Justin Moore and RaeLynn among country performers coming to the area
By Rachel Mergen
“Is there anything other than country?” Justin Moore, the “Somebody Else Will” country singer preparing to throw the party of the year at Country on the River, joked. He, along with many other acts, including RaeLynn, Darius Rucker, Randy Houser and the Eli Young Band, hope attendees of the annual festival are ready to experience some revelry Thursday, Aug. 3 to Saturday, Aug. 5, in Prairie du Chien.
After originally planning to become a baseball player and a vet, Justin Moore and RaeLynn, respectively, have become two of the most recognizable acts in country music. Both have faced their own struggles in following their dreams, though.
“I struggled for a while getting signed to a label and then once that happened it was a struggle to get my music played because it was too country. But I kept pushing and have been lucky enough to have a decade-long career,” Moore stated about his largest struggles in trying to reach the point he is at now. With the support of his wife, kids and manager, he has released four albums in his career.
Moore began his journey in music his junior year of high school. He joined his uncle’s southern rock band and decided to move to Nashville when he was 18.
He noted one of his most prominent memories so far, “Signing my record deal at my wedding reception was a pretty big deal. Needless to say, it felt awesome to finally hear that ‘yes’ after being told no so many times, and now I have two special memories from that day.”
In addition, he mentioned his inspiration: “Well, I just try to write about my life and what I know. I’ve never tried to ‘create an image.’ I’m just me, so I’ve never had to fake anything. I can just be me in simplest form in my music.”
More than anything, he hopes his future holds happiness for himself and his family. He would like to continue being successful for decades to come, but also wouldn’t mind being known for something other than music, too.
RaeLynn also described her own personal struggle: “[I struggled with] being patient. God’s timing is everything. It’s so easy to compare yourself to your neighbor, but the only thing you can focus on is being the best you and working hard every day.”
After growing up with a very musical family in Baytown, Texas, RaeLynn knew by the time she was 16 years old that she wanted to become a country music performer.
In 2012, she participated in season two of The Voice, where she reached the quarterfinals prior to being eliminated. She was a member of the highly-popular country music singer Blake Shelton’s team. Of the experience, she stated, “The biggest thing that I learned on The Voice is to stay true to who I am and to never give up on the unique voice I have.”
She has released one album since her start, titled WildHorse. She revealed her story about making the album: “That time was my growing phase. You change so much from 18 to 22. I was figuring out who I was in that time, while staying true to the person I am. It was hard sometimes when I just really wanted to put out music, but I’m so glad I waited, because my debut record is perfect.”
“Love Triangle,” a track from the album, prominently stands out to her above the others, because it illustrates the story of her parents’ divorce.
On a positive note, RaeLynn’s fans inspire her greatly, while her husband Joshua helps push her to continue no matter what she faces.
About her fans, she said, “I never want to be an artist that is untouchable. I always want my fans to feel connected to me. If a fan sees me, I want them to come hug me. I love my fans so much.”
She hopes Country on the River attendees are ready for a great time, because she’s prepared to create an atmosphere with her music that will have crowds dancing along with every song.
The weekend will be the first time RaeLynn visits the area, while Moore has found himself in southwestern Wisconsin before during his career.
RaeLynn will take the festival’s main stage on Friday, Aug. 4, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., while Moore will headline Saturday, Aug. 5, from 9:30 to 11 p.m.
In addition, Thursday night will feature Logan Brill, Aaron Watson, the Eli Young Band and Darius Rucker. Friday will draw the community in with the Devon Worley Band, Brothers Osborne, Randy Houser and Chris Stapleton. The event will close off on Saturday with Jackson Michelson, Thompson Square, Maddie and Tae and Colt Ford.
For more information about Country on the River, visit countryontheriver.com.
