The single marks the launch of a new partnership, powered by McClelland’s 25 years in marketing and advertising and GrassRoots Promotion decades of industry experience.
After spending more than 25 years building brands in the advertising and sales world, Texas singer-songwriter Wes McClelland is turning that expertise toward his first love: traditional country music storytelling.
McClelland has partnered with GrassRoots Promotion, one of Nashville’s most respected independent radio marketing firms, to launch his highly anticipated single “What I Know Now” on February 26, 2026. The track will hit country radio and streaming platforms simultaneously, marking a pivotal moment for the artist who describes his sound as “Modern Traditionalist.”
It’s a fitting description. Recorded at the legendary Dark Horse Recording in Franklin, Tennessee, “What I Know Now” delivers a poignant reflection on the perspective only time can provide—wrapped in production that honors both 2026’s sonic standards and the grit of McClelland’s influences. Think George Strait’s timeless delivery meets Randy Travis’s emotional depth.
For McClelland, the choice to work with GrassRoots Promotion wasn’t just strategic—it was personal.
“In both advertising and music, the most important thing you can build is trust,” he explains. “Partnering with Teresa Johnston-Chance and the entire GrassRoots team was the obvious choice. They understand the soul of this project and have a proven track record of giving independent artists a powerful, national voice.”
That trust runs both ways. Rebekah Clements, Promotion Director at GrassRoots Promotion, shares the enthusiasm: “GrassRoots Promotion is proud to be a part of Wes’ team and we are thrilled to help bring his music to country radio as well as digital platforms. Wes is an incredibly talented artist and songwriter and we look forward to our partnership with him.”
GrassRoots Promotion, founded in 1996 and led by Nancy Tunick and Teresa Johnston-Chance, has built its reputation on an “artist-first” philosophy and deep connections to secondary and tertiary markets—exactly where authentic country fans are hungry for music that feels real.
The Rollout
McClelland’s release strategy reflects his marketing background. The single serves as the opening chapter for a full-length album project slated for later this year, with a carefully planned rollout:
- February 5, 2026: Digital pre-orders are live on Apple Music and iTunes
- February 26, 2026: Official release to radio and streaming services
- March 16, 2026: Multi-week Texas Radio Tour begins, bringing McClelland’s signature sound back to his home-state roots
- For an artist who’s spent decades helping others tell their stories, McClelland is finally telling his own—and he’s doing it with the same strategic precision and authentic passion that made him successful in the boardroom.
About Grassroots Promotion
Founded in 1996 and led by Nancy Tunick and Teresa Johnston-Chance, GrassRoots Promotion is a Nashville powerhouse dedicated to providing independent and major-label artists with significant exposure across radio and digital platforms.
About Wes McClelland
Wes McClelland is a Texas country artist and songwriter who proves it’s never too late to tell a good story. After a decorated career in advertising and sales management, McClelland has returned to the studio to record music that bridges the gap between classic country grit and contemporary clarity.
