Page 6B, Record-Democrat, Wednesday, November 7, 2012

NEWSRECORD-DEMOCRATPocahontas

Country music’s ‘next big thing’ coming to Havelock

At Pocahontas Manor Care Center (top), residents Cliff Rohde and Deb Schendel were joined by Cathlyn and Catherine Clark (front), Caden and Chris Clark, and Brooklyn and Tyse Bailey (back). Mercedes Andersen cast a spell on Arlington Place resident Don Farrell. Photos by Chris Vrba.

Poky’s Halloween was quite the treat

Work must have left Pocahontas Community Hospital’s Cindy Arnold a little pale...

Greylan James (right) and Phil Bogard at Greylan’s single release party held Nov. 2, at Tin Roof Rocky Hill in Knoxville, Tenn. Submitted photo.

Greylan James will play his fi rst Iowa show at the Havelock Bar Saturday night. James (left) will be accompanied by Phil Bogard of renowned band Ingram Hill. Submitted photo.

By Chris VrbaThis weekend, music lovers

from all over the area will have a chance to see the future of country music close to home. On Saturday, Nov. 10, Greylan James will take the stage at Havelock Bar.

The 16-year-old phenom hails from Maynardville, Tenn., a place Greylan called “country as corn bread.” He grew up playing bluegrass and credits Brad Paisley and Kenny Chesney in addition to picking legends like Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, and Waylon Jennings among his infl uences.

In recent months, James has generated quite a buzz in country music circuits, mostly for a voice that belies his youth, a keen sense of songcraft, and a raucous live show.

With his boyish good looks and a signature swoop of hair, James has often been compared to another teenage idol, Justin Beiber. It’s a comparison that Greylan doesn’t necessarily discount.

“It’s the biggest topic of every conversation I have,” he said in a phone interview Thursday afternoon. ‘People call me “the country Beiber.’ It’s a phenomenal compliment. He’s one of the most successful musicians in history.”

Though comparisons to today’s “it” artist are fl attering, James said he isn’t trying to jump on the Beiber bandwagon.

“My sound is my sound and I don’t want it to sound like anyone else’s sound. At the end of the day, I want to be known as Greylan James.”

FOR JAMES, MUSIC ISN’T just an enjoyable endeavor, it’s a way of life. The singer/songwriter has been playing music since about the time he spoke his fi rst words.

“I would walk around the house singing anything I heard on the radio,” he reminisced. “It had to be so annoying for my parents to have to hear this squeaky voice singing George Strait at two in the morning.”

For James, however, that squeaky voice didn’t last forever.

“I sound like I’m 45 and I look 16.”

Over time, the young man who turned old enough to drive this past June, has amassed a history on the stage that tops many seasoned professional players.

“I played my 900th show this year. I averaged about 150 shows per year. I’ve never gotten tired of it.”

James credits hard work and determination as keys to his early success in the music business. Greylan weaves school work around his practice schedule, which accounts for about nine hours of his day.

“In my opinion, it’s what it takes to be successful. You can never stop getting better.”

At his side, Greylan has a seasoned backing band, which includes Phil Bogard, who previously played with Ingram Hill and has toured with a veritable “Who’s Who” of country and rock musicians.

“I’m lucky to be part of a band with so many great musicians. I’m blessed to have them jump on board with me.”

The young James said country music primed for a new, young voice. With a little luck, he hopes to be the talent that takes the genre to new heights.

“Country music needs people to bring pop fans back to country. It needs someone young. Michael Jackson, Justin Beiber, and Taylor Swift were all under 18 when they became big stars. I think it’s time for a young guy singer to break through.”

ON THURSDAY, JAMES’ NEW single, “If I was Elvis” played on the radio for the fi rst time. It was a moment of great excitement and the culmination of many years dedication for the young artist.

“It’s one of the best feelings, because of all of the hard work that went into writing the song. You know the song’s potential and when it’s played on the radio you get to hear it do what it’s meant to do.”

The song is part of James’ recently released EP. He explained what the feeling he hoped to capture by writing the tune.

“I wanted to write a song that every song writer wishes they’d written,” James prefaced. “I tried to paint a picture in the listener’s head that would describe what is in my head. I wanted the song to be something where everybody can see the same picture.”

However, it’s the stage where James’ star shines the brightest.

“I’m a little kid with freckles and Beiber hair. Then the crowd hears me sing and they go ‘Wow!’”

Though the art of deception may help James get over in a room where nobody knows his name, it’s the quality of the show that has left audiences clamoring for more.

“I’ve been told that it’s a crazy experience,” Greylan said of his shows. “Even if it’s just 50 people, we play the show as if there’s 50,000.”

AARON WEBBINK EXPLAINED WHY he wanted to bring the young talent to the Havelock Bar.

“He’s good. I’ve been listening to him since he was 14. He’s grown a lot and will really become something real big.”

“Greylan’s an original musician. He’s one of the few out there who writes their own songs, sings their own songs, and plays their own instruments,” Webbink added.

For Aaron, expanding live music offerings in Greater Pocahontas County has been the focus of his efforts since he purchased the venue in 2011.

“The Havelock Bar has always been about live music. I’ve been trying to get more and more original music. For every singer you hear on the radio, there’s 20 more out there beating the pavement and strumming their

guitar and they’re just as good. That’s what we’re doing at the Havelock Bar.”

When Greylan comes to town Saturday, it will be the young man’s fi rst visit to the Tall Corn State. He said he was looking forward to the opportunity to show an Iowa crowd what he’s capable of.

“My job is to make people happy. I’d expect a wild and awesome show.”

Don’t miss your chance to see country music’s next big thing when Greylan James and Phil Bogard take the stage at the Havelock Bar, Saturday, Nov. 10. The show is set to start at 8 p.m.

