Emerging artist George Pippen unveils his debut EP, Magnolia Nights, now streaming everywhere! Originally released on October 11 via Virgin Music Group, this powerful six-song project introduces the Indiana-bred artist’s heartfelt but cinematic form of Country-Rock. Magnolia Nights gained momentum as Pippen took the stage with Country superstar Megan Moroney in El Dorado, AR, on release day. Don’t miss out — listen to Magnolia Nights now!
Rooted in Pippen’s raspy vocal work and sharply detailed storytelling, Magnolia Nights includes standouts like his breakout single “Speedin'” — an August release that quickly landed on coveted playlists like Apple Music’s New in Country and Spotify’s All New Country and earned raves from Whiskey Riff, Holler, and more. In the tradition of Heartland Rock icons like Tom Petty (one of Pippen’s main influences), the Nashville-based 27-year-old infuses his songs with equal parts fiery spirit and full-hearted emotion, all while dreaming up an entirely fresh sound graced with the lush instrumentation of classic Country and modern-day Indie-Folk.
Along with “Speedin'” (a wildly soaring epic featuring a scorching guitar solo), Magnolia Nights includes the previously released “Indiana Knows My Name” (a folky and finespun track that’s amassed nearly 400K views on TikTok) and “Silence in the Suburbs” (a fast-driving ode to the simple life). After opening on a windows-down anthem called “I-65” — the first song Pippen wrote upon moving to Nashville in early 2024 — the EP slips into the starry-eyed reverie of “Moonlight Magnolia Drawl” and then launches into the full-tilt joy of “Where I’ll Be” (a harmony-laced love song to his hometown). Whether he’s singing the praises of his beloved home state, celebrating the thrill of the open road, or capturing all the confusion and melancholy in coming of age, Pippen proves his incredible gift for crafting songs that evoke a warm and lovely nostalgia.
Raised in Carmel, Indiana, Pippen got his start as a tour manager and traveled all over North America and Europe while working for a multitude of established artists from a variety of genres. At the encouragement of several friends who worked in the music industry, he began exploring his own musical side and soon discovered his innate vocal talents, as well as an intense passion for songwriting. As he honed his musical skills and sharpened his songcraft (in part by learning to play guitar), Pippen eventually moved from Los Angeles to Nashville to develop his career and create his debut body of work. Following the release of Magnolia Nights, he’ll deliver his debut album in early 2025.
After opening for Megan Moroney at El Dorado’s First Financial Music Hall, Pippen will serve as support for singer/songwriter David Kushner at the Egyptian Room at Old National Centre in Indianapolis on October 22. Pippen’s upcoming live dates also include an invite-only event on October 24 at soundroom in Nashville (an exclusive live music experience filmed and shared with the world).
Tracklist:
- I-65
- Moonlight Magnolia Drawl
- Where I’ll Be
- Indiana Knows My Name
- Silence in the Suburbs
- Speedin’
Pippen will celebrate the release of Magnolia Nights throughout the rest of the year on the road, with support slots slated with Megan Moroney and David Kushner on select dates.
For more information about George Pippen, go to:
Linktree | Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | YouTube
About George Pippen:
When George Pippen made his debut in spring 2024, the Indiana-bred artist showcased the kind of self-assured and lived-in songwriting that comes from a lifetime of devotion to music. But despite the deeply evocative vocal and lyrical talents displayed on songs like “Speedin'” — a Country-Rock anthem featured on major playlists like Spotify’s All New Country, Apple Music’s New in Country, Amazon Music’s Brand New Music, and more — the Nashville-based 27-year-old had only recently discovered his undeniable musical gifts. Originally from the small city of Carmel, Pippen grew up on classic artists like Tom Petty and pursued his musical passion by working as a tour manager. After years of touring with an eclectic mix of esteemed acts, several friends in the industry encouraged him to create a song of his own — a turn of events that quickly unlocked his creative potential and inspired him to immerse himself in songwriting. Based in Nashville since early 2024, he soon signed with Snook Music Group via Virgin Music Group and delivered his debut EP Magnolia Nights: an October release that features “Speedin'” alongside soul-searching songs like “Indiana Knows My Name,” spotlighting the timeless musicality that’s earned praise from Whiskey Riff, Holler, and more. With his latest triumphs including opening for Country superstar Megan Moroney, Pippen will release his highly anticipated debut album in early 2025.
