Trying to make it as a country singer is no easy dream to follow. You have to pay your dues, several times over, and more often than not that “big break” never comes along. After all Nashville isn’t called a “10 year town” for nothing. But with talent and determination in his heart, up and coming country artist Chris Biano keeps pushing his nose to the grindstone while documenting his journey in Music City via his YouTube series “Breaking Country.” The 20-week series lets fans into the behind the scenes Biano’s life as he travels to writing appointments and recording sessions, plays gigs, keeps his long distance relationship with fiancé Emily going strong, and shoots his first music video for his recent single “Tackle Box,” an emotional song written in honor of his late father.
Check out our exclusive Q&A with Biano below:
CN: In the past you have performed with various church and Christian Rock groups, and now you’re paving your way into the country music scene. Who were some of your musical influences growing up? Who in country music today do you admire?
CB: My biggest influences growing up were probably Tom Petty and John Mayer. The way these guys wrote and produced songs made me want to be an artist. Country music is filled with incredibly talented artists that I love, but my overall favorite is Dierks Bentley, hands down. I also listen to Tim McGraw all the time. He is such a legend and inspiration to me. I also love Keith Urban, Eric Church, and Old Dominion.
CN: Your father gave you your first guitar at the age of 14. How did that open up your love of playing and songwriting? What was the first song you learned how to play?
CB: I had no idea that when my Dad handed me that guitar it would change my life forever, but something was instantly different and when I picked it up I simply couldn’t put it down. I started writing my first songs a few days later and never looked back. My first song to learn on the guitar was Wonderwall by Oasis…(me along with millions of other kids probably, haha).
CN: Do you still have the guitar?
CB: I actually don’t have the guitar anymore. When I was 18 our house flooded and unfortunately I lost the guitar.
CN: “Tackle Box” – both the song and the video – is a beautiful tribute to your late father. You’ve said it’s the most “vulnerable, heartfelt song” you’ve ever written. Because it was so personal – did that make it easier to write, or more difficult?
CB: Well, the overall idea of a song like this was a little intimidating, because I knew I had to be honest, emotional and vulnerable. I had to let the entire world into my tragedy and heartache. On top of that I wanted it to be the absolute best it could be to honor my Dad, which can add more weight. But once I actually sat down to write it with a friend of mine Brad Remple from a band called High Valley it just flowed right out. Once we finished we knew we had something special.
CN: The loss of a parent is something that is universal, and as noted by several comments on social media about “Tackle Box,” fans have shared that they can relate to your lyrics and the video. Can you talk about how that makes you feel? Does it inspire you to know that you have made these connections with your fans?
CB: It is completely humbling and overwhelming to see people relate to this song the way they have. I myself have been brought to tears several times by some of the comments. It is more than just inspiring to connect this way, it is the very reason I do music, to put words to emotions where other people might not be able to allowing them to feel and express what they’ve wanted to say but didn’t know how to. I’m so grateful that out of tragedy has come art and beauty that has connected and maybe even inspired others.
CN: Your long distance relationship with your fiancé Emily is going on for about 3 years now. Have you been able to use that situation as material in your songwriting?
CB: Yes, absolutely. Personal experiences are always so powerful in music and songwriting, and long distance love isn’t easy. This season of our relationship has inspired several songs and influenced quite a few more.
CN: In your YouTube Series “Breaking Country” you come across as very comfortable in front of the camera. Does that come naturally to you or did it take some adjusting having the camera follow you around?
CB: Honestly, I’ve always been quite comfortable in front of the camera. Probably a little more comfortable now than when I started, but it is actually something I really enjoy doing. I didn’t grow up doing a lot of home video stuff or anything so I really have no idea why, haha.
For more information on Chris Biano, visit www.chrisbiano.com and follow him on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
And be sure to tune in to “Breaking Country” for new episodes every Sunday night at 7:00 pm central (previous 7 episodes are also available.)