Local songwriter helps Ariel Hutchins win big at Texas radio awards

THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS — 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.