WILKES-BARRE — On Feb. 16, country star Brad Paisley will perform at the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza. Opening for Paisley is up-and-coming musician Chase Bryant.
Bryant comes to the country scene from an impressive musical legacy. His grandfather played piano for Roy Orbison and Waylon Jennings, and his uncles co-founded the band Ricochet. Music runs in Bryant’s veins.
“Those guys were all and still are incredibly talented,” Bryant said. “I hope to be half of what they accomplished.”
Bryant taught himself how to play the guitar at the age of 3, but instead of the traditional way, he learned to play the guitar upside down and backwards.
These days, the 24-year-old singer is known for his guitar shredding skills, performing almost every guitar part in his music, particularly his most recent single “Room to Breathe.” The song was chosen as one of the “Best Country Tracks of 2016” by Apple Music.
These days, when he isn’t on tour, Bryant is working on his debut album. “I want this project to be something that is a definitive explanation of who I am and how I got here,” he said.
Bryant is co-writing all of the songs on the album, plus playing every guitar part, singing and co-producing, which is quite a feat for a young performer.
He doesn’t yet have a release date for the album.
“I’m hoping that we are close,” he said.
Bryant is dedicated to releasing an album that is truly representative of his unique sound.
His music is clearly country, but also contains elements from other genres.
“It’s Chase Bryant music,” he said. “I don’t care what genre of music you play. At some point you have been inspired by all sorts of music. That’s what makes an artist at the end of the day.”
Bryant has been influenced by a variety of different artists. He lists “Tom Petty, Bryan Adams, Bryan White, Steve Wariner, Vince Gill, Fleetwood Mac,” as his inspirations.
Currently, Bryant has three singles out, which have garnered millions of plays on Pandora and views on YouTube and VEVO. Rolling Stone has named Bryant one of its “10 New Country Artists You Need to Know Now.”
Bryant is grateful for the ride he’s on.
“Dreams can come true,” he laughed. “I’m inspired by the people who have helped make this happen. I wouldn’t be where I am now without a team. Thanks, to those people!”
Looking ahead, Bryant will continue to ride the wave of his current success. He doesn’t think too far ahead.
“Where will I be in 10 days?” he mused, when asked where he sees himself in 10 years. “Hopefully I see myself as a good guy, and a great bag of success — as we all dream of.”
Bryant is looking forward to his show in Wilkes Barre.
“Come tired or ready to party,” he said. “We will get you to that same spot in no time, I hope. I hope you will leave a fan of the music we play that night and me as a person. God Bless, and see ya’all soon!”
