(NASHVILLE, TN – February 5, 2026) – Today, legendary country music executive Benny Brown announced the formation of North Chapel Records, a division of his publishing company North Chapel Music. Focusing on faith-based music, North Chapel Records’ first signing is acclaimed multi-genre songwriter and artist Nathan Woodard.
A Nashville native, Woodard began touring across the Southeast at just five years old as part of The Woodard Family. He began playing guitar at eight and started composing original songs in junior high. As a songwriter, Woodard has earned more than 60 cuts, penning multiple No. 1 and Top 10 hits across genres. He has had cuts on three GRAMMY-nominated albums, including on Karen Peck & New River’s Good Answers, which was nominated for Best Roots Gospel Album at the 2026 GRAMMY Awards. Woodard’s contributions to the 2022 faith-based feature film Running the Bases helped solidify his reputation as a recording artist as well as a songwriter and music producer. His 2024 duet with Becky Buller, “Rise Above It All,” which he co-wrote, reached No. 1 on Bluegrass Today’s Gospel Weekly Airplay Chart. He has also independently released a faith-based EP, The Great I Am. Woodard, who has inspired many as a church worship leader for 15 years, is also signed to publishing company, North Chapel Music.
“I’m so thankful to Benny Brown and North Chapel Records for giving me my first record deal,” said Woodard. “I’m really excited for this next season, and all that God is going to do with this music. I just pray that my songs will give people hope, lift them up and encourage them through the journey of life.”
“I’ve been so blessed in my life that, at this point, I want to focus on trying to help people,” said Brown. “A song is a powerful thing. If it captures the right person at the right time in their life, then it can completely change their life. If I’m able to reach just one person and change their life, then it’s all been worth it.”
Brown will serve as President of North Chapel Records. Wendy Buckner has been appointed Vice President of North Chapel Records. Buckner brings more than 20 years of experience in publishing, music and TV production, and artist management. Buckner will also continue in her current role as Senior Creative Director for North Chapel Music.
Buckner can be reached at Wendy@northchapelrecords.com
“Wendy has been a foundational element in the inspiration and formation of North Chapel Records,” said Brown. “She and I share the same passion for helping others and the same desire to spread the word of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Brown added, “I am relying on her years of experience in the entertainment business and her vast network of relationships to help guide North Chapel forward.”
Brown’s legacy includes founding BBR Music Group (including Magic Mustang Music), which is now part of BMG, and current venture Quartz Hill Music Group (QHMG), which includes Quartz Hill Records, Stone Country Records and BSB Management. Brown announced his latest publishing venture North Chapel Music in August 2025. North Chapel Music and North Chapel Records are not part of QHMG but rather sister companies.
Woodard will release his debut studio project on North Chapel Records later this year. For more information on the new label, visit northchapelrecords.com. To stay updated on Woodard, follow him on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
(NASHVILLE, TN – February 5, 2026) – Today, legendary country music executive Benny Brown announced the formation of North Chapel Records, a division of his publishing company North Chapel Music. Focusing on faith-based music, North Chapel Records’ first signing is acclaimed multi-genre songwriter and artist Nathan Woodard.
A Nashville native, Woodard began touring across the Southeast at just five years old as part of The Woodard Family. He began playing guitar at eight and started composing original songs in junior high. As a songwriter, Woodard has earned more than 60 cuts, penning multiple No. 1 and Top 10 hits across genres. He has had cuts on three GRAMMY-nominated albums, including on Karen Peck & New River’s Good Answers, which was nominated for Best Roots Gospel Album at the 2026 GRAMMY Awards. Woodard’s contributions to the 2022 faith-based feature film Running the Bases helped solidify his reputation as a recording artist as well as a songwriter and music producer. His 2024 duet with Becky Buller, “Rise Above It All,” which he co-wrote, reached No. 1 on Bluegrass Today’s Gospel Weekly Airplay Chart. He has also independently released a faith-based EP, The Great I Am. Woodard, who has inspired many as a church worship leader for 15 years, is also signed to publishing company, North Chapel Music.
“I’m so thankful to Benny Brown and North Chapel Records for giving me my first record deal,” said Woodard. “I’m really excited for this next season, and all that God is going to do with this music. I just pray that my songs will give people hope, lift them up and encourage them through the journey of life.”
“I’ve been so blessed in my life that, at this point, I want to focus on trying to help people,” said Brown. “A song is a powerful thing. If it captures the right person at the right time in their life, then it can completely change their life. If I’m able to reach just one person and change their life, then it’s all been worth it.”
Brown will serve as President of North Chapel Records. Wendy Buckner has been appointed Vice President of North Chapel Records. Buckner brings more than 20 years of experience in publishing, music and TV production, and artist management. Buckner will also continue in her current role as Senior Creative Director for North Chapel Music.
Buckner can be reached at Wendy@northchapelrecords.com
“Wendy has been a foundational element in the inspiration and formation of North Chapel Records,” said Brown. “She and I share the same passion for helping others and the same desire to spread the word of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.” Brown added, “I am relying on her years of experience in the entertainment business and her vast network of relationships to help guide North Chapel forward.”
Brown’s legacy includes founding BBR Music Group (including Magic Mustang Music), which is now part of BMG, and current venture Quartz Hill Music Group (QHMG), which includes Quartz Hill Records, Stone Country Records and BSB Management. Brown announced his latest publishing venture North Chapel Music in August 2025. North Chapel Music and North Chapel Records are not part of QHMG but rather sister companies.
Woodard will release his debut studio project on North Chapel Records later this year. For more information on the new label, visit northchapelrecords.com. To stay updated on Woodard, follow him on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.