Cody McCarver is arguably one of the most successful musicians to come out of the Sequatchie Valley, although he’s the one who would argue against it. The humble man and Dunlap, TN, native would rather highlight other talented artists from the Sequatchie Valley. In fact, that’s the mission behind Studio Dunlap.
A former member of the country band Confederate Railroad, McCarver is shaking up the music industry in Tennessee’s version of Muscle Shoals – his hometown of Dunlap. Studio Dunlap offers award-winning recording studio and video production services comparable to what artists use in Nashville. However, Music City cannot compete with Dunlap’s down-home character.
Dunlap is Small Town America
Photo Credit: Hannah Glover
Cody McCarver grew up in Dunlap and fondly remembers Friday night football, playing basketball, and dining at hometown eateries like Dunlap Restaurant. However, growing up in a town with only one red light, he couldn’t wait to get out.
“It was the greatest experience that any young kid could have. Growing up in a small town, I didn’t appreciate it. But now that I’m older, I look back and say it was the greatest experience ever.”
After high school, he got out of Dunlap. He toured nationally and internationally with his band Southern Exposure and then joined the popular country band Confederate Railroad. But even in his illustrious life at that time, Dunlap was still in his heart.
Only Heaven’s Better Than a Small Town
After his time with Confederate Railroad, McCarver set out for a solo career and moved back to Dunlap. What’s fascinating is how his career has taken shape since moving home. His award-winning songs are just the start. Getting back to his Dunlap roots, he’s making major moves to showcase the Sequatchie Valley’s talent.
“There is so much talent in the valley, and I’m super excited about what’s coming,” Cody stated.
Cody McCarver and Danny Shirley are two examples of Sequatchie Valley talent. Also from Dunlap, the late songwriter Bobby Boyd wrote the #1 country hit “Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House” for Garth Brooks. Boyd also wrote “Finally Friday,” which was recorded by George Jones. Additionally, he wrote songs for Hank Williams Jr., The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Patty Loveless, and many other stars.
Cody opened Studio Dunlap so a new generation of local talent would have access to a recording studio and music video production.
Studio Dunlap
Photo Credit: Hannah Glover
At 90 years old, the building that houses Studio Dunlap was once a honky-tonk with an elusive past. After its heyday, it was abandoned and stayed vacant for years. The revitalization of the building is symbolic of the rebirth happening in many American small towns like Dunlap.
Today, that building has been restored into a modern recording studio with thoughtfully designed aspects to honor music’s past. With a nod to the famous Ryman Auditorium, the studio’s design is as charming as it is prime for recording music. Cody works alongside his team, video editor and cameraperson Aaron Lanegan, and engineers Daniel Nelson and Laud Vaught, to provide artists an alternative to more expensive recording studios.
Recording Studio
Photo Credit: Hannah Glover
Step up to the mic and record your next hit song! Artists will appreciate the array of instruments available at Studio Dunlap’s recording studio. The 1965 B3 Organ was once used by Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers, and Exile. The studio offers it to its clients along with other instruments including a drum set hand crafted out of old church pews by Michael Outlaw. Artists are welcome to bring their own instruments and musicians, although McCarver can reach into his wide network to piece together an amazing, customized studio session.
McCarver recorded his latest album, “Small Town America,” at Studio Dunlap. Viewers can see the studio in the music video for “My Song,” which is one of the singles from the album. The crisp and clean quality of Studio Dunlap’s recordings rival recording studios in Nashville, yet production costs are much more affordable at Cody’s studio.
“We’re a lot cheaper,” Cody said as he laughed when asked about his studio’s pricing compared to others in Tennessee. “I know what it costs to go to Nashville and make music.”
The Inspirational Country Music Association (ICMA) nominated Cody’s song “God Did That” for 2024 Country Christian Song of the Year, and he won the award in the Opry stage in Nashville. He recorded that song and his entire album Small Town America at Studio Dunlap. That award-winning quality is what his clients can expect from each session. Cody’s 2024 Inspirational Country Music Award nominations include:
- Living Legend Award
- Male Vocalist of the Year
- Entertainer of the Year
- Vocal Duo of the Year with John Schneider
- Inspirational Album of the Year for Small Town America
- Inspirational Song of the Year for “God Did That”
- Musician of the Year
- Songwriter of the Year
- Producer of the Year
- Music Video of the Year for “God Did That”
Video Production at Studio Dunlap
Studio Dunlap’s services also include video production for both music and commercial projects. Cody and his team finished producing season one of the docuseries Small Town America – Dunlap, TN. The 12-episode series focuses on Dunlap’s incredible growth. It takes viewers through the revitalization of the The Dunlap Mercantile, Studio Dunlap, Dolce in Dunlap, and many other exciting businesses in town. The series is currently available on DVD; purchase it here. Additionally, viewers can watch the series on Pure Flix beginning July 4, 2024. Production for the second season is already underway.
