Up-and-coming country artist
Chris Loid makes impressive mark in NW
From the small eastern Washington town of Burbank, up-and-coming country artist Chris Loid has chosen the Beaver State to try and make his musical mark. With the recent release of his new CD Back Road Home, he is off to a flying start. With well-crafted songs and tight production, Loid's new disc, along with a fresh stage show, gives this hard-working performer a great step in the right direction.
Chris Loid
"Blazing new trails in country music" is Loid's working motto. With early inspiration from such legends as Travis Tritt, Willie Nelson and Ray Charles, Loid has worked hard on developing a unique style that showcases his smooth vocal abilities and engaging personality. His singing roots stretch back to his community church at age 3; through teenage performances at clubs and sporting events, personal drive and a "sense of destiny" this experience has led to today's budding position in the music industry. A move to Portland with his family in 2004 resulted in a recording contract and two singles that both charted prominently on Northwest local independent country radio surveys.
With the release of Back Road Home, Loid furthers his musical journey. Featuring 10 original compositions, the CD is truly an ambitious project. Loaded with a variety of mid-tempo stories and balanced with several gut-wrenching ballads, the disc has wide appeal. The title track reads like a mystery novella, where songs like Without You and Loving You Forever tug prominently at your heartstrings. These latter two numbers profit from the helping hand of noted producer Marlon McLain, who also has deep local connections. Loid calls this a "heartfelt" album, "reaching to the depths of his soul, searching for the answers on life and love." Listeners may feel an empathy for this quest as they absorb the down-to-earth lyrics within.
Loid is taking his show on the road with a series of appearances throughout the local area. At a recent Wednesday night gig at Duke's in Southeast Portland, Loid showed off chops that should gain him deserved recognition. The hometown crowd cheered him to new heights, heaping praise on his strong backing band as well.
With luck and more hard work, this act should find the success it strives for. Check Bandstand and ad this issue for updates on this rising new talent.