Gilbert was originally signed to Colt Ford's label, Average Joe's Entertainment where he released the singles "Modern Day Prodigal Son" and "Halfway to Heaven" alongside others.
Since being signed with Big Machine Records he released two albums, which was a deluxe version of "Halfway to Heaven" and the album "Just As I Am".
In 2009 he released his debut album which was "Modern Day Prodigal Son", which got good recognition in the Country music scene.
In 2011 he did the Willie Nelson's Country Throwdown Tour and Taste of Country Christmas Tour. The following year he headlined for Hell on Wheels.
His singles "Country Must Be Country Wide" and "You Don't Know Her Like I Do" both got to number one on the Hot Country Songs chart.
Gilbert during his career also helped to write the single's "My Kinda Party" and "Dirt Road Anthem" for Jason Aldean.
His second album "Just As I Am" was released in May 2014. The main single was called "Bottoms Up", which reached number one. The second single on the album called "Small Town Throwdown" featured Thomas Rhett and Justin Moore from his record label. The third and popular single on the album was called "One Hell of an Amen".
Aaron Lewis is well known for his musical versatility, which he has proved ten fold with his success with the metal band Staind and as a solo country artist. Releasing seven albums with Staind, Lewis proved his musical abilities over and over with the band but also continued to play solo acoustic shows throughout his time with them.
These solo shows paved the way for the step into country music. This might have felt like a drastic move for some but to Aaron Lewis this was a move that was a long time coming. Growing up listening to country music with his grandfather, Aaron Lewis moving to country was always an inevitability. In 2010, Lewis released his first country EP, “Town Line”, which climbed to number seven on the US Billboard 200 chart and hit the number one spot on the US Country Albums chart.
Two years later Aaron Lewis released his first solo studio album, “The Road”. The album was well received, peaking at number 30 on the US Billboard 200 and number seven on the US Country Albums chart. The album spawned one top 40 country single, “Endless Summer”.
A truly versatile talent, Aaron Lewis has collaborated with multiple artists across multiple genres including Kid Rock, Limp Bizkit, Cold and Sevendust. In no way a shy performer, Aaron Lewis has been known for calling fans out on their bad behaviour during shows, but this performer is in no way a party pooper. Fans come back again and again to see him do his thing and do it well.
Brantley Gilbert put on an amazing show at Jam in the Valley. His music is a perfect balance of rock and country. Songs like "Bottoms Up" and "Kick it in the Sticks" keep the show full of fun and energy. At this particular show he even brought out country star Colt Ford to sing, "Dirt Road Anthem", a song they recorded together that is featured on Brantley Gilbert's second album. Brantley Gilbert's bad boy, "country outlaw" attitude is so much fun to watch as he is performing. He has a way of interacting with the crowd throughout the entire show; whether he is having everyone sing along or coming out to the crowd to shake hands and high five. At one particular point during the show Brantley Gilbert pulled my 8 year old son up on stage to sing "Bottoms Up" with him. Watching Brantley Gilbert singing with him on stage and getting the crowd into the song at the same time was so entertaining. I have seen Brantley Gilbert twice, and to be honest I cannot wait to see him again. I would totally recommend anyone who enjoys music and/or concerts to go to a Brantley Gilbert concert. You will not be disappointed.
Seeing Aaron Lewis in concert is like seeing no other. He is a true artist and a gift to the music industry. His voice is mesmerizing and soothing to the soul. No two concerts are the same. You could see him two nights in a row and hear completely different shows.
During his acoustic solo tours, he sits on stage with his guitars and just talks and sings to the crowd as if they were all best friends. He tells very entertaining stories about his life between songs and sometimes even during songs if he feels inspired to do so. The audience usually just yells out requests and he obliges.
There are no musical boundaries for him. He is extremely down to earth and a truly respectful man. He stands up for his beliefs and ideas, and does not hold back! His country tours are just as entertaining. He will definitely surprise you with the level of talent that he exudes.
When touring with Staind, a somewhat rougher Aaron rears his head and he releases the inner angry soul that usually is contained in other shows. No matter what show you see, he is a true entertainer and a fan of his fans. Aaron Lewis is a must see! You will not be disappointed!