Get ready to saddle up, Ashburton

It's time to lace up your boots and dust off your hat because Brad Staley is riding into town, ready to rock the stage.

Staley will perform at the Farming Family Trust Summer Session event at the Ashburton MSA on April 5.

"I come from a rural background, so any chance to play for a crowd of hard-working, heel-stomping farmers is a win for me and the band," Staley says.

Growing up on a military base near Lake Tekapo, Staley's rural childhood shaped his love for country music.

"We were always hunting, fishing, and four-wheel driving, and country music is all about that."

By age five, Staley could sing every word of Garth Brooks's No Fences album.

"I've always loved country music, but not the pop stuff. I'm all about Johnny Cash, George Strait, and George Jones."

Staley picked up the guitar at age nine and, by 14, performed in a duet on New Zealand's Got Talent.

Though passionate about music, he completed an accountancy degree as a "fallback plan."

After finishing his studies, the pull of music was strong, but he wondered whether giving up the stability of an accountancy career for music was the right move.

He reached out to his friend and fellow musician Kevin Atkinson for advice.

Atkinson's words were simple: "Come to the dark side. Drive it like you stole it, and don't hold back."

Staley calls it the best advice he's ever received.

"It was straightforward, but it made perfect sense to me."

His parents were supportive, but realistic.

"They were always honest with me, but as long as I was in boots and all, they had my back."

Staley formed the Brad Staley Trio, performing at venues and events across the country.

The trio recently played at Beer Fest in Christchurch and opened for Jon Toogood in Timaru, both major career milestones.

While the band lineup has changed over the years, today, it consists of bass player Dean Armitage, drummer Callan Carne, and Staley himself.

Last year, Staley gained a massive following, amassing over 75,000 streams and 25,000 followers on Spotify.

But the journey hasn't been without challenges.

"The biggest obstacle early on was convincing people that being a musician is a 'real job.'"

He faced skepticism, especially in New Zealand, where standing on stage every weekend isn't always seen as a sustainable career.

"It's hard when people don't see it as a legitimate career path," Staley admits.

New Zealand country artists also face the challenge of developing a unique sound when American and Australian country music dominates.

"We're influenced by America and Australia, and while we don't consciously try to sound American, it's what we listen to."

Despite the heavy American influence, Staley's dream collaboration is a bit closer to home.

"Jimmy Barnes. He's an incredible man, and I love his songs."

After performing in a tribute show to Barnes in Christchurch, Staley realized many of his favourite songs were either by Barnes or his band, Cold Chisel.

"His voice is phenomenal, and he's held onto it for so long. There's so much power behind it."

Staley's songwriting process often begins with a collaboration with a fellow country musician from America.

"He'll throw out an idea or suggest a theme, and then I go off and write the lyrics. Sometimes it takes two minutes, sometimes two months."

Once the lyrics are done, Staley writes the music.

"I pick up my guitar, and whatever comes first is usually what sticks."

When he's got the verse and chorus, he takes it to his bandmates.

"I bring it to the guys, and we build the rhythm together. Dean lays down the bass, Callan adds the drums, and we go from there."

Looking ahead, Staley's dreams are simple.

"To have the crowd sing the chorus back to you without you even having to do a thing. It's happened in small pubs, and it messes with your brain. That's what we're chasing."

For more details on the Summer Session event and to buy tickets, visit the Farming Family Trust Facebook page.

By Claire Inkson