MusicRowPics: Chase Bryant

Chase Bryant visit

During this year’s CMA Music Festival, Orange Grove, Texas, native Chase Bryant impressed Country audiences with his blend of country sounds, guitar skills, and retro rockabilly charm. His talent comes effortlessly, passed down through the generations.

His grandfather played piano for Roy Orbison‘s first two bands, The Wink Westerners and the Teen Kings, and also played for Waylon Jennings. Bryant’s uncles co-founded the ’90s Country group Ricochet (known for the hit, “Daddy’s Money”). Now, as an artist signed to Red Bow Records, Bryant is getting his own chance to shine. He visited the MusicRow offices recently to perform songs from his upcoming debut album.

Approximately four years ago, Bryant made the move to Nashville, where his solid voice, guitar work and songwriting skills caught the attention of Neal Spielberg and Gene Dries of Spielberg/Dries Management. Family history came full circle when Bryant was introduced to Still Working Music’s Barbara Orbison (and wife of Roy Orbison). He was signed to a deal immediately, and is the last artist the late Barbara Orbison signed to the company, prior to her passing in 2011.

Bryant shared how he came to the attention of Broken Bow Label Group president Benny Brown. “I was writing songs and cutting demos with Derek George, and he became one of my best friends in this town. Benny heard those demos and loved what he heard. He said, ‘Let’s take those into the studio and make it into a full album.'” Bryant will have co-producing credit on the project, alongside George.

Bryant’s songwriting collaborations include co-writes with Travis Hill, Jesse Frasure, Jim McCormick, and Tommy Lee James (“He’s the reason I know how to make songs,” says Bryant).

During his visit, the multi-talented Byrant gave an impassioned acoustic performance of songs such as “Change Your Name” and “Take It On Back,” which is climbing MusicRow‘s CountryBreakout chart. Bryant co-wrote the single with Tommy Lee James and Dylan Altman.

In recent months, this rising artist’s life has been a whirlwind of traveling, recording and performing. He recently made his debut on the famed Grand Ole Opry, and completed a 13-week radio tour. “Lots of Chipotle, Marriotts and Southwest,” quipped Bryant. “Seriously, it’s been cool to figure out how all the different parts of this industry work, and to get to meet great people.”

Bryant will soon hit the road as an opening act on the second leg of Brantley Gilbert‘s upcoming Let It Ride tour. “I’m getting ready to start rehearsals. I can’t wait to get out there,” says Bryant.