Country singer Chris Cagle to make tour stop at Historic Lobo Theater
Jan. 11—The music business isn't an easy one to navigate — just ask Chris Cagle.
The country singer was originally singed to a publishing deal in the early 2000s before becoming an artist on his own.
He's toured and found success.
After retiring from performing in 2015, he's worked on himself and is ready to hit the road.
His tour makes a stop in Albuquerque at the Historic Lobo Theater on Friday, Jan. 20.
"The fact that I get to show up at places and come together to celebrate music, it's as humbling as its ever been," Cagle says. "It's kind of overwhelming. It's the only time that my kids think that I'm cool."
Cagle began writing songs for David Kersh in the late '90s.
By 2000, he was signed to Virgin Records Nashville and released his debut single, "My Love Goes On and On" from his debut album, "Play It Loud."
The album sold more than 500,000 units, being certified gold. It also spawned two more hits — "Laredo" and "I Breathe In, I Breathe Out." The latter became his first and only No. 1 song.
His self-titled album was released in 2002 and has the songs, "What a Beautiful Day" and "Chicks Dig It." That album also went gold.
In between his first and second album, Cagle moved record labels and quickly became burnt out by the business. This is what led to his retirement from music in 2015.
It wasn't until a few years ago that his family gave him the push to get back on stage.
"I was in the office and I was writing new stuff," he says. "I was singing more and more every day. When I retired I put the guitar up for a long time. I hated the industry. My kids sat me down and my wife was there too. They told me that they hear me writing music and that I should take a shot at it again. It's only been a year."
Cagle is currently writing new material for an upcoming album, hopefully due out this year.
Getting back on stage, Cagle finds himself making introductions to many performances.
"Half the crowd has never seen me before," he says. "I have an opportunity to make new fans each night. All I can do is show up and give it all I got. I'm always going to put on the best show I possibly can. We've been touring for a year and I feel like we have it down to a very tight show."
Cagle has also found freedom in making music for himself as he is now an independent artist.
"I don't need a record label telling me what to do," he says. "I'm in a different place in my life. I've struggled and made it through the other end. I've found out who I am and where I'm supposed to be. This is my life, and it's OK. I'm focused on being well and being present for my kids and wife. That's the reason I'm having fun on the road. I'm well and that means the world to me."
Chris Cagle
With Sarah Rowe
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20
WHERE: Historic Lobo Theater, 3013 Central Ave. NE
HOW MUCH: $50.79 general admission, $56.09 pit ticket and $93.19 VIP and signed poster, plus fees, at holdmyticket.com
