Local Catch Of Week: AK Cody From Gardner

If you like your country to rock with smokey vocals and stories of love, loss and beer, AK is your guy. My Local Catch of the Week, AK Cody from Gardner sings his tales of truth and fiction with conviction. And he's built up quite a following over the years doing so.

The singer/songwriter who now calls Nashville home has toured the country and shared the stage with many artists. AK has done shows with national recording acts like Blake Shelton, Brett Michaels, Justin Moore and many more. He's been singing and performing for as long as he can remember. All this experience makes AK a man in demand. Check out his busy tour schedule below, as he swings through New England.

Like a worn leather couch, a whiskey, neat, and faded blue jeans, the music of this New England artist feels familiar, and loose. There's a playfulness and confidence in Cody's music. The proof is in the listening. So, check out his latest release and get to know my Local Catch of the Week, AK Cody from Gardner, right here.

Supporting our homegrown artists is so important as it helps to get them to more recognition. And that ultimately leads to more gigs, more records being made and better chances at their music being heard.

AK described the scenario of his latest single in simple terms: "Girl leaves man, goes to bar and drinks six beers and shots while explaining to bartender." Boom, song made. Take a listen to the traditional leaning country rocker.

Grew up in: Maine and Gardner, MA

Now lives in: Nashville, TN.

Current single: Six Beers

What lead you to music: Military father smashing my guitar and telling me to find a real career.

How long have you been performing: Many years

First country song you learned: Tim McGraw "It's Your Love"

How would you describe your sound: Country/rock music for the soul

Who inspires you: Many artists from several genres

Awards/accolades: International Singer Songwriter Award "best upcoming artist" Academia Award "best country song" for first single "Marry Me" off of first EP entitled "Memories"

Dream duet partner: Lainey Wilson

All- time favorite country song: "Live Like You Were Dying" Tim McGraw

First country concert: George Strait

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: Designing clothing and art

Most proud moment: winning awards and making mom smile

Crazy thing that happened in your music career: I was joining a tour and had to fly to the first show in Minnesota, but I thought I was going to Missouri. I had summer clothes thinking it would be warm. When I arrived at the airport, my manager said " did you bring warm clothes"? I said "no why"? Needless to say, when we arrived in Minnesota there was a snowstorm! My manager ordered us a limo and got us to the hotel, where the tour bus would pick us up. The following day my manager took me shopping for winter clothes.

Other things you like to do: Build things and ideas and design. Touring with my dog Boozy.

Fun facts: I like pranking people and comedy

Mantra: Freedom, Veterans and performing live

Oct. 6: Deep Pond Farm and Stables/ 123 Dolan Circle, E. Taunton 5-8pm

Oct. 7: Lilac Hedge Farm/ 216 Wachusett St. Rutland 12-3pm

Oct. 7: Jimmy D's / 338 Union St. Franklin 8-11pm

Oct. 8: Bull Spit Brewing/ 4 Summer Dr. Winchendon 2-5pm

Oct. 14: Pepperoncini's / 201 E. Main St. Milford 7-10pm

Oct. 15: CraftRoots Brewing/ 4 Industrial Rd, Milford 1:30-3:30

Oct. 22: Galliford's Restaurant & Tavern/ 5 Southwick St. Mendon 1-3pm

Oct. 28: LaCantina Winery/ 357 Union St. Franklin "Holler-Ween Party" 4-7pm

Keep up with AK Cody's gigs, new music and shenanigans by following him on his social media.

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.

*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing: carolyn.kruse@bbgi.com