Artist to Watch: Easton Corbin

Newcomer Easton Corbin is making quite a name for himself with his debut single, “A Little More Country Than That.” Easton grew up well-versed in the country lifestyle on his grandparents’ cattle farm near the Suwannee River in Trenton, Florida following his parents’ divorce.  He spent his childhood as a member of the local FFA and 4-H clubs, fishing, showing cattle at local livestock fairs and, of course, playing music.  Corbin’s grandparents would spend Saturday nights with their grandson watching “Hee Haw,” Opry Backstage” and “Opry Live,” which inspired Easton to learn how to play the guitar.  After joining a local band, Corbin soon found himself with a gig at the Suwannee River Jam and opening for major touring acts that would come through the area.

By the time Easton graduated from the University of Florida with a business degree through the school’s College of Agriculture, he had decided to make two major changes to his life.  He married his wife, Brinn, and the couple packed up and moved to Nashville a month after their wedding.  After settling in Music City, the singer-songwriter performed at numerous writing nights and with the help of his cousin, who had some contacts in town, he obtained a record deal.

When it came time to record his debut album, Corbin looked to follow in the traditional footsteps of his biggest influences, which include the likes of George Jones, Merle Haggard, George Strait and Keith Whitley.  He also headed with producer Carson Chamberlain and fellow songwriter Mark D. Sanders to Colorado for a writing workshop, where he co-penned three of the tracks on his self-titled disc.  In its first week of release, Easton’s project sold over 43 thousand copies.  He follows that feat by making his debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage on March 20.  This summer, he heads out on superstar Brad Paisley’s H20 tour along with Darius Rucker, Justin Moore, Josh Thompson and Steel Magnolia.

Nikita Palmer for Citadel Digital © 2010

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