Houser looking forward to Hoedown
Country music superstar headlining festival in Avondale
Randy Houser has never been to this province before, but he’s heard lots about our propensity to have a good time.
“I don’t know anyone from Newfoundland,” Houser wrote to The Telegram via email Friday, a travel day. “But I’ve heard the people are nice and know how to have fun!”
The American country music singersongwriter, whose hits songs have moved millions of fans, will headline the Eastbound Hoedown country music festival Saturday in Avon- dale.
“Every image we’ve seen (of the province) is stunning,” Houser said. “It looks like (something in) a postcard or magazine.”
Houser has been pegged by Rolling Stone magazine as, “One of country’s biggest voices.” Country legend Vince Gill called Houser, “one of the best in the new crop of country singer-songwriters.”
His four albums include such hit singles as “Running Out of Moonlight,” “How Country Feels,” “Like a Cowboy,” “Boots On,” “Goodnight Kiss” and “We Went.”
“I’ve been writing a lot this year,” said Houser, who is working on a new album. “I really want to write songs that say something.”
Growing up in Lake, Mississippi, listening to everything from country and rock to blues — from Willie Nelson to BB King — the 41-year-old Houser was exposed to music early in life, since his father was a professional musician.
“He was the first person I saw perform live,” said Houser, who was born Shawn Randolph (Randy). “I remember at a very young age seeing him perform with a band and hearing specific instruments and how they all worked together.”
By age 10, Houser had taught himself how to play guitar and fronted his first band.
After moving to Tennessee in 2008, he signed with Universal South Records, released his first single, “Anything Goes” and appeared on “Late Night with David Letterman” after Letterman heard him on a satellite radio station.
His career took off.
In the last six years, he has earned several nominations Academy of Country Music awards, Country Music Awards, CMT country music awards and American Country Music Awards in categories as various as video of the year and top new male solo vocalist. Most recently, in 2015, “Like a Cowboy” was nominated for CMA song of the year.
Under a new label, Stoney Creek Records, he describes his latest work as “more progressive.”
“It was a fresh start that I needed at the time,” Houser said of his new label. “I want to make real music again with songs that have a meaning.”
The Hoedown features several other well-known musicians, including Canada’s Kim Mitchell (3:45 p.m.) and Terri Clark (7:30 p.m).
Gates open at noon, with music to kick off at 1:30 p.m. with Newfoundland’s own 8 Track Favourites.
Houser is scheduled to take the stage at 9:30 p.m.