MUSIC
LOCAL FLAVOR: ROSS GRISHAM BAND BY BRITTNEY COURTEAUX
R
oss Grisham may have been born a state away from swamp pop’s origins in the Acadiana region of Louisiana but the Kiln, Mississippi native is steadily forming his niche in the place where it all began. Ross was introduced to the music industry at a young age through family members and musicians in his hometown. He says he had a moment of self-realization that music might be his thing when he recognized that he “was always making noise somehow and there were always instruments around.” He picked up his first instrument, the guitar, in seventh grade and by the age of 15, he began playing in public. Today, most of his gigs are as the Ross Grisham Band. In addition to Ross, who is the lead vocalist, keyboard and guitar player, there’s also drummer Brent Blanchard, bass guitarist Rick McGill and lead guitarist Wade Pavolini. There’s always influences that lead an artist to explore their niche’ within the music industry. For Ross, the inspiration is widespread. “I went through a lot of different phases with what kind of music I listened to growing up,” he explains. “Southern Rock from the seventies and eighties, John Mayer, blues, funk, traditional country and lots of others. It’s hard to pinpoint any one main influence. I listen to and love all kinds of music. But swamp pop and country were the two genres that bands played around my area so naturally I took to that.” As far as singing goes, Ross found his voice completely out of necessity. When he began playing with friends at the outset, no one else wanted to sing, so Ross stepped up, putting together his two talents to establish a lot of what
4 JUNE 2016
Catch The Ross Grisham Band
this month at the 43rd annual Bon Mangé Festival June 3rd in Gheens and at the Louisiana Catfish Festival June 17 in Des Allemands.
you see on stage today. Because his music is a modern-day take on one of the oldest genres to come from the state, it’s no wonder Ross and the band have developed a loyal following in Bayou Country. Though a state away, it didn’t take long for Louisiana artists to take notice, encouraging him to make the leap. “Of course everyone loves swamp pop in Louisiana. I gained a good following in Mississippi starting out and started getting noticed by some more wellknown musicians that play in Louisiana like Ryan Foret and Junior Lacrosse and they helped me get into some bars and festivals in Louisiana because they knew the people would love my music.” And it doesn’t stop at live shows. The Ross Grisham Band also gets air
time on “The Swamp Pop and French Morning Show with Bobby Richard,” something that Ross says has helped them gain a greater following of fans in the area. Though his roots might be in Kiln, south Louisiana has become an equally special place for the musician. The hospitality and the good natured crowds at each show make for what he describes as one-of-a-kind experiences and something any artist hopes for. “People in Louisiana are just always ready for a good time,” he says. “They don’t leave the dance floor. They’re the nicest people you’ll ever meet and will give you the shirt off their backs. They truly have a deep love and appreciation for good music. You don’t see that anywhere else.”
•