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Gone Country Chris McNeil was always fascinated with the guitar. He didn’t pick one up, though, until just a few years ago. After that, there was no stopping him. // B Y K A R I N FA B R Y- C U S H E N B E R Y
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Photo courtesy of Chris McNeil
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rowing up, Chris McNeil always had an ear for music. A self-proclaimed closet singer, he recalls first stepping foot on stage around his junior year of high school when he joined the church choir. “I would sing in the shower, in the car,” he says. “I finally just gave it a shot.” After graduating from North Marion High School, Chris went into the Navy. From there, his love for music grew. “After work one day I was visiting with friends just hanging out in a living room,” he says. “They were playing guitar, and I thought it was really cool.” Chris enlisted the help of a friend who showed him a few chords to get him going. Then, through friendly jam sessions and YouTube videos, Chris became more comfortable with the guitar. In time, his friends began urging him to get up on stage. “When I returned to Ocala from the Navy, I was working in construction,” says Chris. “I had a boss who was very supportive of my music, and he encouraged me to give it a try. He said I always had a job to come back to.” Now, he’s been performing in and around the Marion County area for three years, and music is his full-time career. You can find Chris at a variety of local hangouts, including Bank Street Patio Bar, Charlie Horse, Gator Joe’s and more. Performing an eclectic collection of his own country singles, which are available across a variety of platforms, plus country favorites, rock ‘n’ roll, blues and ‘90s R&B, Chris says he puts his all into each and every performance. “You never know who’s listening,” he says. “My goal is to reach the audience. I want you to feel what I’m singing and really enjoy the music.” When writing, Chris draws inspiration from all around him. Lyrics and melodies usually come to him when he’s riding in the car—music off. “I end up recording the ideas into my phone
so I can really listen to them later and see what I think,” he says. “I gain inspiration from everyone,” says Chris. “Watching other local artists, listening to the radio and seeing performances on television. Music is pretty inspiring no matter where you hear it.” Of course, he has some personal favorites, too, including Chris Stapleton, Otis Reading, Sam Cook, George Strait and Charlie Pride. Chris’ biggest musical moment to date came two years ago when he was invited to play at North Carolina State’s homecoming game. Shortly after that COVID hit and live music came to a screeching halt for a while. “COVID was both a blessing and a curse,” says Chris. “Before that I was always busy on the road. Having to stop traveling pushed me to get into the studio and allowed me to put my own songs out.” A few of those popular singles include “County
Line,” “Good Problems” and “When I Drink.” Also during COVID Chris connected with other local musicians to bring to life what he calls “COVID couch concerts.” “At first I didn’t want to do it because so many events and musicians were going virtual,” he says. “But we did one, and it was great. I started getting messages from people asking when we would be back on. It was a blessing to be able to help people laugh and relax, making the best of a time that was really trying for a lot of people. “Playing music and performing is like my own little therapy session,” adds Chris. “I love to see the audience members smiling, dancing and enjoying it. Once the show gets started, it’s like our own little getaway.” Chris McNeil // To hear Chris’ music, learn of show dates or contact him, visit chrismcneilmusic.com.