Furthermore, Cody and his team at Studio Dunlap produced his latest music videos including God Did That, You and Me in Tennessee, My Song, and others.
“Go watch my music videos and tell me what you think,” Cody said about Studio Dunlap’s video production quality. “My videos look like $50,000 music videos. Also, we care, and we give good quality; it’s professional stuff.”
Outside of music, Studio Dunlap also produces videos for commercial projects like the local Tri-County Bank. View the commercial here.
“If you have a business and you want to market it, there’s no better way than with video,” Cody stated.
While some artists and brands seek recording and video productions in large cities like Nashville, McCarver’s studio can offer productions just as high in quality but at a fraction of the price. Studio Dunlap’s corporate client list is growing with some of Sequatchie Valley’s largest companies, and these partnerships only help the region continue to grow.
Studio Dunlap and the Town’s Revitalization
Photo Credit: Hannah Glover
Along with Studio Dunlap, Cody and his partners Lewie and Becky Card are behind the restoration of five other buildings in downtown Dunlap. The Small Town America – Dunlap, TN series chronicles their work.
“I’m very involved in the growth of Dunlap, but I have my lane,” Cody admitted. “My lane is music, marketing, and things like that.”
Dunlap’s restoration is a group effort of the entire town. For example, Janis Adams Kyser, executive director of the Sequatchie County-Dunlap Chamber of Commerce, has worked to grow the town’s special events and tourism industry for the last six years. With events like Valley Fest, the Historic Downtown Dunlap Songwriters Festival, and other events in Dunlap, residents and visitors alike are discovering Dunlap’s revival.
Furthermore, these historic building restorations and new businesses in Dunlap are adding to the town’s growth:
- Dunlap Mercantile
- Dolce in Dunlap
- The Silver Eagle
- The Dunlap Yard
- The Old Benchmark Building (which will become a restaurant)
- Coop’s Creek Outdoors
Moreover, a new parachute plant is in progress. Most recently, the Inspirational Country Music Association announced that it is moving its headquarters to Dunlap.
Visiting Studio Dunlap and Historic Downtown
Photo courtesy of Studio Dunlap
Artists visiting Studio Dunlap are in for a treat! Contact the studio and start planning your journey to Dunlap. The historic downtown vibe will tempt you to linger, and then the hospitality will make you want to stay.
It starts at the captivating guitar mural outside Studio Dunlap. The mural lures visitors with its unique concept and vibrant colors. It is one of the most visited and most photographed spots in Dunlap. Painted by artist Ron Sweeney, it is a representation of a Gibson J200 Bob Dylan Series acoustic guitar. The mural will also serve as a stage for the annual Historic Downtown Dunlap Songwriters Festival, which happens each summer and is planned in coordination with McCarver and Kyser.
Upstairs, The Silver Eagle is a collection of suites themed to honor some of classic country’s top stars. Pick your favorite country icon and find inspiration as you set out to record your own hits. The Silver Eagle is one of the best places to stay in Dunlap.
One of Cody’s childhood favorites, The Dunlap Restaurant, is the oldest restaurant in Dunlap. The eatery continues to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner seven days a week. New places to eat in Dunlap include the Sequatchie Valley Brewing Company, which is adjacent to Studio Dunlap. Also, the Cookie Jar Cafe is another one of Cody’s favorite spots. The restaurant serves scratch-made cooking and offers scenic views from its front porch. Located on an operational dairy farm, the family-owned business also offers a petting zoo.
Dunlap is growing and new businesses are giving visitors the cultural experiences they crave. For example, Rolling Oak Distillery crafts moonshine from 160-year-old family recipes using hand-built stills. Stop by for a free tasting and meet the proprietor, Travis Faucett. He’s a fifth-generation moonshiner with a fascinating story.
With the recent designation of the Sequatchie Valley National Scenic Byway, droves of new visitors are experiencing Tennessee’s Great Valley and its charming small towns like Dunlap. Learn more about Dunlap and start planning your trip today! Whether you’re coming to record a song or to experience its small-town charm, a visit to Dunlap will leave you singing. As Cody sums it up, “Only Heaven is better than this.”
Authored in Appalachia || Amy Morton