Gavin Copeland’s Debut Single, ‘Make a Million,’ Is an Anthem to the Power of Music

Gavin Copeland's journey so far has been a testament to the power of music and the impact a single choice can have on one's life—and he's only getting started.

As a kid, Gavin loved singing aloud with his favorite country and soul music tunes, but it wasn't necessarily his passion. Growing up, he sets his sights on basketball and the NBA before dropping the game to start rapping. Once his best friend and producer, Trey Webb, heard him really sing, he knew that Gavin's gravelly, moving voice was something special, but the tipping point didn't come until later—just a a few days before the passing of Gavin's brother, Kelton. He'd challenged Gavin to share a video of himself singing opera. Soon, that video exploded, and with more than 5 million views and countless words of encouragement in the comments, Gavin had found his true calling. From there, he shared more and more of his one-of-a-kind voice, and the right people took notice of his immense vocal talents and the powerful emotion driving it.

Now, he's made his thrilling debut with the release of his first single, "Make a Million," appropriately timed to a bold Independence Day release. The soulful track comes to life with powerful horns and groovy synths as he sings about finding his purpose in life and transcending a life of crime to pursue his true path in music. It's not just his introduction to the music world, but a mission statement. In our interview with Gavin below, the artist explores his story thus far and why the release of this first song means to much to him. Click HERE to listen to the track on Spotify, and keep reading for the full scoop.

Sweety High: Can you tell us a little bit about your background and path in life until now, both in general and as a musical artist? How has that all culminated in the release of "Make a Million"?

Gavin Copeland: I was born and raised in Covington, Louisiana, then moved to Arlington, Texas when I was 15—been here ever since. I always had a voice, always knew I could sing, but I never really chased it. I pushed it aside for years, until about three months ago when I finally decided to go all in.

After high school, I was out here trying to figure life out. I got caught up in the street life, doing what I had to do just to survive and keep my dreams alive. "Make a Million" is my turning point—it's me saying I'm done with the streets, done risking my freedom. Now I'm focused on getting rich the right way and taking my family out the struggle for good.

 

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SH: Why did this feel like the perfect debut track for you to put your stamp on the world with? What does the song mean to you, and what do you hope it will mean to your listeners?

GC: "Make a Million" was the perfect debut because it captures that shift—from street life to studio life, from surviving to building a future. It's my story, my real-life transition.

I hope it speaks to anybody out there caught in the same cycle—taking risks, battling anxiety, dealing with real adversity. I want them to feel seen, to know they ain't alone. If I can come out the other side and chase my dreams, they can too.

(Image courtesy of Gavin Copeland)

 

SH: What's your favorite lyric from "Make a Million"? Why?

CG: My favorite line is: "I'm tryna make a million, I'm tired of being a criminal."

Because that's not just a lyric—that's my truth. I'm done with the street life. I want something real, something that brings peace. I wanna live different—live right—and use my music to not just express myself, but to heal others too.

 

SH: Who are your biggest musical influences? Which ones do you think are most prominent with this release?

GC: I grew up on legends like Lil Wayne and Eminem—storytellers who spoke their truth no matter how raw it was. I also got a lot of love for old-school soul music. That's where the feeling comes from.

People say I sound like Teddy Swims, and I respect that comparison—he's dope. But I like to think I've got something new. A voice, a style, a whole vibe the world ain't ready for yet. I'm just getting started.

(Image courtesy of Gavin Copeland)

 

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SH: Is the 4th of July release date significant to you?

GC: Absolutely. The 4th of July is Independence Day—and I'm an independent artist. This is my first time stepping into the light as a singer, showing a new version of myself—upgraded, focused and finally free. So yeah, it means a lot.

 

SH: What can we expect from you next? What are your personal plans to "Make a Million"?

GC: You can expect versatility—real range. I'm not boxed into one sound or one vibe. I got an arsenal of music that's gonna surprise people and show I'm not just another name in the game.

As for making a million? This track is just the intro. I plan to inspire people, build a movement and bring something fresh to the industry. I'm coming to take up space—to earn that spot as the next big artist on the rise.

(Image courtesy of Gavin Copeland)

 

SH: Is there anything else we should know about you and the track?

GC: Just know I'm working like my life depends on it—because in some ways, it does. I believe music can heal, and I want to be part of that healing. I want to show people you can come from the struggle, trust God, work hard, and still make your dreams a reality.

At the end of the day, I'm doing this for my family—and for the version of me that never gave up, even when everything said I should've.

 

Keep up to date with Gavin by following him HERE on Instagram and HERE on TikTok.

 

For more insights from the artists who inspire us, click HERE to read our interview with Latin girl group DARUMAS on their debut deluxe album, DARUMAS+.