COURTESY:ANDREWCOMBSMUSIC.COM
Called the music capital of the United States, Nashville has served as a platform for artists across the nation. One such artist is the fresh-on-the-scene country beau Andrew Combs, who will visit the Proud Larry’s stage at 9 p.m. tomorrow evening. Folk and country music lovers alike are invited to come and celebrate the kickoff of Combs’ North American tour.
Hailing from Dallas, Combs said he was born with music in his blood.
“My dad’s a piano player, and my cousin was very influential,” Combs said. “He’s a guitar player and gave me my very first guitar. And I started really being interested in music and writing my own songs in high school.”
It was not until college while attending Belmont University in Nashville, however, that Combs received his big break while interning for “American Songwriter” magazine. To his coworkers’ astonishment and delight, the humble intern had accumulated a repertoire of original songs that he had yet to share. After finally playing a few songs for his then colleague and now manager, Combs’ true persona as a gifted songwriter and performer was revealed. Nearly six years later, with two studio albums and a solo European tour under his belt, Combs is on his way to becoming an American household name.
As a young and emerging artist, Andrew Combs is not afraid to take risks and experiment with sound. Relying heavily on solid songwriting and old-school country melodies, Combs’ first album “Tennessee Time” was a refreshing take amidst Nashville’s over-produced country music scene. Comb’s sophomore album “Worried Man” was met with even more fanfare as he mixed a soulful Texas sound with honest lyrics.
In his latest creation, “All These Dreams,” which is set for release on March 3 of this year, the country darling takes a more modern approach than he has on his past two albums.
“I listen to a lot of different music, and I think it shows in this record,” Combs said. “It’s a bit more thought out, arranged and produced.”
Taking heavy influences from artists such as Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson, Combs fashioned a marriage between pop, folk and country. Combs mixes smooth honey vocals with instrumentals to craft a folk fan’s dream record. From the release of his two singles “Nothing to Lose” and “Foolin’,” it is apparent that Combs is moving towards honing his own personal sound.
Despite his recent accomplishments and rise to the top, Combs said he realized the burdens that come with success.
“I’m still at the stage where I’m developing,” Combs said. “I’m still struggling to get a crowd every night.”
Combs said it’s the love of the music that drives him to pursue such a harrowing career.
“You can easily get tossed around and influenced by all the different whispers in your ear,” Combs said. “But I don’t know. It’s the only thing I know how to do. I’m really happy.”
Combs said he is even more ecstatic to be able to share his passion for music with Oxford residents on his first evening of the North American tour.
“I love Oxford; it’s where some of my favorite writers are from,” Combs said. “If you like good songs and good harmonies and a good band, come out and have some fun.”
