Indie Rock is rife with stories of bands that attracted large followings and carved out a respectable niche for themselves without the benefit of major or even minor label backing. There are fewer success stories of that nature in the Country genre, making them perhaps a little more satisfying.
Corey Smith stands as one of the few who has fashioned a career without making the Nashville compromise. The Georgia native started out playing covers in local bars but ultimately decided to pursue a college education in order to decrease his struggles as an itinerant musician. While earning his education degree, Smith began writing original songs and continued to perform at parties, the grassroots beginning of his fan base. After graduation, Smith landed a teaching position at a northern Georgia high school and continued to write songs, finding an eager audience among his students.
Corey Smith plays Bogart's Friday with Matt Stillwell. Go here to read Brian Baker's full Sound Advice.
