Singer dreams of making it big in America (From Warrington Guardian)
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Singer dreams of making it big in America
3:00pm Thursday 31st January 2013 in News
Chris Roach
A SINGER from Woolston is bidding to make it big in America.
Chris Roach, aged 30, formerly of Dorset Way, moved to the States in 2002 to chase his dream of becoming a recording country artist.
A decade later, and after jobs including driving a spare parts van for a car dealership, he is in talks with record label bosses.
Chris, who’s stage name is Chris Lucas, said: “I’ve been going for a while and normally you just get a polite handshake and a smile.
“But over the last 12 months things have really taken off.
“You never know, and I’m trying to be realistic.
“It’s anything but a sure thing but it’s the closest I’ve ever been.”
“The chance is there and I feel really good about it.
“I’m just doing everything I can to make it happen.”
The former St Gregory’s High School pupil started playing the guitar aged 8 with high school bands and community gigs in Warrington to follow.
“I must have been the only kid in England trying to do country at a time when everyone was doing Oasis, but that’s what I wanted to do,” said Chris.
“When I was a kid I used to wear a cowboy hat and if you’re not yourself, nobody is going to take you seriously.”
He then moved with family to Michigan in 2002 where he began writing songs in a style he likens to John Mayer with a pop twist.
A move to Alabama followed in 2005 where he became a regular performer in bars and nightclubs.
In September 2011 he signed as bass player for Grammy-winning country group, Shenandoah, before securing a production deal in October last year.
Producers Billy Lawson and Ed Hill suggested he change his stage name from Roach to Lucas, a play on middle name Luke. Suddenly record labels showed interest.
He is due back in with bosses on February 6 who have asked him to up ‘likes’ on his Facebook page. To do so go to facebook.com/thechrislucas.
“As a kid I wanted to be famous,” said Chris “But now, if I can make enough to come back home when I want to, and make money doing something I enjoy - that’s the dream.”
