Sometimes what looks like an overnight success story is really a 25-year journey that most people never see. Country artist Chas Collins knows that road well.
This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with Chas Collins to talk about what the music business really looks like behind the curtain. They dive into the long road of touring, the reality of chasing a dream, and why some artists are finally finding success later in life.
Chas shares stories from 25 years of performing across the country, the moment he realized people were actually paying attention, and why faith and timing can sometimes matter more than raw talent.
If you have ever chased something that took longer than you expected, this conversation will probably feel very familiar. Tune in now!
This episode is sponsored by:
(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)
In this episode:
• How Chas Collins built a fan base singing karaoke
• Why success in country music doesn’t have an expiration date anymore
• The grind behind life on the road that fans rarely see
• Why faith and timing matter in creative careers
• What it feels like when 25 years of work finally starts paying off
Quotations:
“I was building a fan base and singing karaoke when it came out, and I was like, ‘Man, we’ve got something here. I’ve got to get a band together.” ~ Chas Collins
“You know, people, I guess I’m a better entertainer than I thought I was. And so then I got the band, and the rest is history. ~ Chas Collins
“Every fan deserves to have you at 100%. So you have to push through and go, ‘It’s not about me; it’s about them.’ And so that’s the hard part. It’s not the fans that are hard. It’s keeping going and sustaining.” ~ Chas Collins
Bio:
Chas Collins is a country music artist and Nashville recording artist known for powerful storytelling, raw emotion, and high-energy performances. His songs capture life’s most vivid moments—from the wild energy of a Saturday night to the ache of missing someone on the road. Rooted in the heart of country and Southern rock, his music speaks to the emotions we all experience.
Standing at 6’6″, Chas brings more than just presence to the stage. His sound blends deep country roots with an ‘80s rock influence, creating a bold and unique style. Each performance delivers familiar themes—love, loss, resilience, and hope—with powerhouse vocals and grit that fans across the U.S. connect with.
Born in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, Chas grew up facing constant change until his grandparents gave him a stable home. That moment shaped his future and helped forge the artist he is today. When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, Chas lost everything. With $500 and the clothes on his back, he headed to Nashville to chase a dream—only to lose his mother, grandmother, and aunt within four years. Those personal losses added depth to his songwriting and gave his music a rare emotional authenticity.
Since launching his career, Chas has played over 3,500 shows across 43 states, building a loyal grassroots fanbase that spans the country. From venues and festivals to cruises and city stages, his reputation as a touring country music artist is built on connection, passion, and hard work.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Chas made a new home in Tampa Bay, Florida, where he continues to perform while recording new music in Nashville. His upcoming releases reflect everything he’s lived, survived, and shared with the fans who’ve supported him on the road.
Chas’s story is about overcoming adversity, finding purpose through music, and living each moment to its fullest. With every song, he proves that the heart of country music lies not just in the lyrics but in the life behind them.
Guest Contact Info:
Website: https://www.chascollins.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chascollinsmusic/