Kane Brown & Songwriters Celebrate 11th No. 1 Hit ‘I Can Feel It’

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Brad Kennard, Rusty Gaston, Kent Earls, Mason Hunter, Sam Shelton, Steve Hodges, Kos Weaver; (L-R, front row): Gabe Foust, Kane Brown, Jaxson Free, Ron Cox, Kele Currier Photo: Larry McCormack

Kane Brown and his team gathered Tuesday (June 4) to celebrate his latest chart-topper, “I Can Feel It.” The track, sampling Phil Collins’ classic song, “In The Air Tonight,” marks Brown’s 11th No. 1 hit.

Excitement and pride filled the air in the BMI lobby on Tuesday afternoon as friends, family and industry members gathered to celebrate another impressive track. The event’s emcee, BMI’s Mason Hunter, kicked things off by inviting Brown and co-writers Jaxson Free and Gabe Foust to the stage.

Hunter shared a few words about BMI affiliates Brown and Free. He spoke about the first time he saw Brown perform back in 2015, and highlighted the multi-Platinum artist’s exponential growth to becoming an Entertainer of the Year nominee. He also acknowledged Free’s impressive second No. 1, his first being Brown’s “Thank God.”

Hunter then gave way to ASCAP’s Kele Currier to speak about Foust.

“Gabe is a musician, songwriter and producer from Terra Hope, Indiana. His songwriting contribution to Kane Brown’s ‘I Can Feel It,’ resulted in his first No. 1 and we are so excited about that,” said Currier. “In 2018, with the support of his parents and encouragement from a co-writer friend, Gabe embarked on a journey to Nashville to chase his dream. His ability to adapt and thrive is a testament to his talent, resilience and determination.”

Next up, to speak on behalf of the rock icon Collins, Brad Kennard stepped to the mic. “A couple of years ago, Concord was blessed with the opportunity to acquire the incredible and legendary catalog of Phil Collins and Genesis,” explained Kennard, adding that a year and a half after the acquisition, he got a phone call about “I Can Feel It.”

“I was absolutely blown away by what you guys did with this—you really honored the song,” Kennard added. “I want to point out that ‘In The Air Tonight’ came out in 1981, nearly 43 years ago, and Phil Collins has never had a country No. 1 until you guys made it happen. Creating a first for Collins is pretty incredible from my point of view.”

Goat Island Bay Music’s Sam Shelton took the stage next to say a few words about Free. “I live by the motto ‘iron sharpens iron’ and it’s about who you surround yourself with. Jaxson’s work ethic is amazing, and it makes me a better publisher. To see what he does is really inspirational.”

Other industry members present to speak about the song and its writers were Verse 2 Music’s Kent Earls, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, Studio Bank’s Ron Cox and Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges.

Finally, it was time for the writers to share their thoughts. Free was the first to take the mic, reflecting on his experiences with Brown, Foust and, jokingly, Collins. “It was amazing how it all came together. Phil came in that day with the idea and,” but was interrupted by a wave of laughter from the audience. Free continued, “I am truly excited for what the future holds. Thank you to everyone.”

Foust took the opportunity to thank his team, co-writers, family and friends. “I want to thank my parents for driving all the way from Indiana to be here. I know when I was younger I gave you guys more hell than you probably could take, and I appreciate you more than I can say. Lastly, I always said that when I got my first No. 1 that I would dedicate it to my brother, Isaac, and I think if he was here today, he would think this was pretty cool.”

Brown closed things out by thanking everyone who supports him and sharing how rewarding it is to be a part of his friends’ special moments.

“I love the fact that I got to be Jaxson’s first No. 1, and now I get to be Gabe’s first No. 1,” Brown said. “That’s what I like—being a part of peoples’ firsts because I remember the feeling of having my first. It’s exciting to get to relive that moment with these guys.”

John Nix Arledge
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