Morgan Wallen’s 2023 has been nothing short of historic. The country star not only shattered multiple streaming and radio records but also drew millions of new fans, packing arenas across the country. His chart-topping hit “Last Night” made history by holding the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 16 consecutive weeks, making it the longest-running solo No. 1 in the chart’s history. But Wallen’s success isn’t just a solo effort—it’s the result of a dedicated team of industry professionals working behind the scenes to craft his unmistakable sound.

Wallen’s inner circle is a close-knit group of songwriters, producers, and managers based in Nashville. At the heart of this team is Big Loud, a powerhouse music label and publishing company that has played a pivotal role in shaping his career. According to Wallen’s manager and Big Loud CEO Seth England, one of the key figures in this creative ecosystem is songwriter and producer Charlie Handsome. Handsome has co-written several of Wallen’s biggest hits, including “Last Night,” “You Proof,” “Wasted on You,” “Thinkin’ Bout Me,” and “One Thing at a Time.”

“Charlie has built strong relationships within our Big Loud community,” says England. “He and our other writers frequently collaborate on our writer bus, sharing new songs with Morgan in real time.”

Handsome’s influence goes beyond songwriting—his signature production style, blending hip-hop elements with traditional country sounds, has been a defining factor in Wallen’s chart dominance. Sony Music senior VP Katie Welle, who oversees Handsome’s publishing A&R, praises his ability to elevate songs. “Charlie knows how to distinguish between a good song and a great one,” she says. “His high standards and versatility as a producer have shaped a lot of today’s popular music.”

Beyond Handsome, Wallen’s 2023 double album One Thing at a Time was a collaborative effort involving a roster of accomplished songwriters, including Ashley Gorley, Nicolle Galyon, Miranda Lambert, Jacob Kasher Hindlin, John Byron, Ernest Keith Smith, and Taylor Phillips. However, the mastermind behind the album’s cohesive sound is producer Joey Moi.

“Joey is known as ‘the Wizard’ in Nashville,” England reveals. “His instincts and expectations for musicians are unparalleled. He isn’t afraid to trust his gut, even if he’s the only one in the room who believes in a certain part of a song.”

Moi’s production approach prioritizes authenticity and energy, a method he honed while working with rock bands like Nickelback before transitioning to country music. His chemistry with Wallen has been instrumental in shaping the artist’s signature style. Moi, who also serves as a partner and president of A&R at Big Loud, says Wallen’s rock influences are evident in tracks like “One Thing at a Time.”

“I absolutely love that song,” Moi says. “At first, we thought it would be more of a modern beat-driven track, but when we brought in the band, the energy completely shifted. The creativity in the room was overwhelming, and the final version ended up having this unexpected rock element.”

Moi’s philosophy of “less is more” has also played a key role in Wallen’s widespread appeal. The stripped-down production on “Last Night” gives the song a raw, intimate feel, making it resonate beyond the country genre. A similar approach was used for “Thinkin’ Bout Me.” “We had a full version of the song recorded, but we decided to scale it back,” Moi explains. The same minimalistic touch is evident in “Wasted on You,” a song from Wallen’s 2021 Dangerous album that continues to amass impressive streaming numbers. The track features a subtle production style set against a hip-hop-influenced rhythm, reinforcing Wallen’s ability to blend genres seamlessly.

As Wallen’s star continues to rise, it’s clear that his success is the product of not only his undeniable talent but also the visionary team surrounding him. From songwriters to producers, each member of Team Wallen plays a crucial role in crafting the music that keeps breaking records and redefining country music’s place in the mainstream.