Music Legends Signs Upstate NY’s David J to Major Record Deal

Rotterdam's David J signs with Sony Music Nashville

David J has been performing gigs regularly since he was about 14 years old, and now, at the ripe age of 19, he admits that much of his early success has been a bit surreal.

The pop/country singer from Rotterdam had been on music fan's radar in the Capital Region - and beyond -  for years while he independently released music and played shows in the area.

But the latest news recently shared about him signing a major record deal is a game-changer for the Rotterdam native who made the move to Nashville recently.

Ryan Tedder

Back on June 2nd, it was announced that David was signed to Sony Music Nashville, and Runner Music, industry giant Ryan Tedder.

Tedder, the lead singer of the band One Republic, has worked as a songwriter and producer for various artists since the mid-2000s.

His credentials are a who's who among industry giants; U2, Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, Ed Sheeran, Jonas Brothers, Jennifer Lopez, Camila Cabello, Lady Gaga, Maroon 5,  One Direction, Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, Paul McCartney, and now, David J.

But despite having industry giant Ryan Tedder in his corner, David remains cautiously optimistic about the song the two wrote together, which he said could be out in the Fall.

When asked if it could be the breakthrough he's been searching for, the Schalmont grad told us, "It definitely could...he (Tedder) had an idea, and it was just so good I didn't even ask for another song...we just went with that."

I don’t know where to start, I remember sitting in my bedroom in New York teaching myself how to play guitar and sing off of YouTube. -David J,  Facebook

 

When we spoke to him on Tuesday morning, David told us he was chilling on his porch, watching the sun come up over Nashville, thinking about how grateful he is to have this opportunity.

True 'Unicorn Talent'

According to Music Row, Tedder had only praise for his newly-signed talent saying, “David is a true unicorn talent and I’m thrilled that Runner can partner with Sony to help bring his music to the world."

While we wait for his work alongside Ryan Tedder, David J's latest track “Last Time,” is available everywhere now.

Sony Music Nashville is home to artists such as Luke Combs, Brooks and Dunn, Maren Morris, Old Dominion, Corey Kent, Kane Brown, Faith Hill, and more

According to Music Row, David J has earned 75 million career on-demand streams with releases “Lost My Heartbreak,” “Before You” and “Stay,” which appear on his 2022 EP Lost My Heartbreak.

Throughout the years, David J has opened up for artists like Blake Shelton, Mitchell Tenpenny, Chase Rice, and Hardy and has upcoming dates with Lauren Alaina.

When asked if he's got any plans to perform here in the Capital Region this Summer, and despite his busy schedule, David told us he's trying.

"I'd like to come back to the area at the end of the Summer and do a big one...I'm hoping we can set that up!"

Sounds good - just tell us when and where!