A Fresh Perception of Country
Eric Church has seen his share of highs and lows.
Doesn’t that seem to be a recurring theme when we think of our grandparent’s “country music”? For a great deal of today’s generation, the term conjures up unpleasant thoughts of twanging steel guitars and lyrics lamenting lonely nights and cheatin’ hearts.
That’s what sets Church apart, though. The controversial and fiercely independent musician/songwriter has continuously blurred the line between country and rock, with a young and vivacious fan base supporting him along the way. There is a gritty, authentic feel to each of his songs and even more so to his live performance, which is the result of an artist who refuses to sing about topics that aren’t true on a personal level.
And Church certainly does have a wealth of personal experience to draw from. Growing up in the small town of Granite Falls, North Carolina, he quickly recognized his love of music, and began writing songs at 13.
It was at a bar in the mountains of North Carolina where he truly found his calling, though. As he watched the band on stage, their melody weaving its way amongst the crowd, he realized that he could play those songs just as well. Church formed the Mountain Boys, and within a year he was incorporating original songs into the band’s set list. After college Church headed to Nashville, determined to make a name for himself.
Although he found some initial success, Church’s story is not one of overnight celebrity. His debut single, “How ‘Bout You” struggled on the music charts. He was booted from the Rascal Flatts tour after failing to comply with an assigned set length, and subsequently left those large arenas to play small rock clubs.
Crazy as it may have seemed, the decision turned out to be a wise one. It was in those rock clubs that Church began to see a loyal fan base develop, one comprised of young men who tattooed his lyrics on their bodies and packed the front rows of each show.
Church has now established a more loyal fan base than ever, and has plans to tour with fellow country star Miranda Lambert this fall. His ability to open himself to an audience has made him one of the most relatable young musicians around, with incredible range and depth.
We all experience our own highs and lows. What Church does is deliver an energetic show that takes an honest look at those times and gives us something we can reach out and connect with. Because at the end of the day, we’re all human; Eric Church has simply found a way to bring us together.
So come and join Eric Church live in concert on Saturday, July 24th and be a part of the experience!
Information from billboard.com; “Big Country: A Look At Three Artists,” and ericchurch.com.