Page 6B, Record-Democrat, Wednesday, November 7, 2012

NEWSRECORD-DEMOCRATPocahontas

Country music’s ‘next big thing’ coming to Havelock

At Pocahontas Manor Care Center (top), residents Cliff Rohde and Deb Schendel were joined by Cathlyn and Catherine Clark (front), Caden and Chris Clark, and Brooklyn and Tyse Bailey (back). Mercedes Andersen cast a spell on Arlington Place resident Don Farrell. Photos by Chris Vrba.

Poky’s Halloween was quite the treat

Work must have left Pocahontas Community Hospital’s Cindy Arnold a little pale...

Greylan James (right) and Phil Bogard at Greylan’s single release party held Nov. 2, at Tin Roof Rocky Hill in Knoxville, Tenn. Submitted photo.

Greylan James will play his fi rst Iowa show at the Havelock Bar Saturday night. James (left) will be accompanied by Phil Bogard of renowned band Ingram Hill. Submitted photo.

By Chris VrbaThis weekend, music lovers

from all over the area will have a chance to see the future of country music close to home. On Saturday, Nov. 10, Greylan James will take the stage at Havelock Bar.

The 16-year-old phenom hails from Maynardville, Tenn., a place Greylan called “country as corn bread.” He grew up playing bluegrass and credits Brad Paisley and Kenny Chesney in addition to picking legends like Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, and Waylon Jennings among his infl uences.

In recent months, James has generated quite a buzz in country music circuits, mostly for a voice that belies his youth, a keen sense of songcraft, and a raucous live show.

With his boyish good looks and a signature swoop of hair, James has often been compared to another teenage idol, Justin Beiber. It’s a comparison that Greylan doesn’t necessarily discount.

“It’s the biggest topic of every conversation I have,” he said in a phone interview Thursday afternoon. ‘People call me “the country Beiber.’ It’s a phenomenal compliment. He’s one of the most successful musicians in history.”

Though comparisons to today’s “it” artist are fl attering, James said he isn’t trying to jump on the Beiber bandwagon.

“My sound is my sound and I don’t want it to sound like anyone else’s sound. At the end of the day, I want to be known as Greylan James.”

FOR JAMES, MUSIC ISN’T just an enjoyable endeavor, it’s a way of life. The singer/songwriter has been playing music since about the time he spoke his fi rst words.

“I would walk around the house singing anything I heard on the radio,” he reminisced. “It had to be so annoying for my parents to have to hear this squeaky voice singing George Strait at two in the morning.”

For James, however, that squeaky voice didn’t last forever.

“I sound like I’m 45 and I look 16.”

Over time, the young man who turned old enough to drive this past June, has amassed a history on the stage that tops many seasoned professional players.

“I played my 900th show this year. I averaged about 150 shows per year. I’ve never gotten tired of it.”

James credits hard work and determination as keys to his early success in the music business. Greylan weaves school work around his practice schedule, which accounts for about nine hours of his day.

“In my opinion, it’s what it takes to be successful. You can never stop getting better.”

At his side, Greylan has a seasoned backing band, which includes Phil Bogard, who previously played with Ingram Hill and has toured with a veritable “Who’s Who” of country and rock musicians.

“I’m lucky to be part of a band with so many great musicians. I’m blessed to have them jump on board with me.”

The young James said country music primed for a new, young voice. With a little luck, he hopes to be the talent that takes the genre to new heights.

“Country music needs people to bring pop fans back to country. It needs someone young. Michael Jackson, Justin Beiber, and Taylor Swift were all under 18 when they became big stars. I think it’s time for a young guy singer to break through.”

ON THURSDAY, JAMES’ NEW single, “If I was Elvis” played on the radio for the fi rst time. It was a moment of great excitement and the culmination of many years dedication for the young artist.

“It’s one of the best feelings, because of all of the hard work that went into writing the song. You know the song’s potential and when it’s played on the radio you get to hear it do what it’s meant to do.”

The song is part of James’ recently released EP. He explained what the feeling he hoped to capture by writing the tune.

“I wanted to write a song that every song writer wishes they’d written,” James prefaced. “I tried to paint a picture in the listener’s head that would describe what is in my head. I wanted the song to be something where everybody can see the same picture.”

However, it’s the stage where James’ star shines the brightest.

“I’m a little kid with freckles and Beiber hair. Then the crowd hears me sing and they go ‘Wow!’”

Though the art of deception may help James get over in a room where nobody knows his name, it’s the quality of the show that has left audiences clamoring for more.

“I’ve been told that it’s a crazy experience,” Greylan said of his shows. “Even if it’s just 50 people, we play the show as if there’s 50,000.”

AARON WEBBINK EXPLAINED WHY he wanted to bring the young talent to the Havelock Bar.

“He’s good. I’ve been listening to him since he was 14. He’s grown a lot and will really become something real big.”

“Greylan’s an original musician. He’s one of the few out there who writes their own songs, sings their own songs, and plays their own instruments,” Webbink added.

For Aaron, expanding live music offerings in Greater Pocahontas County has been the focus of his efforts since he purchased the venue in 2011.

“The Havelock Bar has always been about live music. I’ve been trying to get more and more original music. For every singer you hear on the radio, there’s 20 more out there beating the pavement and strumming their

guitar and they’re just as good. That’s what we’re doing at the Havelock Bar.”

When Greylan comes to town Saturday, it will be the young man’s fi rst visit to the Tall Corn State. He said he was looking forward to the opportunity to show an Iowa crowd what he’s capable of.

“My job is to make people happy. I’d expect a wild and awesome show.”

Don’t miss your chance to see country music’s next big thing when Greylan James and Phil Bogard take the stage at the Havelock Bar, Saturday, Nov. 10. The show is set to start at 8 p.m.