Keepin' it Country Media & Radio » Joel Crouse

Joel Crouse makes Opry debut

Lydia Picknell — Tue, 14 May 2013 13:00:17 +0000

Massachusetts-born singer/songwriter Joel Crouse grew up listening to all genres of music, but it wasn’t until years later that he realized his favorites all had one similarity–the stories. It was at that moment, at the ripe age of 14, that Crouse first discovered his passion for country music. He immersed himself with the lyrics with one goal in mind: to be heard on the same country radio he grew up listening to. Little did he know someday one radio program in particular that he loved, Grand Ole Opry on 650 WSM AM, would feature his voice. Fast-forward to Saturday, May 11, 2013–one move to Nashville and a record deal later–the now-20 year old country crooner is well on his way having made his debut on the hallowed Grand Ole Opry stage.

He was overwhelmed playing on the historic stage, he explains:

“I was overwhelmed with emotions that I don’t even know how to describe. There’s something about the moment you step on its stage…for me, it was the first time I’ve truly felt like a part of the country music community. I’ll never forget that moment.”

Crouse was joined by his mother, father, sister, grandmother and friends as he waited side-stage for his name to be called by Opry member Jeannie Seely. Crouse then performed his self-penned “If You Want Some,” his current Top 40 single on Show Dog-Universal Music, and “That’s Why God Made Love Songs.”

He actually got some pretty cool advice from an Opry member before hitting the stage:

“I actually received some great advice from Darius [Rucker]. He said, ‘It’ll be surreal’ and to take it all in cause you won’t get another first time, and I really took that to heart.”

Crouse will step from the Opry stage to a Red stage as he joins Taylor Swift‘s Red Tour beginning May 28 in Glendale, Ariz. at Jobing Arena.

Joel Crouse Joins Taylor Swift’s “The Red Tour”

Nicole Piering — Tue, 05 Mar 2013 23:19:18 +0000

Country newcomer and Show Dog- Universal Music recording artist, Joel Crouse, has plenty to sing about these days. His new single was recently released and it was just revealed that he has nabbed one of the most coveted gigs in music: opening for Taylor Swift.

Swift’s “The Red Tour” will kick off on March 13th in Omaha, Nebraska and will hit 47 cities with 66 shows. Singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran was already listed as a special guest on this tour, and other acts include Austin Mahone, Brett Eldredge, Florida Georgia Line and Casey James.

To see what “Red” shows Joel will be playing at, click here and make sure to follow him on Twitter and Facebook.

VIDEO: Joel Crouse – If You Want Some (lyrics)

Lydia Picknell — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 16:36:11 +0000

Show Dog Universal’s newcomer Joel Crouse just released the official lyric video for his groovy “If You Want Some” to VEVO this morning. The fun country song is the debut singer from the young accomplished singer. Joel, who signed his recording contract at 16 years old, has toured with Toby Keith, Sara Evans, Darius Rucker, the Goo Goo Dolls and more.

Check out his first single below and let us know what you think about Joel. Are you a fan?

Joel Crouse releases debut single on Show Dog-Universal

Lydia Picknell — Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:00:17 +0000

Born and raised in Holland, Mass., Show Dog-Universal Music recording artist, Joel Crouse, penned his first song at the ripe age of 14, formed a band by age 15, graduated from high school by age 16, and signed a record deal by age 19. Now, at age 20, he has released his first single, “If You Want Some,” to country radio and iTunes on February 5. Crouse co-wrote the up-tempo party anthem alongside acclaimed songwriter Luke Laird (No. 1 Billboard singles include Blake Shelton’s “Hillbilly Bone,” Rodney Atkins’ “Take a Back Road,” Eric Church’s “Drink in My Hand” and Little Big Town‘s “Pontoon”) and his producer Jamie Houston (High School Musical, Christina Aguilera).

“My life has definitely changed in the past couple years,” states Crouse. “I’ve been on the road the last few months visiting country radio, and that’s just been incredible. I’m very thankful.”

Crouse grew up performing in his father’s church, but credits his grandfather for introducing him to country music.

“We called him ‘Big Guy,’ and he lived with us while I was growing up. I guess I was 12 years old when he first took me down to the music store, bought me a guitar and set me up with lessons,” shares Crouse.

Crouse was introduced to Houston through a mutual friend, Brandon Creed (Manager for Bruno Mars) shortly after Crouse graduated high school.

“We began working on music immediately and knew we both wanted to make a really cool sounding record,” Crouse reflects. “Jamie blows me away every time we’re in the studio because his ear is so unbelievable.”

Houston notes, “I think what was most unique about Joel — especially being the age that he is — was how hard of a worker he was in the studio. When we would write a song, he would sing in the room as we were writing it but then come back a few days later and he would have it all worked out — all the lifts, peaks and valleys — and he nailed it. I think he has a lot to contribute to country music stylistically.”

“For someone that young to know who they are as an artist is really impressive,” says Laird. “He’s just one of those that has a natural gift for the songwriting process, and just knows who he is as an artist.”

Crouse spent 2012 road testing his music for the fans, opening for Rodney Atkins, Sara Evans, the Goo Goo Dolls, Toby Keith, and Darius Rucker and will perform several shows with The Band Perry in 2013.