Listen to “Bullets And Angels” Featuring Dan Smalley Here
NASHVILLE, TN (May 29, 2023) – Big Machine Label Group and Nashville non-profit, CreatiVets, continue their impactful campaign today with a new Veteran-written track “Bullets And Angels” featuring Dan Smalley in honor of Memorial Day. Penned by Smalley alongside Veterans Chris Bickel, Michael King and Brian White, “Bullets And Angels” details an affecting account of risking your life to serve and protect others, while leaning on your faith to help get you through. Their lyrical honesty speaks volumes as the first verse shares a hard truth that “You learn a lot about yourself when you’re runnin’ straight through hell” before launching into the hopeful chorus: “Now I know to hold on to love / Yeah now I know there’s a higher power above / Liftin’ you up and pourin’ out the strength to take the devil down with just a prayer / With bullets and angels everywhere.”
Listen to “Bullets And Angels” featuring Dan Smalley Here
“The writing of the song helped me tell some of my story in a unique way,” shares songwriter and veteran, Mike King. “I look at music very differently now. Every song tells a story! When I pick up my guitar, all problems go away. With the help of Creativets, I have learned to play and sing the whole song of “Bullets And Angels.” I hope it helps veterans not give in to their demons and never be afraid to ask for help. I’m beyond thankful for this program and everyone involved.”
“This writing process was unlike any other,” recalls “Bullets And Angels” singer and songwriter, Dan Smalley. “For starters, the writing room was backstage at the Grand Ole Opry. So, the spirit of all our heroes was palpable. The connection I had with Mike, Chris and Brian made me feel like God was in the room, like we were supposed to be there for Mike to speak through. Tears were shed and truths were told. It was truly an unforgettable experience.”
CreatiVets has helped more than 1,000 combat Veterans since its founding in 2013 — with more than 400 Veterans participating in its songwriting programs to date. The organization’s utmost goal is to end Veteran suicide by offering alternative ways to cope with trauma, using the arts as a therapeutic cornerstone in the road to recovery. Serving as a connector for opportunities that magnify CreatiVets within the entertainment space since 2020, Big Machine Label Group continues to contribute to CreatiVets’ operational initiatives through Scott and Sandi Borchetta‘s Music Has Value Fund and Big Machine Music, which serves as the co-publisher for CreatiVets.
