The Charlie Rogers Band

February 2, 2015
A Q&A with New Country Artist of the Month: Charlie Rogers Band
CharlieRogersBand

Formed in 2011, Charlie Rogers Band is a Nashville, TN based country rock band that includes Charlie Rogers, Jake Robinson, Alex Horton, Everett Bowles, James Black and Erik Coveney. Learn more about the band below and listen to their music here.

How did you get started in the music business?

We got started in the music industry as a band. Our first show together was the 2011 Belmont University Country Showcase. We were all attending Belmont at the time, each majoring in our respective instruments, and were the only freshmen/underclassmen band to be chosen for the showcase. After that we started playing around Nashville, eventually getting some radio play on local stations.

How would you describe your music?

This question is always a tough one for me, boiling down the music to a few simple words. I would say that our music is a little bit of everything with a base set in country music. We pull a lot from classic rock, 90’s and 2000’s country, 70’s and 80’s pop, and even some modern genres. The end product is country rock with Midwestern authenticity to it.

Who are your musical influences and why?

Much like the previous question, this one is tough for me to answer just because there are so many. I grew up on classic rock, The Beatles, The Eagles, and Jim Croce – those were my dad’s favorites. It wasn’t until the early 2000’s that I was introduced to country. My sister was a huge Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and Dixie Chicks fan. She is a few years older than me so she often had to drive me around town and of course I got to listen to what she was listening to. I didn’t really appreciate country until I was a teenager. I got into Keith Urban, Eli Young Band and Lady Antebellum. Later in high school, I got into 70’s and 80’s pop such as Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, and of course, I’m always listening to the radio nowadays to see what people are cranking out.

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Tell us about some of your favorite memories to date in your music career.

I got to sing at a ceremony honoring Charley Pride with a few friends of mine. We ended up putting together a mash-up of a few of Charley’s most famous songs and sang it for him. It was honestly a bit intimidating walking up on the stage because the audience was packed with so many people who have made the business what is today, including Ronny Dunn, Martina McBride, and MC Hammer; these were just a few of the people in the audience that night.

Another thing that was really cool was getting a call from a radio station in Scotland that had been playing some of our music. They called and asked if we would do an interview and of course we said yes. They also asked if we’d be willing to send over some merchandise for them to give out because they had a lot of people who were interested in us after hearing our songs. We sent a pack of 20 signed CDs and a few signed shirts and did the interview. The only problem was I messed up the calculations for what time they would be interviewing us and ended up having to pull over on the side of the highway to take the call by myself.

What are your plans/goals for 2015?

In 2015 I would really like to expand our reach as a band. I definitely want to play more across the country. I would also like to dive into radio a little more, get some stations to play our music on a national level. I really would like to get out on the road more and really engage with the fans; after all, we owe everything to them.

Anything else you’d like to add about yourself/your music?

I’d just like to say thank you to all of you that support the band and me. It really means to world to us to have the fans we have and to be given these awesome opportunities. Thank you. - Wrangler Nation

Country In My Veins

The Charlie Rogers Band is a country rock band based in Nashville, Tennessee. Originally from Kansas, Charlie straddles the gap between classic rock and modern county. Aside from the eponymous Rogers, the band features James Black and Everett Bowles on guitars, as well as Erik Coveney on bass, Alex Horton on keys, and Jake Robinson on the drums.

Charlie Rogers describes how his band fits into both the rock and pop aspects of the country genre.

Everett usually plays a Gibson Les Paul Custom (robot guitar) or a Fender Telecaster. James on the other hand brings more of the rock side with an Ibanez and a Gibson Les Paul Standard. We don’t aim for the conventional country sound when it comes to instrumentation. We like to mix it up and keep things interesting. I think we owe that to our listeners and to ourselves so we avoid the mundane. That's something we owe to our producer, Josh Gleave. He's got a great ear for our style and knows how to constructively expand upon our vision for a song.

The music started out more straight country. But that’s not me, that’s not us. Over the years the music has gained more and more fidelity as I went back to my roots. … I think the Midwest and Kansas itself really plays into the authenticity of our music. If it’s not the real thing, the fans will know and won’t listen.

For their guitar amplification needs, both James and Everett are fans of tube amps. James’s favorite is the Egnater Tweaker combo.

I like it because the knobs (especially the EQ) don't really alter the tone that much, so I feel like I can't mess it up. Tubes always sound better, though some of the high end digital modeling stuff has started to get really good. After a while you just start to hear the difference.

Everett uses a Mesa Boogie Mark V.

It has tubes that give off a warm, inviting sound. I find that better for country and blues.

For a beginner, James recommends the Egnater Tweaker combo.

It's a good entry level tube amp. I think for beginners, it doesn't really matter what amp you have. Just learn to play your instrument well first, then worry about being a gear nut later.

Everett, on the other hand, likes the Fender Blues Jr for those just beginning to play.

I recommend a Fender Blues Jr. tube amp, especially if you’re leaning toward the country, rock or blues aspects of guitar.

Charlie doesn’t play guitar during shows, but his prized guitar is a Collings 000 acoustic guitar, and he can’t live without his Ultimate Support mic stand.

It’s one of the few mic stands that I’ve actually found to be tall enough for me! (I’m 6’4’’).

