Chris Pryor
- Caitlen Odell
- Oct 13
- 5 min read
Local musician Chris Pryor is a true musician at heart. It’s clear that music is his passion and what keeps him up at night. From childhood experiences to fronting full-blown local bands, Chris keeps pushing forward, always ready for the next opportunity to dip his toe into new musical waters. We got to chat with Chris about his journey as a musician and what’s ahead, including the release of his new single, “Let The Moonshine,” next month.
Caitlen: Tell us about your journey as a musician, what were some pivotal moments or influences that shaped your path?
Chris: My music journey started young. My parents were into 80s rock, so some of my earliest memories are riding in the car singing along to Van Halen and Def Leppard. At 9, I joined the school band on trumpet, and by high school I was leading a small jazz group. My junior year, I got to put together a setlist and direct about 10 musicians for a regional competition in North Louisiana. We ended up winning first place and a $5,000 grant for the school, which was my first taste of leading a band. I stuck with trumpet through graduation and was honored with the John Philip Sousa award.
I didn’t even know I could sing until I was 18, when someone signed me up for karaoke without telling me. I got on stage and sang Tim McGraw’s It’s Your Love, and the crowd went wild. From that moment, I was hooked. I started with country because of my accent at the time, and over the years expanded into the rock songs I grew up on.
In 2006, I had the opportunity to open a major show in Shreveport with Earl Thomas Conley, Doug Stone, and John Michael Montgomery. Even though the label behind it folded shortly after, that moment had a huge impact on me. It lit the fire to keep chasing this dream and planted the seed of becoming a full-time musician one day.
Caitlen: How did your early music journey impact your performances today?
Chris: I fall back on so much that I learned from playing trumpet for eight years. I can both read music and play by ear. In fact, for the first three years in band I was playing everything by ear before anyone even realized I couldn’t sight-read. Those skills have carried over into everything I do now.
When I picked up harmonica a couple of years ago, it felt natural, I think playing brass prepared me for it. The bending of notes and phrasing on harp is very similar to trumpet, and it clicked right away. Then last October, when we needed keys in the band, I decided to give it a shot. Because I could read music, I was able to learn six out of nine key-heavy songs in our setlist within just two weeks, right before our next shows.
Looking back, I wish I’d started keys sooner. With an old hand injury limiting me to rhythm guitar, piano has opened up a whole new lane for me musically. Every new instrument adds another layer to my performances today, and it all traces back to those early years with the trumpet…who knows maybe I’ll have a horn on stage soon.
Caitlen: When was the moment you knew music was your career?
Chris: I can’t say there was one single moment when I knew music was my career, it’s just always been part of me. I haven’t made the full transition to a full-time musician yet; my day job as an electrician pays the bills. But music has been wrapped around my soul for as long as I can remember.
Even after working all day, I’ll spend hours every night on music, practicing three instruments, preparing for shows, learning new songs, and handling the business side of the band. Recently, Kenny and I dove headfirst into writing and composing originals, which has added a whole new dimension to the grind.
For me, there’s a drive that can’t be turned off. I’ve been a musician longer than I’ve been anything else, and I’ll keep going until I make it or I die. It’s not even a choice at this point, it’s who I am.
Caitlen: Tell us how The Main Event band was formed and what it means to you?
Chris: Before The Main Event, I was singing around the area with a small three-piece called Lil Whiskey Band. We actually got our start during COVID, playing the Mexican restaurant scene. After three years, I knew I wanted more, a bigger sound, a bigger vision. So in May of 2022, I gave myself six months to put together a full band. I started hunting down players, rehearsing, and building the best lineup I could.
In October 2022, Lil Whiskey’s guitarist, Poppy Sullivan, fell ill, and The Main Event had to step in to cover those shows. From there, it just took off. In our first year, we played 47 shows, and from the start I knew this was the kind of band I needed if I was ever going to take things to the next level.
Like any new band, we had some lineup changes early on, but I kept the gigs coming and kept building until we had the right team. Now, with the lineup solid for over a year, the chemistry is better than ever. What makes The Main Event special is the underdog spirit we all share and now with us writing and releasing music for myself and Amber the creativity is really starting to flow. Everyone believes in each other and admires each other’s talent. It’s not just a band, it’s an inner circle, a family, and together we’re clawing our way toward something bigger.
Caitlen: What’s the most memorable crowd reaction you’ve ever had?
Chris: That would have to be a mashup we called ‘Simple Bird’ on the setlist. Back when we had two guitarists, Mike and Kenny, Mike was absolutely deadly at the Free Bird solo. A friend showed me how that solo could fit perfectly at the end of Simple Man if you modulate from A down to G on just the right note.
The first time we played it we pulled it off, the crowd never saw it coming. When the solo hit and we finished, the room exploded. You would’ve thought we were in an arena, the crowd was louder than the last note of the song. It became such a powerful moment that we started closing every show with it. That reaction is something I’ll never forget.
Caitlen: Tell us about your upcoming single release in November!
Chris: On November 21st, we’re releasing our new single Let The Moonshine. For me, this song is more than just music, it’s a statement. It’s southern rock grit, blues soul, and the sound of a band that refuses to be overlooked.
From the opening slide riff to Amber’s soaring howl at the end, every moment in this track tells our story. We’ve put everything we have into this one, and I believe it’s the kind of song that shows people what we have to offer. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.
Chris’s story is one of grit, passion, and determination. It’s a reminder to keep chasing your dreams, no matter what it takes, and to adapt to new challenges along the way.
You can catch The Main Event this Friday October 17th, 2025 at Fred's on The River at 9pm. Plus, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/cpthemainevent1 to stay updated on Chris's latest shows and music.
Written by Caitlen Odell
Founder & Owner, Red Stick Music
Caitlen curates the Red Stick Music live music calendar with a focus on excellence, integrity, and community building. She’s passionate about supporting local artists and strengthening Baton Rouge through music.
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