EP Magnolia Nights Out Now
Hailing from Carmel, Indiana, George Pippen is a fellow Hoosier whose debut EP, Magnolia Nights, is quickly making waves in the music scene. Blending heartfelt lyrics with cinematic storytelling, George’s music reflects his journey from small-town Indiana to the bustling music hubs of LA, Nashville, and beyond.
As a proud Indiana native, George’s roots run deep in the Midwest, and his songs carry the essence of home, love, and longing. From the winding paths of I-65 to the universal pull of “Indiana Knows My Name,” George’s music is a blend of personal anecdotes and universally resonant themes.
I had the pleasure of sitting down with George to discuss the inspiration behind Magnolia Nights, his journey as an artist, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. Join me as we explore George’s reflections on songwriting, his plans for 2025, and what it means to stay authentic in an ever-changing industry.
Thanks for being here, George. Congratulations on the release of your debut EP, Magnolia Nights. Could you share the inspiration behind this project and discuss the themes explored in its tracks?
Thank you for the questions! Magnolia Nights is a mix of songs I’ve written over the past few years – some from my time in LA and others more recently in Nashville. It’s a reflective project that showcases the songs that really got me started in music. I’m proud to have them as my first release, especially since many have been years in the making. We even re-cut vocals and updated production to bring them to life. I also see it as a sneak peek into what’s to come with the album we expect to release in 2025.
The EP opens with “I-65,” a track you wrote after moving to Nashville, often called a songwriter’s city. Can you share what that journey was like, how the move in early 2024 has shaped your artistic growth, and the ways Nashville has influenced your songwriting?
“I-65” I actually mostly wrote on my own. When I lived in Indiana, I dated a girl in Chicago and would drive up and down I-65 to see her. Now years later, I am still driving I-65, but between Indianapolis and Nashville. I feel as if I’ve grown a relationship with a highway. Before moving to Nashville, I mainly wrote songs alone or with friends, so collaborating with other songwriters was new for me. My management arranged various sessions in town, helping me adapt to Nashville’s songwriting culture and find the right collaborators. After a few months, I now feel confident sharing ideas, taking feedback/criticism, and shaping my style and production. This intense period has helped refine my writing process
Your single “Speedin'” has garnered significant attention, landing on major playlists and earning praise. Can you walk us through the story and creative process behind this song?
“Speedin'” came from my time as a tour manager, always on the move. At one point, I spent 4-5 months non-stop touring, seeing the U.S. and Europe, and felt like I was always in a van, on a plane, or on the highway. The song captures that constant motion and the feeling of rarely being home.
I’m originally from Harmony, Indiana, and spent 10 years in Fishers, so I’m very familiar with the Carmel area where you grew up. Growing up there, you were inspired by classic artists like Tom Petty. How has that early influence shaped your approach to songwriting and performance?
Growing up in Carmel, Indiana, I spent a lot of time with my dad, who coached my sports teams and drove me to practices. During those drives, he’d play a wide range of CDs, from Classic Rock to Hip-Hop. At first, I resisted, but in college, I realized how special that exposure was. It introduced me to older music, shaping my taste. Now, as an artist, I draw from influences like Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, and Ryan Adams.
Your journey into music began after years of encouragement from friends in the industry. How did it feel to finally take that leap and write your first song?
It felt exciting but also intimidating because I was stepping into something completely new. For years, I had friends in the industry telling me I should try it, but I always held back, maybe because of self-doubt or not feeling ready. When I finally took that leap and wrote my first song, it was like I unlocked a part of myself I didn’t even know existed. I remember sitting with my buddies in LA, just putting my thoughts into words, and by the time we finished, it hit me: I had something to say, and this was the way to say it. That feeling was so freeing, like I’d found a new way to express myself, and I’ve been chasing that ever since.
Speaking of the Hoosier State, “Indiana Knows My Name” stands out as a highlight on your EP. What message or story were you hoping to convey with this song, and how does it connect to Indiana?
“Indiana Knows My Name” is really special to me because it was the first song I was ever part of writing. At the time, I was living in LA and had been there for about two and a half years while also touring a lot. And even though I loved LA—the friends I had, the opportunities, and everything the city offered—there was always this pull to go home. You never really see your hometown for what it is, until you move away for too long.
