Fresh Find - Denny Strickland
- Freshly Brewed Country
- Aug 24, 2015
- 5 min read
We are happy to announce Denny Strickland as our latest Fresh Find here at Freshly Brewed Country!
Denny Strickland has positioned himself as one of the fastest-rising newcomers in the Country Music format today. The Top-40 success of his debut single, the intoxicating “Swerve On,” has placed his name on the lips of many of the industry’s power players as well as radio programmers. His first radio tour was a success and this summer he will hit the road again right after CMA Fest week.
The road is nothing new for Denny. He traveled throughout America on the horse show circuit, becoming an American Quarter Horse champion. “I participated in horse shows all my life, so I traveled a lot – just like we’re doing now. I was on a bus going to the different shows. So, today, when I am traveling on the road, it feels like I’m going home. I’m doing something I’m truly passionate about with the music, and it’s got my full attention.”
It was through his success on the horse show circuit that Strickland would meet a man who would eventually become his manager, changing his life in the process – longtime Johnny Cash band member Marshall Grant. “I met Marshall in Tunica at a little dive. I went up to him, introduced myself, and gave him a demo. A little later, he called me back, and we started working together.” Grant had a keen ear for talent, as he served as he also managed Country Music Hall of Fame members The Statler Brothers.
Music is something that has always been a key element in the life of Denny Strickland. He recalls developing his passion for it early in life. “I started piano when I was young, and played music in school. It wasn’t until later that I thought ‘I’m gonna try this.”
He recalls that there were a lot of different styles of music playing on his radio while growing up in Jonesboro, Arkansas. “I listened to all kinds of music, and didn’t find my niche until later. I had a lot of influences that came from all over the musical map. Obviously, George Strait was an influence because we were always at horse shows – and his music was always on the radio. I also listened to a lot of 90s rock and rap. I knew I had to develop my own style to have longevity in the music business.”
Denny’s newest single, “How Far You Wanna Go,” will continue that career climb. It’s youthful, hip, and fresh – yet definitely country. Denny thinks fans are going to love the single – as well as the accompanying video. “We’ve been working on the music video, and it’s very exciting. The song is about being with your girlfriend , and she takes control of the wheel, while deciding whether she wants to go to Memphis, Mexico, or both. I think the video is going to be packed in terms of the scenes, with lots of cars, trucks, and club scenes, along with shots of both Memphis and Mexico. It’s going to paint a very vivid picture for the audience, which is the most important thing. I think we tell the story pretty well.”
Denny had already had the next single picked out, but the moment he heard “How Far You Wanna Go,” those plans changed. “The song grabbed me the moment I heard it. I think fans will definitely know what it is when you hear that signature lick on the radio. I think it will grab the listener and hold them from the first line. As soon as you hear the chorus, you’re waiting to hear it all over again. It gets you fired up.”
That adrenaline also shows up whenever he hits the stage. And for Denny that is what it’s all about. “I love getting in front of people. I have found that if you’re having a good time, then your audience is having a good time. I just get excited, and I have so much energy. I have fun on the road. I don’t take things too seriously. I just want to make memories with people. I want true and loyal fans, that’s the goal for most people – to have them with you through thick and thin.”
Be sure to download music from Denny Strickland on iTunes today.
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We know you want to know more about Denny Strickland so be sure to check out our interview with him below.
FBC: What made you want to get involved in the country music world?
DS: Through my involvement competing in the horse show circuit and being hired to play music with AQHA (American Quarter Horse Show Association), I met Marshall Grant (longtime Johnny Cash band member and Statler Brothers manager). He took me under his wing, introduced me to the business and made me want to take music seriously.
FBC: What song of yours is your favorite and why?
DS: My first single release ‘Swerve On,’ which talks about going to the club, trucks, and letting loose – a great reflection of who I am. The video came out great; I wrote the script and had a lot of fun acting in the film.
FBC: What do you use for inspiration to write your songs?
DS: My personal experiences. Emotion is such a sacred thing and if you don't have a first-hand experience in telling your story – good or bad, happy or sad – your audience will see right through that. My songs and performances come from the heart.
FBC: What has been your favorite country music memory so far and why?
DS: My favorite memory to date is having my first top 40 single on Music Row’s Country Breakout chart with ‘Swerve On.’ My current single, ‘How Far You Wanna Go,’ is moving up the chart now.
FBC: If you could do a country duet with anyone who would it be and why?
DS: My buddy Brad Arnold of 3 Doors Down. ‘Kryptonite’ was the very first song I learned to sing.
FBC: Who is your country music idol and why?
DS: I’ve always had great respect for the King George Strait. To have a life-long career in this business is an accomplishment in itself. He was one of the reasons I decided on music as a career move.
FBC: What are three fun facts about you that you want your fans to know?
DS: I’m always up for anything, and I always put my fans first. I survived a tornado, I love my horses and I love being on the lake relaxing with a drink in my hand (being responsible, of course).
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