Alaskan Cowboy Country Singer Doug Briney is Today’s Honoree

Doug Briney is a talented country singer, father and Cowboy.  When you think of cowboys and country music, the cold climate and frozen tundra of Alaska might just be the last place on earth that you would think of. But, the northern-most state in America is right where up-and-coming country artist, Doug Briney’s career is heating up. With two nominations in the 2013 Independent Country Music Association Awards, seven months on the Roots Music Report charts, as well as appearances at Rodeo Alaska and the Alaska State Fair, this God-fearing road warrior with the warm baritone voice and love for all things southern, might just be the original Alaskan Cowboy.

With the March 2012 release of his debut CD, “It’s All Country,” Doug is showcasing his signature sound, which he cultivated from years of touring camps, churches and conferences across the US. “We even played in an airport once, to impress a pretty girl for one of the band members,” he says with a laugh. Blending traditional influences from country music’s past, like Lee Greenwood, Gatlin Brothers and Kenny Rogers, with modern contemporaries like Toby Keith and Trace Adkins, Doug has created an original, honest and authentic sound that is all his own. “It’s All Country” is a timeless collection of well-known country classics from recent memory (“Bleed Red”, “Voices”, ”Ol’ Red”) alongside heart-warming and inspiring new tracks, such as the title track and also, first single, “More Than Just a Farm.”

“When I was selecting songs for this project, I must have listened to hundreds, looking for just the right ones. I wanted songs that, not only spoke to me on a personal level, but would also be very relatable to country music fans everywhere,” says Doug. With his first single, he did just that. “More Than Just a Farm” topped 2 indie charts (CMG, OnlyLyrics,) receiving international airplay. A music video for the track also debuted at #1 on the OnlyLyrics.com Music Video chart, where it remained for over a month. The video was also added to the playlist of Country Music Channel (CMCTV,) a popular internet video channel, as well as SCMTV and TVPBN, two other video outlets.

In May, Doug made his television commercial debut, playing a dynamite fishing hillbilly, in a spot for Alaska’s KTUU TV, to promote their fishing report. In late July, Doug embarked on his “Let’s Get Ridin’ Motorcycle Tour” that took him from his home in Alaska to Yorba Linda, California. This ride coincided with the official release of his second single, the Kelley-penned, country music anthem, “It’s All Country.” The single hit #5 CMG, #18 Independent Music Network, #6 Roots Report and it reached #1 Only Lyrics. It received worldwide airplay, earning Doug the #1 spot on the CMG Radio Network International Artist Top 200 chart.

In October, Doug signed a digital distribution deal with CBM Records, who re-released Doug’s album in January 2013. It reached #11 on the itunes Country New Release chart. Doug’s third single, “Déjà vu All Over Again” is currently #21 IMN. In February 2013, Doug signed a recording contract with Tate Music Group, home to country legends like Lee Greenwood and Neal McCoy. They will record and release Doug’s sophomore album, scheduled for spring of 2013. While recording in the studio is a labor of love for Doug, performing live on stage is his true passion. He has been a finalist for two year running in the KBear Radio “Country Idol” in Anchorage, Alaska.

Through his associations, he also met and performed live with Kelly Clarkson, before her big American Idol win. Doug has been featured on MusicRow.com, New Music Weekly, Music News Nashville, Today’s Country Magazine, Americana Gazette, The Jiggy Jaguar show and the Southern Star Network, among others. Recent performances at Rodeo Alaska, the Alaskan Veterans Memorial and The Anchorage Markets have earned Doug a reputation for giving fans an unforgettable performance every time. In March 2013, Doug sang the National Anthem for the start of Alaska’s biggest event, The Iditarod. Next stop for Doug: Nashville. “I like to tell people that I’ve sung at the Grand Ol’ Opry. Of course, it was in the parking lot..but some day!” It’s this sunny disposition and witty sense of humor that is making country music fans sit up and take notice of this cowboy as one of the “good guys in white.”

Living up to that reputation can be a difficult task for any artist, but for Doug, it is second nature. Grateful for being able to live his dream of performing and recording music, he has gladly given back to his community in a big way. He is involved with charities like the Wounded Warrior Project, Support Our Troops, and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, as well as being a pastor at the Cowboy Church of Anchorage. In fact, it’s his unwavering faith that keeps him grounded along his musical journey.

Still think a country singer can’t come from Alaska? Just ask this Alaskan Cowboy: “I have come to know and love the Cowboy Lifestyle through country music…And, it is who I am now, who I have been, and who I will always be.”

Visit Doug Briney for more information.