I was born on February 23, 1980 in Walton, NY, and grew up in Upstate New York. High school was classes and sports. Football, baseball, and basketball took up any free time i had. It was a small school where everybody knew everybody. It was there i realized i loved performing. School plays and a music teacher who made me love everything about it. Mrs.Turner made me sing and more importantly, made me love to. There is something i cant explain or put in words about playing a show, its a pure high. I always wanted to play guitar but never really had the time.
Senior year i broke my leg and had nothing but time. One of my old science teachers, (Henry Nyberg), taught me "Stairway" and some chord progressions after school. I would head home and prop my leg up and play lying down for hours. It said a lot that i could spend that much time doing one thing, i didnt stick to much besides sports. I started writing tunes and played my first origional song at high school graduation on a guitar my mom gave me as a graduation present. Two years later I assembled "The Blue Phoenix Band" while attending Siena College, in Loudonville, NY. Playing a mix of original songs and covers, we quickly developed a reputation and earned opening slots for The Pat McGee Band, Leif Garrett and The Tripping Billies. This taste of success only whet our appetite and led to my commitment to make music my life's pursuit. Its what im meant to do, and its the love of music that makes it easy to deal with the harder times.
In November of 2001, I was discovered by Tyler Lee after a show at CBGB's. Shortly thereafter, Deerslayer Productions was formed to create a demo introducing me, Chad Russell Burtch to the world. A studio collaboration between myself and producer Patrick Ermlich showcased my own material. This was the time when i dedided i didnt want to play cover tunes much longer. Dont get me wrong, the shows and memories so far i wouldnt change for the world. I have been truly blessed with great fans, great venues, and the chance to do something i truly love for a living. With over 700 live shows played, armed with a sharply skilled production team and evergrowing demo, i feel confident and excited for the jump to the next level!
