Alumnus Starts ‘Better Man Records’ in Fayette

A Better Man Is Living His Dream, Making an Impact

By GRACE STUMBAUGH

When you think of record labels and music studios, your mind probably skips right past little ol’ Fayette, Mo., and heads to Nashville, Tenn., or Los Angeles. However, one small recording studio is hoping to put Fayette on the music map.

Tucked away on the Square between a boutique and an insurance office is Better Man Records. It is owned and operated by the Preston Ary Band, which was founded by Central Methodist University alumnus Preston Ary, ’17. P.A.B. consists entirely of CMU alumni. Their dream for Better Man Records is to create music sensations throughout mid-Missouri and beyond.

Before Better Man Records was even a thought for Ary, he was focused on playing football at CMU and getting his degree in wildlife ecology to maybe someday work for the Missouri Department of Conservation.

One might think he would be preoccupied on the field and in the weight room, but he still made sure to dedicate plenty of hours to what would ultimately prove to be his true passion: music.

He was a part of a cover band called Southern Edge, which would travel on weekends to perform in small bars and venues across Missouri. Meanwhile, Ary was meeting fellow student-musicians who shared his love of music–Kevin Helmerichs, ’17, Brendan Weisehan, ’19, and Andy Wooldridge, ’19.

All were familiar faces on campus, playing guitar for CMU’s chapel band. At the time, Ary was simply enjoying having a couple of guys to play with and wasn’t necessarily looking to create a band. However, before he knew it, a band was beginning to form. When graduation arrived, the dream of a career in anything other than music was fading.

“[Music] seemed to be more fun,” he said. “It seemed to be working out better for me.”

So, with the Preston Ary Band up and coming, Ary headed where up and comers go to chase their dreams—Nashville.

Ary made some valuable connections there. He was able to collaborate with local artists who helped him write and record songs. However, he quickly realized how financially straining it is to live there.

“I had a great time down there,” he said. “It’s just so expensive. I spent more time working than actually playing.”

After getting a feel for studios and record labels in the songwriting capital of the world, Ary was inspired to try his own hand at recording and producing. Fayette offered more than reasonable rent and a central location near friends and family. So that’s where he headed next.

Luckily, Ary kept ties with his bandmates from P.A.B. Most of them lived in or near Fayette. Soon, they had rented a building on the Square, and Better Man Records was born.

Better Man Records is named after a song Ary wrote called “Better Man.” He performed it for his wife Elizabeth at their wedding.

“We were trying to think of names to call the studio, and we didn’t know what we were going to call it,” he said. “Andy, the bass player, said, ‘Let’s go with Better Man Records,’ so we did.”

One of the things that has garnered the most success for the studio is their artist development program.

“Let’s say you want to try your hand at

Josiah Kee, ’19, works under Ary’s watchful eye.

Brendan Wiesehan, ’19, Ary, David Adkisson, and Kee.

singing and songwriting,” Ary said. “You would sign a contract with us, and we would help you write, record, and produce four songs. We’d make you a music video and we’d put it all on streaming platforms.”

It didn’t take long for this program to help boost a nearby artist from Carrolton, Mo. Bryan Andrews signed with Better Man Records and produced a couple of songs, one of which immediately gained popularity across social media and music streaming platforms.

“Liquor and Pills” has more than 650,000 streams on Spotify and about 1.3 million streams overall. Better Man Records earns commission on each stream.

P.A.B. and Better Man Records have not been immune to the effects of COVID-19. In the spring of 2020, P.A.B. was set to open for popstar Bryce Vine’s much-anticipated concert on the CMU campus. However, the pandemic canceled the concert and P.A.B. lost out on an opportunity.

Since then, they haven’t been able to perform much, due to the capacity rules in bars and venues.

“We were supposed to headline The Blue Note in Columbia in December, but they had to cancel that one,” Ary said.

The Blue Note is one of the largest music venues in mid-Missouri. It just reopened, and P.A.B. is working its way into the schedule.

Luckily, Ary is now able to put more energy into Better Man Records, since recording and producing doesn’t involve being around many people. He has some big plans for the studio, and he’d like to involve the Fayette community. One way he is doing this is through drum lessons offered by the lead drummer of P.A.B.

As far as his alma mater is concerned, he hopes to one day offer a way for marketing or music students to complete their capstone projects by being an intern in the studio. And he is searching for a possible intern.

Making music is what Preston Ary loves best, whether it is doing it himself or helping others. He’d like to get P.A.B. back on the road, but he’s really in no rush. As long as he can keep running Better Man Records and practicing with his bandmates, he’s content.