Tampa Style Magazine June 2012

Page 74

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DON‘T MISS THE BEAT

Rising Country Music Star Jake Owen By: Megan Hyde Read more at: StyleToMe.com

> DON’T MISS THE BEAT

Josh Turner Album: Punching Bag

Maximo Park Album:The Natural Health

> In June, we pay thorough attention to all things men and celebrate intently here at Orlando Style. There is one thing to be said about male musicians especially; they sure know how to keep an audience’s attention! Since the days of Elvis being “too provocative” and getting censored from the waist down to the way Bon Jovi has consistently amped up crowds for a few generations, you just can’t help but appreciate the talent, the raw emotion, and yes of course the often good looks of these fellows. One gent in particular is steadily earning a solid name in the business and has all of the previously mentioned qualities to contribute. Rising country music star Jake Owen has a humble, charming, manly and rugged appeal. Whether he’s rocking out with his party anthem hits or causing a swooning effect with his love ballads, one thing is constant: people everywhere love this guy. Having been in the mainstream spotlight since around 2005, Jake is certainly a leader in generating amazing, catchy music. It’s absolutely safe to say this Florida native has arrived for the rest of the world to love.

to write his own music and from there a dream ignited. As time moved on, Jake realized he could dig this for a career. Pretty soon he was playing in local bars and relishing in the glory of crowds taking in his music. His journey started to become clear; just prior to graduating from college he headed to Nashville to take a chance.

Born in 1981 not far from The City Beautiful, Jake hails from sandy east coast town of Vero Beach. With a an early love for everything under the sun, water and sports, Jake and his fraternal twin brother kept themselves enjoying life one day at a time through a variety of activities centered on these interests. Come college time, the Owen brothers headed north to Florida State University. Although a part of the school’s golf team, with a desire to go professional in the sport, Jake’s intentions for it ended after injuring himself severely while wake boarding. Bummed out and looking for something to occupy time, Jake made a fateful move one day; he picked up a guitar, despite having one arm in a sling, and began strumming. He began

Three albums and numerous hit songs from each have all been a part of this entertainer’s journey so far. Having toured already with musical greats like Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney and Sugarland, Jake established himself quickly as his own person with unique lyrics and a velvety smooth voice. He’s earned and maintained an audience. Realizing he did not have it as rough as other artists starting out, Jake values his climb to the top as his own journey. He knows everyone’s story is their own. One moment solidifying his success was in 2009 when Jake took home the Male Vocalist of the Year award from the Academy of Country Music. A proud moment indeed, this truly signified achievement.

Knowing it could be a long haul but certainly a fun one at the least, Jake knew he was up for the challenge. Taking risks and pushing himself has been something he’s done most of his life. He knew if he kept working feverishly and with a purpose, he would have opportunities to succeed. As long as he remembered to cherish every part, good or bad, he could stand taller. Once Jake arrived in town though, it wasn’t long before he took off. Very briefly he was a shadow amongst well-established names in the business but within less than a year, Jake had his first successful hits, “Yee Haw” and “Startin’ with Me.” These songs provoked success and suddenly fans wanted to know more about the goodlooking, shaggy haired country crooner.

Get ready to fill those MP3 Players. Check out this list of albums to watch out for this month.

Maroon 5 Album: Overexposed

The Temper Trap Album: The Temper Trap

Usher Album: Looking for Myself

The Hives Album: Lex Hives


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