South Florida Country Music

Your new single, “That’s the Way We Roll” was released to radio on March 31^st, and is the first song released from the album. What made you choose this as your first single? We chose “That’s The Way We Roll” as our first single simply because of the message. If you come to a Soul Circus Cowboys show you will get a high energy a lot of fun rockin time.
What artists have had an influence on your style of music and on this album? So many starting with the Great Southern rock artist Lynyrd Skynyrd, Outlaws, Marshall Tucker to our current Tim McGraw’s, Garth Brooks any artist who have that edge. In Tampa southern rock still lives big
How would you describe your music, and this album specifically, to someone who isn’t familiar with the Soul Circus Cowboys? Our music is influenced by a group of guys who have been around the business all of their lives. We are big fans of country music and southern rock and we try to write or perform songs with lived lyrics and our own experiences. This can range from Journey to Bad Company all the way to George Strait. We have big harmonies in a lot of energy and we like to connect with real-life situations.
Being that you’re from South Florida, you have played several shows down here, as well as in Nashville and Wyoming. What are your touring plans in the near future looking like now that you have an album to support? Our touring plan this year is to reach as many cities possible. Of course the cities that are playing our current single are our first choice. We will reach out to those radio stations and see if we can come visit them and perhaps put on a show. We are very excited and ready to go.
Have you been on a radio tour for the album yet? And if so, how have the folks at country radio reacted to the new single? We have not been on a radio tour as of yet. We are in our first week of the release; however, we were number one in streaming and number three in downloads at radio and I believe that is a very positive sign.
How has living in South Florida influenced your style of music? Living in South Florida we are heavily influenced by big bands when we were growing up. Field parties, concerts and water were very popular. It was normal to see southern rock bands with 6 to 8 players in it I remember those times like yesterday, a lot of fun.
Soul Circus Cowboys…that is a unique name. How did you come up with it? Coming up with our name wasn’t so simple we wanted to capture who we were and what we represented. Of course being a country act Cowboys was simple. We try to land or vocals to a soulful touch is where the Soul came from. We love to cut up and get a little crazy was the Circus part it worked out right we love the name and it seems to be catching on.
What would you say has been the biggest “Wow!” moment of your career? We have had a lot of “WOW” moments, one that is recent is opening up for the legendary Steve Miller Band and him giving us a positive shout out in front of a full audience. I think all of us look at each other and said “Wow!”
What are your thoughts on today’s Country Music? The music is constantly changing, I’m a fan of the music that’s on radio today there are a lot of great acts. I also know there’s a lot of great acts that aren’t getting on but that’s the good thing about the internet nowadays, if you’re a music fan you can find your influences.
What advice would you give to an aspiring artist trying to make it in the music business? The best advice I can give is never give up, it is a lifestyle own it. Always hone in on your craft and never stop writing there are rewards along the way no matter what level.

photo by Mike Carroll

Chase Rice is heading to Ft. Lauderdale next weekend to be a part of the 2014 Tortuga Music Festival, and we had a chance to ask him some questions to help you get to know this hot up-and-comer better. Check out what he had to say about how writing “Cruise” for Florida Georgia Line has changed his life, what creeps him out, what he did before becoming a country star and more!

1. Rock the Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival promotes conservation for our oceans, and they plan on inviting some of the artists out on excursions to educate them on some of their efforts. Do you have anything lined up for that weekend yet?

CR: Nope, but I’m down!

2. How has the success of “Cruise,” a song you co-wrote and was made into a smash hit by Florida Georgia Line, changed your life?

CR: “Cruise” has given me amazing financial stability to tour how I want, take care of my band and crew, and live comfortably. It’s also given me respect from other songwriters in town, but not too much. I won’t get that until I have more than “Cruise.” I think “Ready Set Roll” will help take me to that next level.

3. Where were you when you first heard yourself on the radio, and what was your reaction?

CR: I was in my truck with a couple of buddies I wrote the song with. It was on Sirius XM ‘The Highway.’ I damn near blew my speakers!

4. What is the #1 item on your Bucket List?

CR: I’ve never made a bucket list. I think it’s a cool idea, but it limits you. I want to do more than I could put on any list.

5. Outside of music, what is something that you are very passionate about?

CR: I’m passionate about anything I enjoy doing. I go 100% in everything I do. If I’m shooting a buck, I want to shoot the biggest buck anyone’s ever seen. If I’m racing go karts, I want to beat everyone faster than Earnhardt did.

6. If you weren’t in the music business, what would you be doing for a living right now?

CR: What I did before I got into the music business — I was a pit crew worker at Hendrick Motorsports. I helped Jimmie Johnson’s crew win two titles before I left that job.

7. What has been the biggest “Wow” moment in your musical career?

CR: Seeing “Cruise” on the ACM Awards last year was cool. But that doesn’t touch the week “Ready Set Roll” came out and sold what it sold. Then, just two days later, 1,500 people in Detroit sang every word to that song – after only two days of hearing it.

8. What would you choose to have for your last meal?

CR: This thought really creeps me out!

9. What are your thoughts on the state of today’s Country Music?

CR: I think it’s badass and anyone who disagrees, don’t waste my time next time I’m in your town. Stay at home. I only want fans who are ready to rage to some country music, and music in general.

10. What advice would you give to an aspiring artist?

CR: If you believe in your heart that you’re doing it the right way, and someone tells you you’re wrong, smile at them and go your path. More than anything, pursue fans — not a record deal. Record deals come and go, but fans are undeniable.