David Nail

Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 8pm

This performance is presented without an intermission.

Ryan Truso: Guitar
Nigel Knop: Bass
Tristan Ferner: Piano
Matt Iceman: Drums

Hailing from Kennett, Missouri, David Nail is a respected figure on Music Row — a singer-songwriter whose work has been described as nothing short of a “tour de force.” His songs cut to the bone, unflinchingly exploring the personal struggles he has faced throughout his life.

A Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum artist, Nail first made his mark with albums including I’m About to Come Alive, The Sound of a Million Dreams, I’m a Fire, and Fighter. These releases established him as an innovator and risk-taker, but also left him searching for deeper fulfillment. That search led to his departure from MCA Nashville — the only label he had ever known — though the friendships he built there remain strong.

As he confronted his own mental health journey and a desire to “rebel against what people expect you to be,” Nail began creating what he considers his most authentic work yet. With Jason Hall and Andrew Petroff, he formed David Nail & The Well Ravens, a liberating project that opened the door to his next chapter. Writing solo in the months that followed, he released his independent debut EP, Oh, Mother, a deeply reflective collection.

Rolling Stone praised the title track, noting how it “creeps in like a sunrise — quiet, restrained cello and keys are the only underpinning for Nail’s powerful vocals at first. But then it slowly builds to something more massive and majestic.” He followed with Bootheel 2020 and Bootheel 2021, heartfelt tributes to his Missouri hometown.

In 2023, Nail released the Best of Me EP, whose title track garnered major press attention and strong country radio play. The following year brought his busiest touring schedule yet, alongside two acclaimed singles: “If I Could Call” and “Why,” a collaboration with Aubrie Sellers. Now, Nail is preparing to launch an ambitious new album project that promises to elevate his artistry to an even higher level, free of self-imposed limitations.

Reflecting on his career, Nail sums it up simply: “My philosophy has always been, I just hope to have a good enough year that I can have a next year — while staying as true to myself as I possibly can.”