Chris LeBlanc: Heartfelt Grit from the Calgary Country Scene
- Samuel Hope
- Apr 13
- 3 min read
Written By: Samuel Hope, Mya Saroj
Edited: Mya Saroj
Chris LeBlanc isn’t your average country artist—he’s a storyteller, a family man, and a true performer with roots that run deep. Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, Chris got his start in music the old-fashioned way: jamming alongside his dad, who played bass in bands on the East Coast. While Chris initially leaned into rock—think Motley Crüe and Judas Priest on family road trips—it was country music that ultimately claimed his heart. Though his soul may scream rock, his voice speaks country. “I’ve always had more of a country voice than a rock one,” Chris shared in a recent interview. “And once I got into real songwriting, that’s when country really took over for me.”
Here’s the scoop:
• Chris has released two full country albums: Too Much Nothin’ (2007) and Two Hearts & Four Wheels (2012), both showcasing his ability to weave raw emotions into timeless melodies.
• While he’s flirted with rock through cover band performances, he’s yet to release a full rock album—but never say never.
• His live shows are electric. Whether he’s flashing a quick grin at the camera, commanding the stage, or engaging with a rowdy crowd, Chris knows how to create a moment.
What sets Chris apart is the emotional weight of his lyrics. From heartbreak to healing, his music often draws from personal experiences—especially love. “My wife is a huge inspiration,” he said. “Whether we’re having a good day or a bad one, she finds her way into the songs.” One of his favourite self-written tracks, Set My Heart on Fire, was born during a transitional period in his life—new city, new love, new beginnings. “I was sitting in an empty apartment in Nashville, just me and a notebook,” he recalls. “It came together so naturally—it felt like it was meant to be.”
Chris’s writing process is unique. He starts with the chorus, builds a melody, then works backwards into the verses. “The verses are always the hardest part,” he admits. “The chorus comes easier, but it’s the verses that bring it all home.” He jots down ideas on scraps of paper, his phone, whatever’s nearby when inspiration strikes. “But if you don’t finish it while you’re in the moment, that magic kind of fades.” He’s also no stranger to collaboration, having worked with established writers like Steve Fox. “When it clicks, it’s like finishing each other’s sentences,” he says. “But not every session leads to gold. Some days the vibe just isn’t there, and that’s okay too.”
For aspiring artists, Chris keeps it real. “Don’t fall for the get-rich-quick stuff. There’s no shortcut in this business. No way around the 10,000 hours.” He’s open about the financial ups and downs, especially now with a wife and two kids. “You’ve got to be smart—protect your time and your money.”
Still, nothing compares to seeing a crowd light up to your own lyrics. “When people dance to my song like it’s a Keith Urban track, that’s everything,” he says. “It means it is connected. It mattered.”
Looking ahead, 2025 is shaping up to be a big one. Chris is heading back into the studio to record new music—possibly a new album or EP—and is branching out into the corporate events scene. He’s keeping the details close to the chest, but trust, something special is on the way.
And if you’re just discovering Chris LeBlanc? Now’s the perfect time to hop on board.
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