I started to appreciate how great it was where I grew up, how important my family is, and how much I missed the life I had there. That longing was a big part of why I eventually moved to Nashville—to be closer to my family, especially my little niece.
The song really captures that contrast. The line “This whole country knows my story, but Indiana knows my name” speaks to the idea that no matter where I go or who I meet, nothing compares to the relationships and roots I have in Indiana. It’s not about being famous or widely known; it’s about the deep connections that only home can provide. For the listener, it doesn’t have to be Indiana—it’s about their hometown, the place that grounds them, and the people who truly know them.
You’ve opened for country music superstar Megan Moroney—what have you learned from performing alongside such established artists?
Opening for someone like Megan Moroney has been such an incredible opportunity, and I feel really fortunate to have had the chance. After years as a tour manager, I thought I had a solid grasp of what it takes to be a performing artist—the schedule, the demands—but stepping onto the stage myself was an entirely different experience. It’s an indescribable feeling. I was overwhelmed with gratitude, but also a bit of imposter syndrome, questioning if I deserved to be there.
What I’ve really learned is that performing isn’t just about singing your songs and leaving the stage. It’s about connecting with the audience and revealing a bit of your personality. There’s a give-and-take dynamic—you feed off their energy, and they feed off yours. I’ve played shows where the audience was incredibly receptive and welcoming, and others where it was tougher to get that connection.
Now, after doing several shows over the last five months, I’m starting to find my footing. I’m able to walk away from a performance and evaluate what worked and what didn’t. It’s a learning process, but I’m figuring out what feels authentic to me on stage, and that’s been one of the most valuable takeaways so far.
Your signing with Snook Music Group via Virgin Music Group must have been a milestone. How did that partnership come about, and what has the experience been like so far?
The partnership with Virgin Music Group came about through my current management, who already had connections with the label through other artists they work with. VMG really took a chance on me, believing in my music, my work ethic, and me as a person, which means the world to me.
It all happened pretty quickly. A couple of months after moving to Nashville, we flew out to Virgin’s headquarters in LA to meet the team and finalize everything. Putting pen to paper was surreal. The experience so far has been amazing—I feel incredibly grateful for the team I have around me and how much they believe in what I’m creating.
Your lyrics are deeply personal yet resonate universally. What’s your songwriting process like? Do you sit down with a yellow pad and map out your ideas, or do the lyrics just come to you in your sleep?
My songwriting process really depends on the situation. Most of the time, my music reflects what I’m feeling, my past experiences, fears about the future, insecurities, or my love life. It’s a mix of my own journey and the stories or lessons I’ve picked up from people I’ve met around the world. Sometimes it’s tough to get those ideas down in a creative way, but other times the words just flow naturally, like something takes over. Overall, it’s a reflection of my past, present, and future.
What challenges, if any, did you encounter while creating Magnolia Nights, and how did you navigate or overcome them?
The biggest challenge with Magnolia Nights was deciding which songs to include. Knowing an album is coming soon, I wanted the EP to act as a showcase of my work while hinting at what’s to come. I don’t mean this to sound pompous, but I really feel like I have a lot of strong songs. So, narrowing it down to a handful that truly reflects where I’m headed musically was tough, but I wanted to make sure the EP gave a clear sense of my style and what people can expect from the album.
How do you typically prepare for a live performance to ensure everything goes smoothly? Do you ever get nervous before stepping on stage, and how do you handle those nerves?
Yes, I get really nervous before performances. The less I think about it, the less nervous I feel, but I’m naturally an overthinker, so that’s tough. For me, preparation is key. Whether it’s practicing guitar, vocals, or planning talking points, the more prepared I am, the more confident I feel stepping on stage. I remind myself that I’ve practiced this a thousand times in my bedroom—I know exactly what I’m doing. The only difference is the crowd. Preparation has been the biggest thing in calming my nerves and helping me focus on showing people what I’ve been working on behind the scenes.
The Midwest is home to some incredible venues and audiences. What are some of your favorite places to perform in the region, and why?
I haven’t had the chance to play many venues in the Midwest yet, but performing at the Old National Center in Indianapolis was an unforgettable experience. My first concert—or at least the first one I remember as a kid—was at that venue: a G-Eazy show. A few weeks ago, I got to perform there, and it was surreal to look out at the crowd and see the exact spot where I stood during that concert. I’m so grateful for that opportunity. One day, it’d be amazing to play at Gainbridge Fieldhouse or Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis—those big venues in my hometown would be a dream to play.
