Thank you so much for chatting with us! For newer fans, how did your passion for music and career come about? Travelling up and down the road to rodeos with my dad, I spent a lot of time listening to songs on the radio. As I got older, I began to appreciate the stories in the songs the artists would sing, mainly because I was living the songs out in real time. Growing up with a rodeo and ranching background informs my authentic country sound as I’m able to relate to the kind of songs that I sing today.
What song that you have recorded means the most to you and why? The title track on my new record “Lucky Him” means the most to me lyrically. I love the story and emotion behind the song. I recorded and released the song around the same time I was still living the story of the song myself. That’s what I love the most about country music – if I’ve gone through it, then you probably have too. You’ve played on a lot of stages with a lot of big artists, is there anyone you been star struck by? Recently, my band and I shared the stage with one of my 1990’s country music idols, Tracy Byrd. Not only was Tracy a great performer to hear and watch perform, but he was also one of the most genuine and humble guys I’ve ever met. He’s definitely one I still look up to in this business. Where did you grow up and how has that influenced your style of music? I was born and raised on a West Texas ranch outside of San Angelo, Texas. Not only did this help me to be a part of and respect the cowboy way of life, but it also helped to influence the Western sound and subject material in the songs that I sing. Who have been some of your biggest musical influences growing up and do the same artists currently continue to influence you now? Growing up as a 1990’s baby, artists like George Strait, Brooks & Dunn, Tracy Byrd, Faith Hill, Garth Brooks, Daryle Singletary and so many more helped to influence my passion for neo-traditional country music. Even present-day artists like Jon Pardi and Cody Johnson continue to show me that there are still artists out there making the kind of country music that I love to listen to and play for audiences.
What’s on your pizza? Do you fold your pizza or eat it straight on? Ranch or no ranch? I’m an “eat it straight on, no ranch, thin crust, pepperoni, jalapeno, and extra pineapple” kind of guy. Pineapples absolutely belong on pizza. If I was a bartender, what would you order? An Old Fashioned with Pendleton Whisky.
Have you ever eaten two meals at the same restaurant in the same day? Absolutely. I would eat at Mamacita’s Restaurant in Texas 4 times a day if I could. Where do you shop and name three items that are always in your grocery cart. H-E-B, it’s a Texas thing. I always have to buy a bag of dried cinnamon apple slices, a 12-pack of Coca-Cola Zero, and a bag of Baked Lays.
Finally, if you could be sponsored by one food/drink brand who would it be and why? Pendleton Whisky, because not only are they one of the best tasting brands in their market, but they also strive to support and preserve the Western/Cowboy way of life – which has always been something I’m proud to be a part of.
Website: casehardintexas.com
Facebook: facebook.com/CaseHardinMusic
Instagram: @case_hardin
Twitter: @case_hardin
About Case Hardin
Case Hardin, a native of San Angelo, Texas, grew up with a ranching and rodeo background and quite naturally developed a love for traditional/neo-traditional country music. Beginning his music career his senior year of high school in 2013, he never looked back since his American Idol debut that same year.
Throughout his career, Case has won various awards and competitions, including accolades from the West Texas Songwriter’s, Texas Country Music Awards (“New Male Vocalist”), State FFA, SXSW, and many others. He began playing with the likes of Jody Nix, Jake Hooker, Billy Mata, Floyd Domino, Dave Alexander, Asleep at the Wheel and even the Dallas/San Angelo symphonies. Since his radio and touring success, he has toured with Aaron Watson, Pat Green, Eli Young Band, Parker McCollum, Cody Johnson, Kyle Park, Randall King, Casey Donahew, Roger Creager, Mike Ryan, Josh Ward, Cory Morrow, Jason Boland, Radney Foster, Dwight Yoakum, Tracy Byrd, and other country legends. He’s also been fortunate to perform at many Texas rodeos, music festivals, and dance halls thanks to his sponsors Pendleton Whisky, Olathe Boots, Suggs Switch, Rafter C, and American Hats.
In 2016, Case released his debut album, Over Fort Worth, produced with members from George Strait’s, Aaron Watson’s and Kevin Fowler’s bands at Bismeaux Studios. His debut single, Sign of a Fool broke into the top 20 at #18 on the Texas Country Charts. His second radio single, Deep Blue Me, broke into the top 10, hitting #6 on the Texas Country Charts. Subsequent releases Old Stomping Grounds (#2) and Texas Rain (#2 song for all of 2018), have earned him consecutive top five Texas radio hits.
Hardin is currently in the midst of an extensive summer tour in support of the release of Lucky Him. You can find his tour dates here https://casehardintexas.com/tour/.