One of fifteen finalists, Nash County’s own Chandler James took Got to Be NC’s first North Carolina Ag Star Homegrown Voice Talent Search Finals by storm this past Saturday, becoming the program’s first Ag Star title holder, as his fans showed up and showed out to cheer him on.
This program was created in partnership with its musical ambassador & NC songwriter, Paige King Johnson, to help promote agriculture and appeal to a younger age demographic. Open to ages 13 – 22, the three-part program included September auditions, held in Asheville, Charlotte, Raleigh and Wilmington, semi-finals, held in September and November in the North Carolina towns of Fletcher, Colfax, Williamston, and Mount Olive, with the finale concluding the program at the Kerr Scott Building on the State Fairgrounds on Saturday evening, March 4. Competing artists received free training and music education, provided by PCG Artist Development of Nashville, TN, throughout the competition.
As the 2023 winner, Chandler James is the recipient of one Yamaha acoustic guitar with travel case, one professional songwriting session with mentoring, one produced sound recording, one mentoring session with seasoned entertainment executive, Bernard Porter, on career path & direction, and single distribution on all digital platforms. James will also be given opportunities to appear at other Got to Be NC events, which includes opening for Drake White at the Mount Olive Ag Fest March 30th
On Sunday, James published the following statement on his social media page: "Last night I was named the first-ever NC Ag Star. I am humbled, blessed, and so honored. Thank you, judges, North Carolina Department of Agriculture , Paige King Johnson , and PCG Artist Development for making this possible. A special thanks goes to my friends and family for the support. Chandler James Music is what is it because of you. It meant so much to see (and hear) some of y’all in the audience. I’m so excited for this new adventure and look forward to taking each of y’all with me."
Just a big guy with a big dream, Chandler James grew up in what we Nash County natives proudly boast to be "the original Nashville." James connected with music early in his childhood and "loved a good Motown karaoke session in the car." He easily learned that "the right song at the right time could help you get through anything." On the first day of his Senior year in high school he decided to make a trade…. AP Psych for guitar and, when he put two chords together, he realized "playing and singing a great song makes it mean even more."
A year or so later, Chandler encountered a chance meeting with the owner of an independent record label while on family vacation, which led to the release of his first, self-titled EP.
The artist has recently relocated to Nashville, TN (as we affectionately refer to as "the other Nashville") where he continues to pursue his goals as an independent artist.
Chandler James will be teaming up with another local artist favorite, Meredith Davis Johnson, later this Spring as they open for country artist, Tyler Farr, at the Nashville Chamber of Commerce’s annual Blooming Festival.
Find the artist….
Website: www.chandlerjamesmusic.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@chandlerjamesmusic6500
Instagram: www.instagram.com/chandler_james_music
Facebook: www.facebook.com/chandlerjmusic