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Chase Likens
Bio
Some people want to be singers, others are born to be singers. Chase Likens was born to sing. Growing up on a horse farm in West Virginia, he is as authentically country as it gets. His childhood was spent riding horses, picking blackberries, and riding dirt bikes on the beautiful mountain terrain. From the age of 5 his mother knew he was destined to perform.
When this country crooner sings, you believe it…every word. Was that what led Steven Tyler to cry when Chase delivered one of his power-house performances on American Idol? Talent knows talent. Chase has a unique country style laced with rhythm and blues that makes this emerging artist stand out from the pack.
Many artists who have a brush with success on Idol or other shows make a beeline to Nashville to become a star. Instead, Chase took a more measured approach, choosing first to focus on his education at Marshall University studying music and theatre. “I grew up and matured as an artist,” he recalls. “I really found my voice. I am glad I took that time.”
Cut to 2014 where Nashville producer Kevin Beamish became a champion, friend, and collaborator to Chase. Beamish has worked with a wide variety of artists across the musical spectrum including REO Speedwagon, Kenny Chesney, and Reba. His producer credits have collectively sold over 100 million records including the coveted Diamond Award.
Over the next few years Beamish kept in touch with Chase until the timing was right for a partnership. Throughout this time Chase continued to tour and play shows; further cementing his skills as a seasoned performer. During their first meeting Beamish knew he wanted to invest his time and energy into the young man. “My wife and creative partner, Jessica Boucher Beamish, knew immediately Chase was magic,” says Beamish. “It was his unique delivery of his vocal and natural musicality that sealed the deal.” Reflecting on the arc of their relationship, Beamish recites his favorite quote, “Quality has no fear of time.”
The pairing meant a move to Nashville for Chase so that he could work in the studio with Kevin and immerse himself in the music community with co-writes. Then a global pandemic hit, and brought plans for Nashville artists, big and small, to a screeching halt. While Chase admits that the COVID crisis has left him craving the familiar lure of performing, he concedes that it has provided the time he and Kevin needed to really hone in on the making of the music.
For Chase, a beautiful outcome of the time in isolation is new music that is better than anything he has ever recorded before. “I am really proud of the work we have done and can’t wait for people to start hearing it.”
Country music lovers everywhere will get their first taste this spring when Chase Likens releases his first single, “Rub a Little Dirt on It.” “We were looking for something upbeat that showcased my range and a lot of personality,” he says. The laidback, feel-good tune will soon be impacting radio airwaves nationwide. “I think this song, more than any other we have done, gives you a sense of who I am.”
Chase credits his mother for instilling in him the will and gusto to go for his dreams. “Regardless of whether I ever become Entertainer of the Year or play to sold out stadiums, I feel like I am living the dream right now,” he admits. “Just to be able to live a life filled with music is one worth celebrating.”