EXCLUSIVE: Exit 216 Talk New Single ‘Robbery Featuring Nikki Williams

On-the-rise country crossover duo Exit 216 consisting of singer/songwriters Steven Battey and Cole Burkett are fast becoming one of the genres most talked about up-and-coming acts and their newest single ‘Robbery’ featuring guest vocals from Nikki Williams is launching them further into the mainstream market.

Here we chat exclusively with Exit 216 to discuss their newest track further:

Congratulations on the release of your new single, how have you found the response so far? 
 Steven: Thanks; we feel like the release is going great. CMT premiered our 2nd video, which was very exciting to us.
 Cole: It’s been great! I love seeing people want to hear more music.
 
You’ve teamed up with Nikki Williams, how did that collaboration come about? 
 Steven: I met Nikki when I first got to Nashville. I’m a huge fan of her work and vocals! They are some of the best I’ve heard.
 Cole: Our manager Shawn Carnes has been a strong advocate for her to sing a song with us, and she was all about it. 
 
What was the experience like working with Nikki on this single? 
 Steven: It was terrific. Nikki has some of the best energy in the studio! I LOVE her vibe and the way she approaches songs.
 Cole: It’s nothing but raw talent and skill from her. She is the best of the best. I’m almost positive she sang her part in one take. So, to witness that was amazing, and I was just grateful to be there.
 
Where did you look to for inspiration when crafting the lyrical story? 
Steven: The inspiration was crafted from a beautiful woman walking into a bar and the immediate chemistry of grabbing everyone’s attention. I feel like everyone has seen that happen before, and it feels like a ‘Robbery’ because a woman with this confidence can command a room and get whatever she wants.
Cole: Steven wrote this before meeting me. When I first heard it, there was no question about whether I wanted us to record it.
 
What are you hoping listeners take away from the song’s message? 
 Steven: We want people to have fun and enjoy it. It is also interesting to draw attention to the message and pay attention when you see it happen at a bar.
Cole: That sometimes a girl can come into your world and rob your heart. 
 
You’ve also shared an official music video, what was the filming day like for you guys? 
 Steven: It started off rough, but when we moved locations, it went very smoothly.
 Cole: It was a real good time. We had a talented videographer and many great people making it happen, including The Local, who let us use the place at the very last minute.

 
How are you finding the process of sharing new music during this time? 
 
Steven: It’s tough because we would love to be out and in front of people performing it, but we are hopeful that time will come soon.
Cole: Well, it’s been a different strategy for sure. But the same goal, and that’s just making sure it does its job of taking us one step closer to playing shows, getting seen by more significant acts and booking agents.
 
Looking ahead, what else can we expect from you this year? 
 Steven: We have some great collaborations in the works. I can’t say too much now, but we plan to drop a lot of music this year!
 Cole: You can expect us to put out more music and the big hope is to play some shows with some familiar faces.

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