At CMA Fest, Black country singer and songwriter Michael Warren is captivating audiences and making a name for himself in the genre.

Newly released songs by a mix of genre veterans and new artists are filling country music stations, but only a few singers achieve chart-topping success.

The music industry is cut-throat and not for the weak of heart.

Michael Warren, a 41-year-old country music singer and songwriter from Hoover, Alabama, gained popularity through his appearance on various Spotify channels. His story is unique in that he is attempting a second career in the music industry.

Warren expressed to Planet Chronicle Digital during a video interview that he felt like he had been given a second chance at life.

In college, Warren received a call from Grammy award-winning artist Toni Braxton, who wanted to record some of his songs. However, looking back, Warren remembers that his love for music started during his childhood, before his opportunity with a former subsidiary of Atlantic Records, Atlantic Songs.

"Warren recalls starting music at a very young age and being immediately drawn to writing."

Warren, a country music singer, attributes his love for music to his dad, a former band member at Notre Dame University, who had a collection of 800 records in their basement, featuring artists such as Willie Nelson, Earth Wind & Fire, James Taylor, and Michael Jackson.

Warren stated that growing up in that household exposed us to a wide range of musical influences.

In middle school, Warren and his friends showcased their passion for performing on the school playgrounds and serenaded the schoolgirls with their voices.

""I fell in love with it," Warren laughed, thinking they were Boyz II Men."

He joined the church choir and began taking music seriously from there.

Warren claims he was not very social during his two years in junior college.

He stated that he locked himself in his bedroom, picked up his guitar, and learned how to play it. Two years later, Warren enrolled at the University of Alabama and began performing at dorm room common areas, birthday parties, and house parties.

Warren admitted that he spent more time playing the guitar than attending classes, fortunately, his father did not get too upset about it.

As Warren gained popularity in his hometown, he was invited to parties at Mississippi State, Auburn, and other schools, including fraternity and sorority gatherings.

Warren spent late nights recording audio with his dad's camcorder and burning CDs featuring his original songs. He recalls that his dad would sometimes accompany him on all-nighters to handwrite his information on burned CDs. Warren burned 300 to 400 CDs at a time and would hand out his originals to girls outside popular bars at the University of Alabama.

He stated that he was certain that if he managed to bring the girls to the show, it would attract guys.

Without his knowledge, Warren's music reached New York City, and Craig Kallman, the chairman and CEO of Atlantic Records, was so captivated that he contacted Warren multiple times.

"On a Sunday, I received a call from the president of Atlantic Records on my cell phone. At first, I thought it was a prank call from my friends, so I kept hanging up. However, he persisted in calling me back."

Despite leaving a meeting with no record, publishing deal, or follow-up commitment, Warren was determined to make the most of the opportunity and emailed Kallman for four weeks. He offered his work ethic to Atlantic Records in any capacity and even pledged to work in the mailroom.

"I just wanted to get into the game," he said.

Warren received a personal call from Braxton after signing a songwriting deal, which was inspired by a song he wrote in his mom's kitchen.

"In Warren's opinion, Toni Braxton is the queen of music."

He has written songs for various artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Flo Rida, Akon, and Cody Simpson, among others.

"I suppose my journey was meant to lead me here," Warren remarked. "Before I knew it, I was releasing these hit songs and acquiring remarkable rights."

Gratitude is an emotion that comes naturally and easily, and every step of his journey, including the difficult times, should be celebrated.

"Warren expressed his excitement about seeing his name in playlists, show posters, and shows featuring people he admired. He said, "It's surreal to see my dreams come true. Sometimes, amidst the chaos of life, we need to take a step back and appreciate the blessings we receive. We should remember to thank God for the opportunities we've prayed for and the progress we've made.""

On Friday, Warren will perform at CMA Fest for the first time at Blake Shelton's Ole Red in Nashville, as part of Spotify House.

"CMA Fest is amazing. That's what everyone wants to do," he said. "I recall attending Spotify House at Ole Red's last year. I was part of the crowd. Now, a year later, after a lot of effort, I'm back at Spotify House, this time on the main stage at CMA Fest."

At 11 a.m., Warren and his band will perform a 25-minute set.

"If you work hard, are consistent, driven, and possess talent and ability, you should have a chance and a seat at the table, according to him. On the other hand, if you are not good, you should not have a seat at the table, he stated."

Warren stated that, although he has faced racial challenges in the past, he believes Nashville has welcomed him with open arms and is excited about their acceptance of him and his music.

"I see obstacles as opportunities to keep going. I won't stop, and I'm excited to see how things have changed this year and last."

Darius Rucker and other artists of different races have broken down barriers and created inclusivity in country music.

Currently, Warren is not affiliated with any record label but his ultimate aspiration is to tour with Rucker.

"Warren said that he inspired many people to break down barriers and be true to themselves, and he believes he could be the person Darius passes his torch to."

Warren enjoys listening to Morgan Wallen's music, which he considers timeless, and hopes to meet the "Whiskey Glasses" singer in person.

"Warren stated that he loves Morgan Wallen because he combines small-town stories and country music with pop artists and rappers in his music."

Warren intends to share his story through a self-written music album consisting of 10 to 12 songs.

"The music industry is challenging for all artists, regardless of their race or ethnicity. Therefore, every Black, White, and Hispanic artist faces the same difficulties. Whether it happens tomorrow or five years from now, it's all the same."