Singer-songwriter Dan Marshall releases his new single “Middle Man” , a grounded, blue-collar anthem that leans into the perspective on which country music has always been built. The new single, on Red Van Records, is out now.
Written by Marshall alongside Walker Wilson and John Stephens, “Middle Man” captures the pride, grit and resilience of everyday Americans. Built around boots to work before sunrise, putting food on the table and getting back up when life knocks you down, the song paints a clear picture of a life lived somewhere between tradition and survival, or as the chorus puts it, “somewhere between Jesus and Jones.”
“I grew up and my values are somewhere in the middle, working hard, figuring it out as you go,” said Marshall. “That’s been my story since I moved to Nashville. ‘Middle Man’ felt like the right way to say that and hopefully connect with people who see themselves the same way.”
“Middle Man” finds Marshall leaning into a sound that feels both classic and current, pairing plainspoken lyrics with a steady, singalong chorus that speaks directly to the genre’s core audience. It is a song rooted in identity, one that recognizes the value of hard work, community and the people who often go unseen.
A Virginia native, Marshall began his musical journey on piano at age 12 before teaching himself guitar at 18. He started sharing original music in 2021 and quickly found traction with his authentic voice and storytelling. His 2023 releases “She Wants A Ring” and “Heaven’s Honky Tonk” marked early milestones, with the latter generating more than one million views on TikTok.
Since moving to Nashville in the fall of 2022, Marshall has become an active presence in the songwriting community and was named one to watch by Country Wire in 2024 alongside Ella Langley and Zach Top.
With “Middle Man,” Marshall continues to carve out his space, delivering a song that feels lived in and familiar, while reminding listeners that there are still plenty of stories left to tell from the middle.
“Middle Man” is available everywhere.
Songwriter-Artist Dan Marshall Signs With Jonas Group Publishing
Songwriter-artist Dan Marshall has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Jonas Group Publishing. The Virginia native, a lifelong country and classic rock fan, began his music journey learning piano at age 12. He taught himself how to play guitar at 18 and started sharing his own, self-written material in 2021.
In 2023 Marshall wrote and released his first official track, “She Wants A Ring,” and followed up with “Heaven’s Honky Tonk,” which has become a viral sensation with more than 1 million views on TikTok alone.
“From the very first moment I walked in, everyone made me feel right at home,” said Marshall. “It truly felt like family. I want to thank Leslie, Kevin, and the entire team for wholeheartedly believing in my vision as a writer and artist. Let’s get to work!”
“Dan has that elusive X-Factor,” said JGP President Leslie T. DiPiero. “It is obvious that music flows through him naturally. He was born and raised listening to country music, and he honors that tradition through his melodic storytelling. We are all so excited for the journey ahead!”
A graduate of Virginia Tech, Marshall played linebacker for the Hokies from 2017-2020. He then took his talent and determination to the American Idol stage, where he became a Top 10 finalist. Marshall moved to Nashville in the Fall of 2022 and has since become a staple in the songwriting community. The Country Wire named him to its list of “Artists to Look Out For in 2024,” alongside CMA Award nominees Ella Langley and Zach Top.
Marshall co-wrote “She Wants A Ring” with Reid Sorel and William Sims, and co-penned “Heaven’s Honky Tonk” with Matt Gorman and Taylor J. Smith.
Left to right Back row: Kevin Jonas Sr. (Founder/Chairman Jonas Group Entertainment), Emily Peacock (Sr. Creative Dir., JGP), George Kreis (Pres., JGE); Front row: Erin Mooring (Manager, Steelhouse Management), Dan Marshall, Leslie T. DiPiero (Pres., JGP) | Photo Credit: Cole Barnhill
ABOUT JONAS GROUP PUBLISHING:
Established in 2020, Jonas Group Publishing (JGP) is a division of Jonas Group Entertainment (JGE), founded by Kevin Jonas Sr. in 2005. Under the leadership of President Leslie T. DiPiero, JGP is home to a burgeoning consortium of groundbreaking songwriters, including Terri Jo Box, Justin Ebach, Franklin Jonas, David Kalmusky, Bailee Madison, Dan Marshall, Amy Stroup, and the catalog of Julia Michaels. Headquartered on famed Music Row, JGP continues to grow its footprint through new signings, catalog acquisitions, recordings, and sync placements.