With your debut album set to release in early 2025, how do you see it building on the foundation of Magnolia Nights? Can you give us any hints about what’s to come?
Magnolia Nights is just a taste of what’s to come on the album. A lot of the songs on the album are ones I’ve had for about three years, but there are also newer ones I’ve written since moving to Nashville. You’ll definitely hear a progression in my songwriting, reflecting lessons I’ve learned and experiences from the last few years—whether it’s jobs, love, family, or friends. Sonically, the album will have a lot of cool new elements. Since moving to Nashville, I’ve been able to experiment with different types of instrumentation and songwriting, which has been a fun exploration.
The music industry can be daunting for new artists. How has your background as a tour manager prepared you for the realities of being an artist
Being a tour manager has definitely given me a good perspective on what it takes to succeed as an artist, especially when it comes to the demands of being on the road and the work that goes into creating a full-scale show or tour. Having been around artists from various genres—like Jazz, Pop, and Punk Pop—has been really advantageous. I’ve seen the ins and outs of what different artists go through, which has helped me as I start my own music career. That said, there have definitely been things I underestimated and challenges I’ve come to realize, but overall, my experience as a tour manager has provided me with a solid foundation.
Social media, especially TikTok, has played a role in amplifying your music. How do you view the relationship between artistry and the digital age, and how do you stay authentic in such a fast-paced environment?
Like many artists these days, I have a love/hate relationship with social media. It is a tool that is very advantageous to new artist, but it is also something that is very hard to navigate. When I first started promoting my music on social media, it was difficult for me to be authentic, as I haven’t spent much time creating a digital footprint. But I have found that the more I do it, the more authentic I am able to be.
You’ve described your music as cinematic. If Magnolia Nights were a film, what would its story arc be, and what kind of emotions would you want the audience to experience?
If Magnolia Nights were a film, I feel as if it would reflect similar storytelling as the films “Sweet Home Alabama” or “Safe Haven.” The EP has a sort of romantic comedy vibe to it but at the same time, it is very focused on storytelling/love.
With Magnolia Nights marking such a significant milestone in your career, how do you define success as an artist? Has your definition evolved since you first began this journey?
My definition of success has definitely evolved. When I was younger, I thought success meant being at the top of charts and winning awards. But now, I see it differently. To me, success is being able to make a living doing what I love, creating music, connecting with fans, and being grateful for the opportunities to share my work. It’s about sustaining a life in music, not just chasing the glitz and glamour.
If you could go back and give advice to yourself when you first started writing songs, what would you say?
I’d tell myself to be patient and trust the process. Writing songs isn’t easy, and it’s okay to feel frustrated sometimes. Keep writing-over and over-because the more you create, the more you’ll uncover the gold in your ideas.
Where’s the best place for fans to learn more about you and listen to your music? Do you have a newsletter we can sign up for, or should we head straight to your website?
The best place to learn more about me and check out my music is Instagram, TikTok, and all the major social media platforms. You’ll find updates on what I’m up to, upcoming shows, and merch there. I don’t have a newsletter yet, but my website is great for merch and, hopefully soon, touring info.
Finally, what’s next for you? Whether it’s new music, collaborations, or live performances, what can fans look forward to as you continue your musical journey?
The biggest thing fans can look forward to is my debut album dropping in early 2025. One of my main goals for the year is to secure an opening slot on tour with another artist, which has been a dream of mine since moving to Nashville. So, there will definitely be plenty of live performances and lots of new music. After the album release, I plan to keep putting out songs as I make them, really focusing on what resonates with fans and staying true to the authenticity they connect with in my music.
George, thanks for doing this. I knew this was going to be fun, and it’s always great to meet someone from the Hoosier State. In all of my interviews, I always give the artist the last word. Go for it.
Thank you so much for having me! This has been a lot of fun, and I’m always proud to represent the Hoosier State! I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who’s supported me so far, especially with the release of Magnolia Nights. It’s been a long time coming, and this EP is just the beginning of what’s to come.
I’m excited to keep sharing my journey, whether it’s through my debut album in 2025, more live performances, or just putting out music that feels authentic to me and resonates with others. To anyone chasing a dream, especially in music, just know it’s a process, but with preparation, passion, and perseverance, anything is possible. Thank you for being a part of my journey—it truly means the world to me.
