If you were to look for Tristen Smith at ten years old, you would find him hunched over a guitar outside the room where his dad and his bad jammed to country classics. He would sit hypnotized by the sound of their telecasters while enthusiastically pin-pointing every nuance of a riff, practicing until he had it perfected. Today Tristen continues along this path, always expanding upon his already impressive guitar prowess. Tristen artfully displays his own unique writing style that elegantly mixes his quintessential American image with classic rock and country in a way yet to be heard by the music industry. 
When listening to Tristen’s music, his diverse range of influences play a great role in giving him his own unique sound. Upon questioning his influences, Tristen confidently cited KISS, Dwight Yoakam, Aerosmith, and Buck Owens, creating a lively mix of country and rock. 
A local of the Upper Ohio River Valley, Tristen has played in many large venues such as Jamboree in the Hills and PNC Park, and he never fails to get the audience grooving along with his sundry and exciting performances. Along his early touring, Tristen attracted attention from already well known country stars such as Brad Paisley and Neal McCoy. When asked about Tristen, Paisley said, “I’m glad to be his friend and I’m really proud of what he’s doing.” The two continue to converse about their music today.
Tristen moved to Nashville in the summer of 2010 to attend Belmont University, and he quickly gained interest from artists and administrators alike. After winning the prestigious Country Showcase at Belmont, he attracted more attention from executives, and ultimately ended up working on a writing deal with a well known publishing company. As a full time student, Tristen showed grace in his balance of class work and writing by dividing his time among the two. 
Now a graduate of Belmont University, Tristen is fully invested in his work. Him and his band are scheduled to release his new EP in early October, then continue on to tour the Southeast US for a few dates. 
Today you will no longer find Tristen sitting outside strumming along, rather he rocks up on stage with people lined out the door to hear him.
 
For more information on Tristen:
www.facebook.com/tristensmithofficial
www.twitter.com/tristensmith_

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