christian simmons

Country Music has many bright stars and talent these days. Some stand out more than others. Some seem to capture the essence of life, love and the ups and downs more than others. One stand out young singer, Christian Simmons, has been capturing all of the above along with both fans and notoriety proving himself since his debut album, "Everything That I Need" in 2002, that he is an artist, songwriter and performer standing noticeably above the rest. Taking an off the beaten path to Country Music he found and answered his calling and is creating a unique sound and following that can make the big city in all of us take a sigh and say it's Country but it's got some rock and soul in its' roots.

Hailing from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, a small town Southeast of Tulsa and a way's West and slightly South of Nashville, Tennessee, for a young man, Christian Simmons seems to have traveled much further than some elder artists. He followed Route 66 West to Los Angeles, the city of everything from Art to Zen. The big city didn't adversely affect this guy; rather it enhanced his perspective and brought him closer to his roots and song writing craft. Back in college he got the theater bug and came thereafter to Los Angeles be an actor. He met with success appearing in national commercials for AT&T, Dr. Pepper and then television roles on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air and as "Bruce" on The Young &The Restless. It was somewhat by accident or destiny playing its' course – just fooling around with some friends singing Karaoke that he was encouraged to pursue music. Resisting at first the musical arena, thinking acting was his main gig and calling, he later found his true calling…..making music, Country Music – with a West Coast style, but rooted in his past and present. Christian found in himself what makes Country Music best, heart and soul and sharing his own pure story book of everyday life. After several years of playing Honky-Tonks and Clubs from Oklahoma to California and back East in Tennessee, Christian settled on the West Coast in Los Angeles. He has grown as an artist and performer, but most importantly found wings to soar and has taken flight.

Being raised in small town Broken Arrow, he grew up playing sports, listing to Rock-n-Roll enjoying a typical American upbringing and searching for his calling. Family rooted and grounded he seems to have the old soul syndrome so many genuine songwriters possess despite his young age. His musical tastes and exposure were not really originated in Country, but he listened to the late 80s and 90s stars such as Garth, Alan and Clint. It is his connection with the simple life and down to earth sincerity coupled with a work hard and a dream big work ethic that makes his foundation and promise so strong and bright. Hence, the ingredients for a good country songwriter and singer were as natural as the sound of his acoustic guitar and smooth rich vocals.

A crowd pleaser, he lights up a room with a sincere charm and talent…a perfect mix that fans immediately bond with and enjoy. From cover songs to a growing portfolio of his own, many of his self penned songs are now becoming his own landscape and road on the journey to stardom. His first album, "Everything I Need" more than put him on the radio and fan radar maps. Two singles "High and Lonesome" and "Everything I Need" off that debut project received national radio airplay and reviews. Listening to "High and Lonesome" you'll feel like you are out riding the same horse and feeling the thunder of your heart race trying to beat the storms of life and darkness. It's powerful stuff and what makes a great song.

This first collection of songs, ballads and toe tapping music was an introduction to his range, talent and good music that is yet to come.

Celebrating the completion of his second album project, entitled "Welcome to Nashville West" this project is more than just another milestone. It puts him on a musical and artistic course that is a wonderful gift unfolding for fans and Christian himself. Calling it a more of an "acoustic blend of country" this sophomore project is country from the dirt between his toes garnered (as mentioned in one of his new songs) that only a live and write about it songwriter can collect passing highway markers from Tulsa to Los Angeles.

Welcome to Nashville West is a refreshing collection of ear pleasing, toe tapping, 2-Stepping "take me along the journey with you Christian Simmon's songs". It his life, songwriting and heart blossoming. It's Country music connecting the dots from here to Nashville and every little town around. From tracks one through ten, Welcome to Nashville West, Christian Simmons and his band Broken Arrow make the roots and music of Anywhere, America echo and tug at anyone to come inside and feel along with every song.

Just a preview of a few songs……..

Days Back Then: A reflection of where he's been and what a great place it was and still is in his mind. This is a wonderful reminder that where we come from often is the true home for more than just family; it's the home of the heart.

Hollywood Trailer Chicks aka California's own home grown Redneck women…..Every town has one or two….a trailer park and yet Hollywood has a trailer park of its own. Valley Girls, Movie lots, Beverly Hills, Rodeo (that's "Rowdayo")Drive and fast lane senior parks. It's the Hollywood Trailer Girls meet the Redneck Woman - California Style.

Somewhere South of Tulsa – Powerful, reflective and lingering. The harmony and eerie reminder for us all chasing our dreams – this song says it best….." Driving down the interstate (of life) trying to keep myself between the lines." ……further on….."I'm Somewhere South of Tulsa, headed down highway 35, just west of Texarkana trying to keep my dreams alive." Great 2-step and story of time and personal adventure for us all.

Any man can relate specifically to "What Did I Do" (To Tick You Off Now). I'm sorry it's true….but hey that's what we'd better say anyhow….I'm Sorry on a daily basis right?! From line dances to 2-steps to Cowboy Cha Chas and Schottisches - there is something to dance and find yourself nodding, relating and smiling on Welcome to Nashville West.

Just as the smile and handshake are universal signs of joy and acceptance, good Country Music comes from anywhere when it comes from the heart. A great collection of Country Songs, a talented story telling singer/songwriter - Christian Simmons and his band Broken Arrow celebrate the release of Welcome to Nashville West down home style on the West Coast. Produced By Christian Simmons and Ed Sanders - Zooter Records Nashville.