Asheboro, NC – May 2025 — Internationally acclaimed and award-winning multimedia brand Mightier Than the Sword Records (MTTS) commemorated its 20th anniversary with an unforgettable four-day festival at the historic Sunset Theatre in the heart of founder Ty Brueilly’s hometown, Asheboro, North Carolina. From May 22–25, the venue buzzed with music, film, art, and celebration, symbolizing two decades of creative evolution, artistic excellence, and community impact.
Founded in 2005 on the night of Brueilly’s graduation from Appalachian State University, MTTS began as a vision born in a booth at Macado’s in Boone, NC. What started as a necessity for a European tour soon became a legacy. “It was a college dream, an extracurricular activity. But I knew I needed something official. That night, with my close friends and my college roommate, the name just came naturally,” said Brueilly. Inspired by a childhood memory of watching Tim Burton’s Batman and pondering the phrase “The pen is mightier than the sword,” Brueilly’s vision would shape an influential platform that crossed borders and mediums.
A Global Legacy Rooted in Local Soil
In 20 years, MTTS has released over 100 albums, contributed to 80+ films, supported 50+ artists, and produced 2,000+ live shows and 1,000+ events across the globe. It has received hundreds of international awards, with Brueilly and his collaborators staging exhibitions in over a dozen countries. Yet, despite its global reach, this anniversary festival marked a deeply personal return to Asheboro—where Brueilly has spent 34 of his 44 years.
Recognizing the artistic void in Asheboro’s local scene, Brueilly has recently focused on bridging that gap. His collaboration with the Sunset Theatre and City of Asheboro birthed the city’s first-ever International Film Festival, now entering its third year and rapidly gaining traction as a cornerstone of cultural expression in the region.
20 YEARS OF MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD FESTIVAL: A Breakdown
The celebratory weekend opened with a partnership between MTTS and the Asheboro/Randolph Chamber of Commerce, aligning with the Chamber’s ongoing “Business After Hours” series. Brueilly, a former Chamber board member (2020–2023), rekindled ties through Chamber CEO Adam Deathe, a key supporter of the arts in the region.
From there, the festival was packed with events that encapsulated the multi-disciplinary ethos of MTTS:
- Sword Saturday Hip Hop Show (May 24) — The first-ever hip hop event at the Sunset Theatre, and the emotional conclusion of MTTS’s long-running Sword Saturday series. It featured performances, cyphers, and appearances by key figures in North Carolina’s hip hop scene.
- Live Podcast Recording — A live taping of the popular podcast Drugs Did This brought raw storytelling and public discourse to the stage.
- Short Film Production — Brueilly’s new short film 7EVENTH 7IRKLE wrapped its production onsite during the festival.
- Visual Arts Exhibition — Sculptures by Casey Mull and live painting from Laura Ashley Live Art provided immersive art experiences.
- Music Performances — North Carolina legends Donna Hughes and JTimber delivered heartfelt sets that connected with hometown roots and broader cultural narratives.
- Film Screenings & Panels — The festival closed on Sunday, May 25, with a full slate of independent film screenings. Special guest Carl J. Grasso moderated panel discussions and introduced films that were rescheduled from January due to winter weather disruptions.
Looking Ahead
As MTTS transitions into its third decade, the celebration marked both an end and a beginning. “Sword Saturday is retired for now,” Brueilly shared, “but it makes room for new stories and new people to take the helm. The Sunset Theatre is open now in ways it never was before for artists like us.”
With its deep roots in the community and a legacy of international success, Mightier Than the Sword Records continues to prove its name true. Through film, music, fashion, photography, and event curation, MTTS is not just a label—it’s a cultural force that empowers voices, ignites conversations, and redefines what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
