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Up-and-comers slated to take SPAC stage Sunday
Two new up-and-coming country stars are set to play the SPAC stage this weekend as part of Florida Georgia Line’s summer Smooth Tour.
Breakthrough artist Chris Lane and newcomer Morgan Wallen with both open for headlining act Florida Georgia Line on Sunday night at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs.
Lane is expected to bring a high-energy show and falsetto-infused R&B-meets-country jams to the local stage, while Tennessee native Wallen shares his storytelling tunes that praise family, spirituality and Southern pride.
The Weekender caught up with each of these country boys before the Spa City show to talk music, touring and plans for the future.
• Q: How did you first get into country music?
Lane: After finishing college, I put all of my spare time in to learning to play the guitar and sing. I got to a point where I wanted to try playing what I had learned in front of people, so I booked myself at a local bar and grille. I had all of my friends and family come out and packed the restaurant. Other places wanted that business so it just took off from there.
Wallen: I started writing songs when I was about 19 years old. They were country from the very first one.
• Q: Tell me about your most recent release and what inspired it.
Lane: I was supposed to be in the writing room that day but ended up getting called in to the studio to do some vocals. Half way through the day, one of the writers called me and said, ‘Listen to what we have so far.’ I was so upset that I had missed out on the opportunity to be in the writing room that day. The song turned out to be ‘For Her’ and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out.
Wallen: It was my debut EP. I love the old school rock ‘n roll way of doing things so we cut all of the songs with a live band. It has a very organic/wooden sound. I’m looking to build upon that with upcoming releases.
• Q: What are you looking forward to about this summer tour with Florida Georgia Line?
Lane: I love being out on the road with those guys, I have learned so much from them over the years. I can’t wait for this summer and getting to watch them raise the bar every night. It definitely pushes me to bring my A game and get the crowd pumped up before they take the stage.
Wallen: Where do I begin? Writing with the guys, playing in front of thousands of amazing people and growing my fan base for sure. Mostly just trying to learn and soak up every thing I possibly can to help me in the future.
• Q: Now that you have this big arena tour under your belt, who else would you love to share a stage with someday?
Lane: I am very fortunate to have shared the stage with Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Garth Brooks, and Backstreet Boys this year. I can’t wait to see where the future takes me. There are still a ton of artists I would love to play with, it’s hard to name just one.
Wallen: Eric Church. He’s my favorite artist.
• Q: As newcomers on the country scene, what do you hope to bring to the table for the future of the genre?
Lane: Country music has expanded so much and I am just happy to be a part of the genre. I hope with my music I can bring a high energy, fun sound that makes you want to get out of your seat and move.
Wallen: I hope to honor the roots of country music, while at the same time bringing my personal flare and spunk to it as well. Country music is a beautiful, honest genre and I think that’s why so many people relate to it. I don’t want to reinvent the wheel, just maybe add a spoke or two.
More information about these artists is available at iamChrisLane.com and morganwallen.com.
For additional information on Sunday’s show, or to purchase tickets, visit spac.org.