Exit 216 and Nikki Williams Collaborate on New Single, “Robbery,” Due Out March 12

Nashville, Tenn. –– Exit 216, the duo comprised of hit songwriter Steven Battey (“One Number Away” by Luke Combs, “Sugar” by Flo Rida, “Buzzin” by Mann) and Cole Burkett, has teamed up with songwriter and artist Nikki Williams on their new single, “Robbery,” due out March 12 (pre-save HERE).

Produced by David Mescone and co-written by Steven Battey, Nikki Williams, and David Mescone, “Robbery” is about carrying the unique and unmistakable style of confidence. Williams, Battey, and Burkett sing of entering and commanding a room and being entirely unapologetic. Make heads turn, let them stare, and don’t be sorry for it. Exit 216 and Williams want to spark inspiration for others to approach life in the same way.

Exit 216 commented about the collaboration, saying, “We came up with the song idea with Nikki in mind. She came up with her verse, and we recorded it the same day. She is a superstar! We wanted to have fun with this song, and we are all very happy with how it turned out!”

Nikki Williams added, “I believe in what Exit 216 is doing, and I think the music speaks for Itself! Country music has always had my heart, and I am excited to work more with these guys in the future. We are all very proud of this song!”

“Robbery” is distributed through OneRPM and is now available for pre-save on all digital streaming services HERE. An official music video for “Robbery” was filmed at The Local in Nashville, Tennessee and will premiere on CMT on March 11, the day before the song’s release.

Exit 216’s journey began in January 2020 when Battey was seeking a duo partner and was introduced to Cole Burkett. Battey had the idea of forming a duo that could incorporate and deliver a natural country soul sound without straying away from what country music listeners gravitate towards. After a few songwriting sessions together, the strength of the music was undeniable.  Together, Battey and Burkett formed Exit 216 (a reference to the exit home to Nashville International Airport).  Since their formation, the two have been writing and recording music that was set to be released in early 2020, but like so many other artists, due to the spread of COVID-19, release plans were halted.  It wasn’t until Battey co-wrote “Brother,” and the two came together to record the track, that they felt compelled to release the new song to enforce positivity, encourage others, and stimulate change.

After having substantial success as a pop songwriter/producer, Steven Battey (born in Savannah, GA) moved from Los Angeles to Nashville in 2014 to pursue a career in country music. With many credits under his belt, including winning a Grammy Award for his contributions on Madonna’s Revolver record, two Grammy nominations for his work on Justin Bieber’s certified Platinum album My World 2.0 and Flo Rida’s Top 5 Billboard Hot 100 hit, “Sugar,” and most recently, co-writing the #1 Billboard Country hit and 2019 ASCAP Song of the Year, “One Number Away” by Luke Combs,” Battey has proven to be an innovator with undeniable talent and vision.

While Steven was making his way in Music City, Cole Burkett was a high school student residing in Smyrna, Tenn. Burkett had an exceptional, raw musical talent for his age. Still, his sights were set on playing college baseball and continuing his education. The future of these two collaborating would seem highly unlikely.  Burkett graduated high school in 2017 and turned down a baseball scholarship to put his energy into songwriting. By the time he was 19, he already had a robust catalog of songs and began to garner the attention that would lead him to work with some of Nashville’s top writers and producers. Burkett started to earn a name for himself for the gift he had, not only as a natural songwriter but as a premier vocalist and player.

For more information, visit WeAreExit216.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram.