Americanafest is an annual event organized by the Americana Music Association and held in Nashville, Tennessee. Americanafest 2019 will be held between Sept. 10 and Sept. 15 with the Americana Honors and Awards Show taking place at the Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 11. The five-day event will feature panels and performances at several venues in Nashville. Chris Turner is one of nearly 300 artists performing at this year’s Americanafest.
When did you start singing? I actually truly started singing and taking it seriously while I was in the Marine Corps.. I’d always loved music and how it moved me. So I bought my first guitar while in Okinawa, Japan and started playing and singing to the pass time while on a year long deployment.
How would you describe your music? I would describe my music as authentic, honest, blue collar, with a raw sound.. It’s music that I feel is relatable to just about anyone who listens. That’s why I got into music, I wanted to be a voice for the people.
Who are your musical influences? My musical influences.. Hmmmm. Too many to count. I guess I’ve always been a little more partial to Garth, George Strait, Eric Church, and Kenny Chesney. I think those guys probably influence me more so than any.
What is your favorite concert you have attended? What made it memorable? My favorite concert, I am one of the fortunate that’s had the opportunity to see a Garth show. The most memorable thing was the way way he commands the stage and takes over an audience. Absolutely Incredible.
What is your favorite place to perform? What do you like about it? I would have my favorite place to perform is The Blind Horse Saloon in Greenville, SC. That’s where it really started for me. That’s the hometown crowd and I’ve seen so many shows there as a spectator. Now to go back there and perform on a stage where I once watched the Giants is absolutely surreal.
Other than artists, who has been influential in your decision to become a singer? I would have to say my biggest influence has always been my family and friends closest to me. I’ve had this on my heart since I was a teenager and I have been at it for quite a while now. Like anything, you have your ups and downs. There have been times where I was at a really low point and those closest to me seem to always be there to pick me up.
What was the first song you wrote? The first song I ever wrote, was a song titled “Gotta Be Tough” I actually wrote it for my Mom. It was meant to simply say thank you for all the struggles she went through as a single parent early on.
What is your favorite original song? What was the inspiration behind it? Of course I’m biased so I love all of my original songs. However, I would have to say my favorite song I’ve ever written is titled “The Love You Give Away”. It’s actually on my new EP “American Made”. Writing that song with Jordan Rainer and Kevin Brandt was truly a therapy session for me. I had recently lost two people very close to me and needed a way to cope and get it out. I tell everyone my therapist is a 6-string and a legal pad.
Where can people hear your music? Thanks for asking.. You can find my music on Spotify, Amazon, ITunes, or most any digital music platform. You can also find it at www.christurnermusic.com.