If you told the young Logan Mize, hunched over his piano practicing for the lessons his parents encouraged him to attend, that he'd be a touring country artist with two full albums and multiple singles to his name in 20 or so years, he'd probably laugh.
But that's the reality we learned talking to Mize over the phone from his Nashville home this past Monday. At age 27, Mize has made a name for himself as one of the best up-and-coming country artists in Nashville due in part to a tireless thirst for memorable melodies, solid story telling, and a fantastic live show.
He cites artists like Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan as major influences on the sound he developed through his college years in Illinois and now, Nashville. These guys are hardly your typical country artists, but all three have influenced Mize due to a common, unique ability.
"You know, I love him [Petty] because he could always tell a great story in a song," said Mize. "That's something I always try to bring to the table when I sit down and write."
It's easy to tell when listening to Mize's latest album, Nobody in Nashville. Tales of everything ranging from moving on after an unwanted breakup ("Hey Caroline") to unrequited love ("State of Your Heart"), an artist's aspirations for the future ("Nobody in Nashville"), and more fill the lyric sheets and compositions on this solid, sophomore album.
Mize is currently on the road with his band and consistently works, playing up to 150 shows a year he tells us, to succeed and earn some coveted country radio play in the near future.
To hear music from Logan Mize or get more info on this rising country artist, head over to LoganMize.com.
Logan Mize, along with Nashville native and country counterpart Jared Ashley, are gearing up to play a can't-miss benefit concert at Remember Our Heroes on Saturday, September 8. Kicking off at 4 p.m. on the MLK fields ( in front of the Marshall Student Center) at USF, Remember Our Heroes will feature a full day of family-friendly activities and an evening concert from these up and coming country superstars. Tickets are are $10 for students/ military and $15 for general admission. For tickets or more information, visit rememberourheroes.eventbrite.com.
