends in a backyard toast. A bonfire glow illuminates the passage of time, while the crew commemorates the moments that are always worth celebrating – including love, babies, and an ice-cold beer.  Adding an extra shot of authenticity, the clip was filmed at ERNEST’s home in Nashville, and features his wife, Delaney.  
 
“Cheers” drops hot on the heels of two #1 hits for the buzzed-about songwriter, who co-penned Morgan Wallen’s “More Than My Hometown” and Florida Georgia Line’s “I Love My Country.” With more potential chart-toppers on deck, ERNEST has co-writer credits on Chris Lane’s Top 5-and-climbing “Big, Big Plans,” Sam Hunt’s “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s” and 11 songs on Wallen’s forthcoming Dangerous: The Double Album. 
 
Highlighting his songwriting success and opening up about his own burgeoning artist career, ERNEST shared the stories behind his hits and what’s on tap for 2021 with Billboard in an exclusive Q&A here. 
 
“[Cheers] felt to me like a nostalgic type of beer commercial anthem, where it's a ‘let's all come together’ type of vibe,” ERNEST tells Billboard. “I’ve tried my best to find the light during these dark times and [songwriting] has helped me in that regard.”
 
“Cheers” marks the beginning of a new musical chapter for ERNEST as the emerging artist follows up his 2019 Big Loud Records debut, Locals Only. With even more excitement on deck, the hyper-creative talent is gearing up for season 2 of his “Just Being ERNEST” podcast after its breakout season featured top-notch guests including Nelly, Keith Urban, Diplo and more. 

ABOUT ERNEST:
A Nashville native with an unpredictable style and personality to match, hitmaker ERNEST is now turning heads on both sides of the singer-songwriter game – and his career is just getting started. Currently one of the most sought-after co-writers on Music Row, he fuses a broad range of influence stretching from Eminem to George Strait, and has now scored two #1 smashes with Morgan Wallen’s “More Than My Hometown” and Florida Georgia Line’s “I Love My Country.” A MULTI-PLATINUM hit with Diplo and Wallen’s “Heartless” is also part of his growing catalog, and other notable cuts include Chris Lane’s “Big, Big Plans,” Sam Hunt’s “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s,” Gryffin and Lane’s electronic-pop standout, “Hold You Tonight,” FGL’s “Blessings” and songs for Jake Owen, Mason Ramsey and more – including 11 tracks on Wallen’s upcoming Dangerous: The Double Album. As an artist, the eccentric free spirit released his vibrant debut album Locals Only on Big Loud Records in 2019, and is now following up with the hand-on-your-heart anthem, “Cheers.” His podcast “Just Being ERNEST” kicked off in the spring of 2020 with big-name guests Nelly, Keith Urban, Diplo and more, and with a second season on the way, a true Nashville maverick is coming into view.