Brian Grilli

Brian Grilli's 2018 release Deep South Symphony explored themes tied to the region south of the Mason-Dixon line, yet this country-leaning singer and songwriter grew up in Lansing, Illinois. Even though his roots sit firmly in the Midwest, the state harbors its own contingent of rural traditionalists, placing Grilli close to that category. His music blends Southern rock with country-rock and Americana elements, echoing the style of the Black Crowes while fitting the tone of Sons of Anarchy, the motorcycle series that gave him his initial exposure in 2012. Persistent effort paid off when Deep South Symphony later appeared on Billboard's Country Album Sales chart.

Born in Lansing, Brian Grilli joined the United States Navy and served as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician through both Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. After finishing 16 years of duty, he turned to music as a full-time profession. Guitar had been part of his life since age eight and remained an outlet during his Navy years, but civilian life allowed him to commit entirely to a performing career.

Grilli first performed with the group Trailerhood before launching a solo career early in the 2010s. The track "Letters from an Outlaw" featured in the seventh season of Sons of Anarchy and also surfaced on his debut album Damn Good Day, issued by Rugby Records in 2013. His 2016 single "My Hometown" paid tribute to his Illinois origins and later appeared on Deep South Symphony, which Andy Andersson produced in Nashville for Spectra Music Group in 2018. The album climbed to number 18 on Billboard's Heatseekers chart and reached 25 on the Top Country Album Sales listing.