Catch Of The Week: Chris Ruediger!
Meet Chris Ruediger from Concord, MA
Listening to Chris Ruediger, you can’t help but draw comparisons to one of his idols, Brett Young. To start, there’s the height! But digging deeper, there’s the vocals, the songwriting and the passion. And when Chris rocks, there are hints of Eric Church in his heated expression.
But make no mistake, this young singer/songwriter is set on paving his own road. He’s doing all the right things. Living in Nashville, going to school, performing when possible, writing with others, and earning a business degree (economics) so he can take care of himself.
Chris’ journey started in musical theater. He loved singing on stage and was influenced by all kinds of music, introduced to him by his father during car rides. There was Lynard Skynyrd, John Mayer, The Eagles, Ed Sheeran… he found himself singing along to the radio. And he found inspiration to pick up the guitar and piano, to learn those songs he loved. Chris had an English teacher, John Fitzsimmons who played at locals establishments. He taught Chris to play chords on guitar before class. From there Ruediger explained, “My father took me to an open mic where I performed publicly for the first time. It was pretty nerve-racking, but I started going back each week to build up my confidence.”
Armed with a strong sense of self, skills, and motivation, this talented artist is ready for his curtain call.
Ruediger Roars
The first time Chris visited our studio he was just 19 years old. He’s baaack… and ready to rock, after a couple of years at Vanderbilt under his belt, and a suitcase of confidence. Take a look and listen to his latest original works.
Hot new single, “Sinning For Saturday Nights”
Here’s “Kissin’ Me Back”
The Chris List
- How would you describe your sound: I like to think of my sound as pop country with rock influence. I love the creativity of modern country music, seeing people
blend pop and hip hop into country. I also listened to a lot of rock growing up and naturally find myself putting some grit and edge into my sound - Instruments played: Guitar, Piano, Bass, Vocals
- Who inspires you: Country artists Luke Combs, Brett Young, Chase Rice, Kane Brown, Jordan Davis. Songwriters Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Ben Rector, John
Mayer - Awards/accolades: New England Country Act of the Year Nominee 2018. Boston Music Awards Male Performer of the Year Nominee 2019. New England Male Performer of the Year Nominee 2018
- All- time favorite country song: “Cover Me Up” by Jason Isbell
- Favorite country concert: Thomas Rhett and Florida Georgia Line
- What songs do you like now on Country 1025: “Whiskey Glasses” by Morgan Wallen, “Prayed for You” by Matt Stell, “I Don’t Know About You” by Chris Lane
- If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: I am an Economics Major in College, so probably something in business. Sounds a lot less fun!
- Day Job: College Student
- Most proud moment: Performing at my high school graduation
- Crazy thing that ever happened in your music career: A man proposed to his girlfriend when I was playing “Free” by Zac Brown Band. She said yes!
- Other things you like to do: Travel around Europe
- Fun facts: I love to play golf, I’ve watched every episode of Friends 3 times, and I make a mean Bacon Mac and Cheese haha!
Ruediger On The Road
- October 26: Six String Grill in Foxboro, Ma with Annie Brobst
- November 29: Loretta’s Last Call in Boston, MA
- November 30: Erik’s Church in Windham, ME
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.
The Local Catch is powered by Shiner Bock, independently brewed in Texas, for Boston’s independent spirit. Boston is Shiner country!
*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing carolyn.kruse@bbgi.com
