I won the Favorite Country Artist category at the 2025 Listen Up Awards show last night at the incredible The Cohoes Music Hall. This truly “Ain’t the Life” I thought I’d be living.

First and foremost, from the bottom of my heart, I thank you! Every one of you that took the time to find that ballot, scan through it, make selections, and submit, whether you did it once, or voted as many times as you possibly could, I thank you, regardless of who you voted for, because every nominee has worked hard, poured their heart and soul into their art, and deserved to win.

For all of you that did so enough that saw me voted as your favorite country artist, I don’t know how to explain the overwhelming shock, then gratitude that coursed through me in the moments after hearing my name. To even be listed among such talent such as Kristian Montgomery, Tame the Rooster, and Whiskey Highway was an honor I never in my wildest dreams thought I would have. I was ready to celebrate my friends win last night, and experienced them celebrating mine.  An indescribable feeling!

To say I'm humbled and grateful is an extreme understatement!

So I will thank you the best way I can, by continuing to write music, and now, getting out there with my band, Chris Sanders and The Better Days, who continuously stun me with the pure creativity and artistry that keeps bringing the songs I write to life. I’m so in awe of Brian, Eric, and Blake, and appreciate the life that they bring to my…now our music!

I appreciate those who let me know my acceptance speech wasn’t a flop, because my mind went blank up there!  It’s scary up there talking!  Give me a guitar and a song to sing over that any time!  Me!  Giving an acceptance speech for an award?  Again…this “Ain’t the Life”!

Then there are those who have lifted me up on this journey. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am, I wouldn’t be the musician I have become, I wouldn’t have quit drinking, I wouldn’t be the father I need to be, or the man with the potential to accomplish all this.

First, I need to recognize my son, Austin. He quite literally saved my life on the night of January 12, 2019. That night, I believe I was going to find out just how far down rock bottom is. The depth you don’t climb back out of. His picture unexpectedly showed up on my phone, and at that moment, I made my choice. I haven’t had a drink since that night. I wrote the song “For My Boy” for him. Love you buddy. You’re my treasure.

Next, my girlfriend Jessica. I met her in March 2019. She is a rare soul, beautiful inside and out, and I’ve grown to love her deeply. Her love and support got me through some of my worst times, and I can’t imagine my life without her. She is truly “My Heroine”.

Rob Ruark, the man who became a friend, and then brother. He was there for me every step of the way. Thanks to him, on one particularly rough night, I found myself at his home, eating a bowl of chili, instead of doing what I intended…which would have been stupid. Galactically stupid! He, as the front man of Whiskey Highway at the time, invited me to open for them, which was my very first real gig! He also took me to record “Ain’t The Life” in Nashville, and plays the lead guitar and background vocals on the track. I couldn’t imagine that song any other way! Love you brother!

Heather Fazio, Chris Diamantatos, and Kari Berman, for being a part of finding me a safe place to live when everything was upside down, sideways, and turned inside out. You all saw me at my darkest, were always there to listen, support, and never complained when I was playing my music. I wrote “Ain’t the Life” in that house. I’m forever grateful! Love you all!

Brian Kane was the host of my first open mic. I had no idea the expectation was 3 songs. I rolled in there with my one song and a case of the nerves that had me shaking even before I walked in the door! I played my song, and when he asked what was next, I said that’s all I know!  He said, “Well, play it again!”  So I did, and a couple got up and danced, and I was hooked!

Adam Reider, I’ll never get tired of telling that story! I’m still no Freddy Mercury, but I am a musician, and your words are a huge part of that. They gave me the confidence to add “going to an open mic” to my list of things to do in 2018!

Jason and Jody Brenenstuhl, thank you for your unwavering support of local music, and the Rustic Barn Open Mic, which welcomed me with open arms from day one, and kept me coming back. I am so honored that you have me back to play full gigs, and can’t wait to bring The Better Days with me for a full night of playing music!

Bob Ogden and Mike Sofer, my wingmen. Bob was there for that first open mic, and made sure that there was video of it, thanks! These guys were my friends before the music happened, and I appreciate them so much!

Whiskey Highway and Skeeter Creek, for showing me how it’s done, your friendship, and entrusting your stage and fans to me when you invite me to open. I have always been, and continue to be, extremely honored by that trust.

To my new band mates, Brian Clayton, Eric Roberts, and Blake Marion. The right people, in the right place, at the right time. I would have never been able to predict this lineup, yet it feels so right! The goal is to earn a spot on the SPAC stage. I think we can do it!  Keep an eye out on Chris Sanders and The Better Days. We’ll be recording an album this year!

To all my musician friends and family, too many to continue to list individually, know that I recognize you, appreciate you, and thoroughly enjoy watching you perform.

Congrats to all the other nominees and winners last night! I love this community we have, and I will make every effort to go out and support as many of you as I can, in between family and my own music schedule!

Thank you so much RadioRadioX, Mirth Films, New Scotland Spirits, and the rest of the sponsors. Thank you Cohoes Music Hall for your generosity!

Again, thank you!