Chris Erasmus

Few artists bring a perspective to country music as unique as Chris Erasmus. Growing up in a game reserve in Zimbabwe before relocating to South Africa, Erasmus developed an authentic connection to rural life that most country singers can only romanticize. On this captivating episode, he shares stories of herding buffalo on horseback, working as a genuine cowboy in Montana, and how these experiences naturally translated into a country music career based in London."I didn't set out to do country music," Erasmus reveals with a laugh. "I wrote music and everyone was like 'oh, this is country.'" This organic evolution speaks volumes about the authenticity underpinning his work. Drawing inspiration from storytellers like Johnny Cash and Bruce Springsteen, Erasmus brings a global perspective that challenges conventional genre boundaries while honoring country music's narrative traditions.What truly sets Erasmus apart is his multidisciplinary approach to performance. A former national-level decathlete who studied business at the University of Queensland, worked as a stuntman, and performs in musical theater, he applies the discipline from these varied pursuits directly to his music career. "If you stop practicing guitar, you're going to get worse. If you stop singing, you stop writing," he explains, drawing parallels between athletic training and musical development. "When you're not working is the time you've got to be working hardest to be ready."Currently working on a new album featuring collaboration with diverse musicians and producers, Erasmus offers fascinating insights into his creative process, alternating between starting songs with lyrics or exploring melodies on various instruments. From his resonator guitar to experimenting with cello instead of traditional fiddle, his willingness to push boundaries while respecting tradition creates a sound that's both familiar and refreshingly different.Listen now to discover how Chris Erasmus's extraordinary journey across continents has shaped a musical perspective that stands out in today's country music landscape. With a new single dropping this month and album on the way, this is the perfect time to familiarize yourself with this rising global talent.Episode LinksChris Erasmus: https://www.chriserasmus.com/Send us Fan MailSupport the showLinksJay Franze: https://jayfranze.com/JFS Countdowns/Playlists: https://jayfranze.com/playlists/ContactContact: https://jayfranze.com/contact/SocialsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jayfranzeYouTube: https://youtube.com/@jayfranzeEverywhere: @jayfranzeServicesServices: https://jayfranze.com/services/BooksBooks: https://jayfranze.com/books/MerchandiseMerchandise: https://jayfranze.com/merchandise/SupportSupport: https://jayfranze.com/support/Sponsor the Show: https://jayfranze.com/sponsor/Shout OutsHigh Mountain Breezes Music: https://highmountainbreezesmusic.com/VR Knives: https://www.facebook.com/VRKnives