Tortuga's Chase Bryant Has Been to the Beach Only Once in His Life

Chase Bryant is barely at the age to legally drink, yet the 22-year-old country singer has already achieved things most musicians can only dream about. He's toured with the insanely popular Brantley Gilbert, and this summer Bryant will tour with the legendary Tim McGraw. And Bryant is taking notes. “I'm already learning how to most efficiently win a crowd over in seconds,” Bryant said.

But don't confuse Bryant's success as an overnight one. “I've been playing since I could walk or talk," the rising country star says. "I think at first, it was a bit of a struggle until I realized I had a statement to make. That statement was my music. I played it as loud and as proud as I could. It's what got me here today."

Aside from his tenacity, Bryant also had his genes to thank. Music runs in his family. His grandfather performed with 1987 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Roy Orbison as well as The Dukes of Hazzard theme song singer Waylon Jennings. His uncles also cofounded the country band Ricochet. Bryant admits that the musical blood in his veins played a role in his career choice. Watching his family perform influenced him deeply.

"They loved what they did so much, and I was always in love with the fact that someone could have such a deep passion for what they do." 
Now Bryant is living the same life he saw his grandfather live. His debut 2014 EP featured five original tracks, one of which was the intensely emotional “Change Your Name." Bryant calls it a story he “always wanted to write."

Tortuga attendees can catch the young singer at 4:30 p.m. Saturday on the Sunset stage. This concert is special for Bryant for many reasons, but one of those reasons is sure to shock Floridians. “To be honest, I've only been to the beach one time in my life,” Bryant, a Texas native, confessed. “This is a first getting to play there.”

The ladies of Tortuga should help make the cutie feel more comfortable on the sand.

Chase Bryant. 4:30 p.m. Saturday, April 12, at 1100 Seabreeze Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets cost $99 plus fees and up. Visit tortugamusicfestival.com.