Chris Coady

Chris Coady is an Americana/Folk Rock musician and performing songwriter from the Western slope of the Colorado Rocky Mountains.

THE HEALING POWER OF MUSIC - A good song can reach right in past all the walls and barriers we tend to put up and speak directly to the heart. A good song lets you know you are not alone. Music has a way of bringing people together and can strengthen community. We are all connected. A good song can be cathartic, transformative, inspiring. This is Colorado Americana/Folk Singer Songwriter and Performing Artist Chris Coady. 

SOUND - With layers of rich acoustic instrumentation and thought-provoking poignant lyricism Chris's Americana Folk and at times Rocking sound finds its way into the hearts of listeners through truth and honesty. Contemplative, humorous, reverent and searching Chris Coady's brand of original Americana has been capturing listeners' appreciation for the better part of 30 years.

EARLY YEARS - Originally from Scottsdale Arizona Chris grew up in an artistic and musical family. With a grand piano in the house Chris learned basics on the keys before turning to the guitar. His early years were shaped by popular rock and folk music of the 1970's and 1980's. 

FORMATIVE - After moving to Gunnison Colorado in 1995 and continuing a career in the culinary arts as a pastry chef and restaurateur Chris spent a number of years performing at open mic nights, bars and other small venues. During this time, he was also honing his skills in the art and craft of songwriting.  Writing and performing original songs has always been at the heart of what he does. In 2005 Chris visited Howlin' Dog Studios in Alamosa Colorado with a handful of original tunes. Friend and fellow songwriter Evelyn Roper recommended Chris team up with Don Richmond at Howlin' Dog to produce Chris' debut album Where You Find It, which would become the first of many projects of Chris' to be produced, engineered and performed on by Don Richmond. Completed in 2008 Where You Find It was released at the Gunnison Arts Center in Gunnison Colorado. Joining Chris on-stage for the event were fellow Gunnison area musicians: Evelyn Roper on harmony vocals, Kevin Walter on guitar and vocals, Brian Camp on the upright bass, Andy Keck on mandolin and Mark Fonken on the fiddle.

18 MILE RADIUS BAND - In the weeks following the release of Where You Find It Chris continued getting together with Brian Camp and Mark Fonken for picking session. After a few sessions and with the addition of flat-picker and singer Navid Navidi the band 18 Mile Radius was born (all four members lived within an 18 mile radius of Main St. Gunnison Colorado). With Chris Coady on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Navid Navidi on lead guitar and backup vocals, Mark Fonken on fiddle and mandolin, and Brian Camp on upright bass 18 Mile Radius went on to play hundreds of shows (including being the show opener for the Bellamy Brothers) in various venues from 2008 through 2015 with their brand of original rooted folk/bluegrass.

9 MILE - In 2015 with Mark Fonken and Navid Navidi moving into different projects 18 Mile Radius changed course. After a shared performance with the band Miilk (Main Intent Live Like Kings) at the I Bar Ranch guitarist Kevin Doherty joined Chris and Brian on electric guitar and additional vocals. Friend and drummer Jack Lucido was recruited to round out the sound; still original yet decidedly more country/rock. Drawing on Chris' original songwriting and vocals, Kevin's creative and dynamic lead guitar work and harmony vocals, Brian's solid yet fluid bass lines and Jack's compelling beats and rhythms the band 9 Mile was born. 9 Mile enjoyed moderate local and regional success performing at small festivals and opening for bands such as Asleep at the Wheel and Firefall.

SONGWRITING - Chris’ songwriting is inspired by friends, community and the natural environment with a sense of place in Colorado and the Southwest. He is known for the quality of his lyricism and for his community involvement. His songwriting has been shaped by a search for balance and purpose in life, as well as challenges in maintaining positive mental health. Sometimes the best songs come to light out of the darkest of places. Chris' song Here for Good, written for the Community Foundation of the Gunnison Valley, has become somewhat of an anthem as a testament to the power of community with its theme of "community, commitment and giving back". Mostly a solo writer Chris has also had several notable co-writers including hit songwriter and Nashville BMI Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Dean Dillon. Dean had been given one of Chris' CD's and after listening Dean reached out to Chris with an invitation to join Nashville BMI's sponsored event the Crested Butte Songwriter Festival (later known as Mountain High Music Festival). Chris and Dean wrote “Why Not Try Me” together. Chris was recognized by the Nashville Songwriters Association International as “One to Watch” for his songs “For Crying Out Loud” and “Here for Good”. Other co-writers include Kevin Walter “Tomorrow’s Got Nothin’ on Me” and Missy Chamberland “Dancing on Uneven Ground”. Chris also leads songwriting workshops.

IF DOWN WAS UP - Teaming up with wife Briony Coady, and inspired by his son Asher Coady, Chris produced an album in the Children's genre of music. With a playful mix of Chris' original songs and spoken word "If Down Was Up" features Briony reciting the poetry of A.A. Milne (copyright permission granted by The Trustees of Pooh, Haymarket London), Don Richmond with musical and vocal accompaniment, and the artwork of Idaho artist Teresa Pfaff.

RECORDING ARTIST - Chris has released several albums: Where You Find It (2008), From Down Here (2011), If Down Was Up (2012), and It’s About Time (2015) produced and engineered by Don Richmond at Howlin’ Dog Studios. His songs have had countless streams and downloads globally on itunes, iheart radio, spotify and other streaming platforms.

PERFORMING ARTIST - In the bands 18 Mile Radius and 9Mile Chris has been the opening act for Asleep at the Wheel, the Bellamy Brothers and Firefall. He was a featured performer at BMI Nashville's Mountain High Music Festival and has performed at festivals including Lake City Uncorked Wine & Music Festival and Fibark Festival Salida. Chris was a featured performer at BMI’s 2013 Crested Butte Songwriter Festival sharing the bill with Robert Earl Keen, Dean Dillon, Paul Overstreet, Even Stevens, and others. Chris currently performs solo and in Quarter Mile Mule - an acoustic duo with Kevin Doherty. He is also a member of the Jimmy Buffet cover band Alan Ray and the Coconut Telegraph, as well as a DJ host of the weekly KBUT Community Radio program Song in the Walls. In addition to his passion for songwriting and creating music Chris is a culinarian (he was a pastry chef and bakery owner for many years) and works as a ski instructor in the winter months and a whitewater raft guide in the summertime. 

 WORKSHOPS - Chris hosts songwriting workshops and has attended workshops with Tim O'Brien, Darrell Scott, John Fullbright, Sarah Jarosz and others.

CURRENTLY - Chris is currently focused on performing small theaters and house concerts presenting his brand of original acoustic Americana. Also, plans are under way to re-visit the recording studio for production of a new album. Stay tuned for more info!