Emily Ann Roberts signs first record deal with Sony Nashville, releases Memory Lane EP

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By: Daniel Harris

Emily Ann Roberts just signed her first major record deal. She partnered with RECORDS/Sony Music Nashville on August 27, 2025. The 27-year-old Knoxville native released her debut Memory Lane EP on October 3, 2025. This milestone marks 10 years of independent music-making.

🔥 Quick Facts:

  • First Record Deal: Signed with RECORDS/Sony Nashville in August 2025 after 10 years independent
  • Memory Lane EP: Released October 3, 2025 with 6 songs celebrating femininity and womanhood
  • 78 Million Streams: Previous album “Can’t Hide Country” amassed 78M+ streams worldwide
  • The Voice Legacy: Runner-up Season 9 on Team Blake Shelton in 2015 before graduating high school
  • 2026 Album Coming: Full-length album scheduled for 2026 with deeper concept

Rising Star Achieves Major Record Deal Milestone

Emily Ann Roberts never gave up on her dream. For 10 years, she built her career independently. She shared stages with Blake Shelton, Cody Johnson, Jamey Johnson, and Clint Black. She earned 78 million streams on “Can’t Hide Country.” Yet she wanted more support.

Now that support arrived. RECORDS/Sony Music Nashville signed Roberts as her first major label. She called it transformational and credit ire to her work ethic. “I’ve done it all by myself,” Roberts shared in interviews. “For the first time, I have a huge team of people around me now.”

“For so long in Nashville, I felt like girls in pop music could be so girly, but girls in country music had to be one of the guys. I wanted to lean into that tenderness—so that’s why there’s songs about heartbreak, falling in love, defiance, and hard work.”

Emily Ann Roberts, Entertainment Focus Interview, October 3, 2025

The label move means radio promotion and wider reach. Sony brings industry connections and marketing muscle. Roberts expressed specific excitement about country radio opportunities ahead.

Memory Lane EP Shows Growth and Evolution

The Memory Lane EP dropped on October 3, 2025, the same date as Taylor Swift’s Midnights re-release. Roberts laughed about the timing but stood confident. Her project shows creative evolution from “Can’t Hide Country.” She explored new sounds and storytelling angles.

Six songs make up the Memory Lane collection. The title track opens wistfully. “Jack & Jill Daniels” tells a witty story. “Pretty in Pink” features retro, playful energy. “Bus to Augusta” delivers gothic storytelling. “Scratching Out a Living” features production from legend Mac McAnally. “Easy Does It” and “The Fence” round out themes of love and resilience.

Track Details Song Focus Notables
Title Track Haunting memories and reflection Official visualizer released
Jack & Jill Daniels Witty country story-telling First single at Sony Nashville
Pretty in Pink Retro, girly celebration Potential radio single candidate
Bus to Augusta Gothic murder narrative Southern gothic influence
Scratching Out Living Working hard survival theme Mac McAnally producer/cameo
Additional Tracks Easy Does It, The Fence Relationship and resilience themes

Roberts purposefully explored femininity throughout the EP. She celebrated heartbreak, resilience, self-discovery, and womanhood. She drew inspiration from childhood memories, personal experiences, and family stories. The concept connects to her past and hints at a larger narrative.

The Voice Launchpad to Nashville Success Story

Emily Ann Roberts started as a shy girl from Knoxville, Tennessee. She grew up listening to bluegrass, traditional country, gospel, and artists like The Eagles and Jackson Browne. Her dad’s record collection shaped everything. At age 3, she already sang.

The Voice Season 9 in 2015 changed her trajectory. At just 17, she made Team Blake Shelton and reached the finals. She hadn’t even graduated high school yet. The show proved she could perform under pressure on live television. “It showed me what I was capable of,” Roberts reflected.

  • Born October 23, 1998 in Knoxville, Tennessee
  • Grew up in Karns, just outside of Knoxville
  • Parents instilled deep faith, music, and work ethic values
  • Sang at her family’s church since childhood
  • Self-educated in Nashville through touring and independent releases
  • Named CMT Next Women of Country 2024

Since The Voice, Roberts never stopped creating. She built a loyal fanbase through relentless touring and authentic songwriting. She shared stages with country legends. She earned 78 million streams independently. She collaborated with talented musicians. Now with Sony Nashville behind her, opportunities multiply dramatically.

What’s Next for Emily Ann Roberts?

Radio play comes first. Sony Nashville’s biggest advantage is country radio access. Roberts expects to hear her music on mainstream country stations soon. “So hopefully folks will be hearing me on the radio really soon,” she told WVLT News in October.

European touring stands second. Roberts announced C2C Festival dates in Germany and The Netherlands for March 2026. Her song “Whole Lotta Little” resonated internationally. She plans additional shows across Europe during the trip. Her husband and band will join her.

  • Full album release expected 2026 with deeper concept connection
  • Country radio promotion through Sony’s extensive connections
  • European tour dates including C2C Festival March 2026
  • Potential music videos for additional singles
  • Ongoing collaboration with major country artists

Most importantly, Roberts maintains creative control. “If there is any new sound or style, it’s because it was my idea,” she clarified. The Sony deal funds her vision rather than constraining it. She’ll continue pushing boundaries while honoring country’s traditions and her East Tennessee roots.

Will Emily Ann Roberts Become Country Radio’s Next Big Thing?

By most measures, Roberts possesses everything needed for superstardom. She has authentic country credibility. She has proven live performance skills. She has 78 million streams from independent work. She has industry respect from fellow artists. She has major label backing now.

The Memory Lane EP demonstrates artistic growth beyond “Can’t Hide Country.” Songs like “Pretty in Pink” offer radio-friendly hooks. Stories like “Bus to Augusta” showcase narrative depth. Personal songs like “The Fence” reveal vulnerability and emotional honesty. The collection balances commercial appeal with artistic integrity.

One remaining question: Will country radio embrace her traditional, authentic sound? Radio trends shift constantly. But Roberts’s fanbase proved loyal. Her independent success suggests real demand exists. With Sony Nashville’s promotional firepower, her music will reach millions who haven’t discovered her yet. The Memory Lane EP could be the breakthrough moment. Will you take a trip down memory lane with Emily Ann Roberts?

Sources

  • MusicRow – Amy Roberts Record Deal Announcement and Emily Ann Roberts interviews
  • Entertainment Focus – Comprehensive October 3, 2025 interview with artist
  • WVLT News – Knoxville-based coverage of local artist achievement

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