James swears by his Polytune mini tuner pedal by TC Electronic. Bass player Erik Coveney’s favorite bass is his Limited Edition "Dargie Delight" 5-String Green Music Man Stingray Bass. Keys player Alex Horton loves his Yamaha Motif ES-8, while drummer Jake Robinson is particularly fond of his Alclair in-ears. - April Bone

Dustin Stout, fresh off a summer internship with CMT, sat down with sophomore commercial voice major Charles Rogers this week for the semester’s first installment of the Beat ‘N Track. Hailing from Stilwell, Kan., Rogers hit the ground running last year as a freshman with the coveted opening slot at the Country Music Showcase. At that point, he was just the new guy with the boldness to step out and sing country music unapologetically. But since then, he’s begun to reach beyond the Belmont boundaries as a seasoned musician who’s making a name for himself in the city with the music he has known all his life.

You sing country music. But more specifically, how would you describe your style?

I would describe my style as country rock. It’s country at heart, but it’s got that grunge that gives it sort of that gritty/nasty edge. I try to infuse a bit of soul into it as well; I feel that really brings out the passion of the music.

Your band is called the Charlie Rogers Band. How does your band inspire the path your music is taking?

We call ourselves The Charlie Rogers Band because without Seth, Haley, Carter and Jake, I’d be nowhere. I thought it was only fair to them. In a way, ”Charlie Rogers” has become a stage name for me even though it’s only a slight alteration. But the band is awesome. I’m thankful for them every day. They inspire me every practice. No matter what, they come in prepared and ready to have fun. Musically speaking, I think we’re becoming a lot bluesier because of all the jazz influence my players have. And honestly, I love it; it adds character to the sound.

What big names in country music influence your music?

I grew up listening to Rascal Flatts and The Dixie Chicks, as well as The Beatles. So I like to think my music is a bit of a fusion of all of that. It’s country with hints of pop and rock soul. Lately, though, my music has taken a shift and become more of soulful country rock with the influences of David Nail, Eli Young Band and Keith Urban.

You’re a featured artist on ”The Billy Block Show” broadcasting live weekly from Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge on Nashville’s 103.3 WKDF. Talk about how you got this opportunity, what it involves and how it’s helping you achieve some of your goals.

Billy Block really is an amazing guy. He takes unknown country artists and gives them a chance to be in front of the world. I met Billy one day on his show and walked up and asked him if he’d give my music a listen. He did and called me to ask me to be on his show. I was ecstatic! Over the last few months, I’ve been on his show off and on, mostly promoting my newest single,” Whoa,” as well as talking up my amazing band.

Talking about some of the music you have available, what can fans hear right now?

Our Facebook page contains all of our songs for free download, as does the website Noise Trade. That includes my first two EPs, as well as the single. I hope to put out a new record sometime within the next year, so keep your eyes peeled for that.

What’s your favorite song?

“Lost & Found.” It’s really one of those songs where all I did was empty my mind on a page. It is also one of those songs that means something different to everyone. The fan favorite, on the other hand, is either “Welcome to the Country” or “Whoa.” They’re just kind of feel-good pieces.

You’re a songwriter. What kind of things spark ideas for songs? Are you able to write a complete song in one sitting or does it take several tries?

You know, it all depends. There are songs like “Whoa” and “Welcome to the Country” that were written in one sitting, and then there are songs like “Lost & Found” that take some editing, ironing and breaks. I have yet to figure out a system when it comes to my writing. I just kind of let it flow. If something good comes out of it, great! If not, oh, well.

What’s currently the most played album on your iPod?

I’d have to say Eli Young Band’s ”Level” album. There isn’t a song on that album that I don’t love. It has passion and kind of makes you feel tough in a way, as well as broken and sensitive at times. Other than that, I’d probably have to say either The Beatles ”Rubber Soul” or Rascal Flatts’ “Me & My Gang.”

I understand The Charlie Rogers Band will perform at The Rutledge on Aug. 30 as the headlining act. What is your most memorable live music experience?

Yes, we perform a lot around town. We’re actually looking to perform more and maybe even tour in the summer, but I will always remember the 2011Country Showcase. It’s the first show we played as a band, and it was totally awesome.

Tell me more about the opportunity to play in the Country Showcase as a freshman.

The Country Showcase was a blast. I honestly had the time of my life for the 10 to 15 minutes I was up on that stage. It really puts things in perspective for you, and it affirmed for me that this is really what I want to do.

What’s next for you?

I’d say the future is looking bright - The Belmont Vision

Midwest singer-songwriter earns opportunity to perform three songs before crowd of more than 2,000 at Curb Event Center
NASHVILLE, Tenn., Feb. 21, 2011 – Singer-songwriter Charles Rogers joined three other musicians performing original material at Belmont University’s Curb Event Center. Rogers earned the gig by finishing among the top four performers in the annual Belmont University Country Showcase, a talent contest for students at the prestigious Belmont University.
Rogers earlier impressed a panel of music industry experts with three original songs to earn an invitation to the live event. He performed “Welcome To The Country,” “Fall by Clay Walker” and “Lost And Found” to more than 2,000 listeners Feb. 12, 2011. Also appearing were Jordan Kyle Reynolds, Madison Hardy and Russell D! These four acts were selected as finalists for the Showcase performance from more than 50 applicants.
Rogers, 18, from Stilwell, Kan., writes and performs country music laced with elements of rock and pop. He aspires to become a songwriter. In addition to singing, he plays piano, guitar, bass, cello and ukulele. To hear a selection of his music, visit myspace.com/charlesirogers.

For more information, see his electronic press kit at sonicbids.com/charlesrogers - Alan Bell