Chase Bryant, an up-and-coming country music star, has already stolen the hearts of thousands with his catchy song lyrics, charismatic stage presence, and not to mention impeccable hair. Raised in the small town of Orange Grove, Texas, with a population of a little over 1,200 people, Bryant was constantly surrounded by music, seeing as his grandfather and uncles played professionally. Bryant says songwriting was an integral part in his development as a writer, and he began writing as young as 12 years old about girls, which comes as no surprise. With the encouragement of family and friends, Bryant graduated early and moved west to pursue his music career. He eventually made his way around to Nashville and caught the eyes and ears of managers, but it was his connection to Roy Orbison through his grandfather that actually got him signed. Roy's wife, Barbara, met with Bryant and signed him on the spot.
That led him to BBR Music Group imprint RED BOW Records, where he signed in August 2013. Bryant's debut single "Take It On Back" was a Top 10 Hit and became one of the fastest rising singles in 2014. He has quickly taken over country music charts and has been listed as one of the hottest new country acts in recent months. Currently, Bryant is on the road with Tim McGraw for his Shotgun Rider Tour, and his most recent single, "Little Bit Of You," is blowing up country radio. I got to sit down with Bryant for a little while to chat about his career and what's next for him before his show at the Oak Mountain Amphitheater in Birmingham, Alabama.
The Odyssey (TO): You come from a very musical family. Did that influence your desire to want to pursue music?
Chase Bryant (CB): "It was definitely the biggest influence on me. Being around such a musical family and constantly being surrounded by it, it was almost as if I had no other choice but to pursue music. I'm enthralled with music and live through it every day, but had it not been for my family, I don't think I would even be playing."
TO: So what do you think you would be doing if you weren't playing music?
CB: "On a boat bass fishing or in a deer blind hunting."
TO: Your most recent single, "Little Bit Of You," is blowing up right now. What was your inspiration behind that song?
CB: "A girl. I was dating a girl in California. We dated for a couple years, and the only thing I remember was the fact that it was so hard to get to California when you're wanting to get to California, but you'd do anything to get there. And it was the one thing you missed. I was always on the road, and she was so far away, and we're not together anymore, but that's where it all sparked. That instance of 'I have to get there.'"
TO: Does most of your inspiration for songs come from girls?
CB: "It does absolutely. Or Harley here." (His bulldog he brings on tour with him.)
TO: You're on tour with one of the biggest names in country music, Tim McGraw. How did the whole tour come, about and what was your reaction?
CB: "I got a call, and my manager said we had a few tour options, and as soon as I heard Tim McGraw, I was sold. I knew that was the tour I wanted to be on, so I was extremely happy to have that opportunity."
TO: Has Tim given you any advice that you've found helpful?
CB: "The one I live by that he told me one time is that, 'It doesn't matter how much talent you have. There's people way more talented than you or I, but it's the person that works the hardest for it.'"
TO: If you could work with anybody, dead or alive, who would it be?
CB: "Bryan Adams. I love Bryan Adams, and had it not been for him, I don't think I'd even know what music was. He was such an inspiration to me. He was such a great singer and entertainer; he had that voice that was undeniable, and the songs were incredible, too."
TO: What's your favorite part of getting to tour?
CB: "Everything. Getting to see different cities, different foods, different wines, but definitely the fans. Getting to meet different fans each night for sure is a highlight."
TO: Do you have a dream venue that you want to play that you haven't yet?
CB: "Staples Center in Los Angeles. I saw a KISS show there when I was 16, and it was just so big and fun."
TO: If you had to describe your music in two words, what would they be?
CB: "'Country music.' Honestly I would, and I think because someone told me one time that country music isn't country anymore. My music is real music to me, and for me, country music has always been about telling the truth. So when people ask me, 'Is it pop country? Is it rock country?' I always answer, 'No, it's country.'"
TO: You have been named one of the biggest up-and-coming names in country music. What was your reaction to seeing your name begin to appear everywhere?
CB: "Humbling. I think a lot of people would think it would make your head blow up, but my hair's not getting any taller. For me, it makes me want to work harder because you want that to continue."
TO: What is your guilty pleasure music?
CB: "The '50s, like Ray Charles, Elvis and those guys. Maybe even the '70s, like Tom Petty and Fleetwood Mac."
TO: What's next for you?
CB: "My first record. That's the one thing I've really wanted to get out to the fans, and I'm really excited for."
It was such a cool experience getting to talk with Chase Bryant. He is one of the most humble and down-to-earth people I've met - not to mention he puts on a great show, which I got to watch later that night. It's easy to see why he is quickly becoming a country music star and blowing up country radio. Bonus: he made sure to show me how his tour dog, Harley, can do several tricks before I left his bus.
