Joan of Arc Music signs acclaimed singer-songwriter Evan Bartels to Joan of Arc Records. The Nebraska-born, Nashville-based artist releases his self-penned debut song, “Thunder” on August 14. Listen to a live acoustic performance of “Thunder” BELOW.

Known for his powerful baritone and human storytelling, Bartels has earned widespread respect for songs that explore faith, longing, redemption, and the lives of everyday people with honesty and compassion. Raised in the prairie town of Tobias, Nebraska, he has built a devoted following through an authentic songwriting style that blends Americana, Folk, and Country influences.

“The minute I heard Evan Bartels perform, I felt every lyric he sang, and I wanted to join his journey,” explains Cindy Mabe, Founder and CEO of Joan of Arc Music. “He is such a needed artist. He paints portraits of yearning for something more, deep rooted in American rural grit and his lyrics connect to the spirit of the journey of being a human. I am so proud to welcome him to the Joan of Arc Music family, and I can’t wait to see the impact he will continue to make with his music.”

“Cindy Mabe is a champion of songs and stories,” shares Bartels. “With her guidance along with the entire Joan of Arc Music team, I truly am standing among giants that I’m inspired by and immensely grateful to work with. I believe to have a lasting and impactful career in this business one of the most important things is being in the right place at the right time. There is no better time than now and there is no better place than Joan of Arc Music.”

“Thunder” marks the beginning of a new creative chapter for Bartels who is working with producer Ryan Hewitt (Lumineers, Avett Brothers). He is currently in the studio working on his new album which will be released next year.

About Evan Bartels
Evan Bartels is a Nebraska-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter whose powerful baritone and deeply human storytelling have made him a distinctive voice in contemporary Americana. Raised in the tiny prairie town of Tobias, Nebraska, a community of just over 100 people, Bartels draws inspiration from rural life, faith, longing, and redemption. Telling stories about ordinary people with extraordinary depth and compassion, he crafts songs that are intimate, emotionally resonant, and unflinchingly honest. Bartels began writing songs, playing guitar, and performing at age 13, honing his craft in a backyard recording space his father built, affectionately known as Coop Studio.

Bartels earned national recognition with his 2017 debut album, The Devil, God & Me, and has since grown a devoted audience through Promised Land (2019), Lonesome (2021), and his 2025 EP, To Make You Cry. Recorded live with little more than acoustic guitar and vocals in his handmade cabin outside Nashville, the EP captures the stripped-down honesty and vulnerability that define his work.

Known for his compelling live performances and poetic songwriting, Bartels has toured with Charles Wesley Godwin, Brothers Osborne, and Paul Cauthen. He has appeared at major festivals including AmericanaFest, Mile of Music, C2C: Country to Country, BST Hyde Park, and The Long Road Festival. Bartels recently signed with Joan of Arc Records and will release his first single, “Thunder,” on August 14. For more information, visit www.evanbartels.com.

About Joan of Arc Music
Joan of Arc Music is a comprehensive 360 entertainment company founded by music industry visionary Cindy Mabe, dedicated to preserving the legacy of country music while championing its future through artist development, label services, publishing, management, TV/film production, and philanthropic impact. Operating through four integrated pillars - Joan of Arc Entertainment, Joan of Arc Studio Works, Joan of Arc Ventures, and Joan of Arc Music Preservation Foundation—the company preserves the roots of American storytelling while fostering a culture where creativity is driven by purpose, craft and truth. Mabe brings decades of proven success developing country music's biggest stars, including Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Luke Bryan and Brad Paisley, among others. Joan of Arc Music has secured a strategic distribution partnership with Warner Records Nashville and is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. For more information, visit www.joanofarcmusic.com.