CAROLINA IGNITION
Carolina Ignition was founded in February 2017 by Singer/Songwriter Wesley Bryan. Since then, the band has grew a significant amount in followers, fans and recognition. In example, they received the Best Local Band (Greensboro-Rockingham Now) Award in 2019. They were also nominated for Entertainer of the Year and Vocal Group of the Year for the Carolina Country Music Association. They have logged thousands of miles, hundreds of shows, and even has been an opening act for national acts such as: Cowboy Troy and Josh Phillips, who co-wrote “Can I Get An Outlaw” by Luke Combs. Carolina Ignition performs every weekend and rarely has a weekend off and they are committed to the music. Most importantly, their fans are everything to them.
Carolina Ignition’s roster is full of seasoned musicians who have lots of experience and have mastered the craft. It is rare to go to a Carolina Ignition show and not saying “wow” after experiencing the entire show.
Wesley Bryan, age 23 has a history in performing, actually starting at age 8, performing in church and on the road with a gospel band until age 16, taking some time away from the road and focusing on High School, he was voted President of the Music Honor Society and won the John Phillips Sousa Award for Musical Excellence. After completing community college, he became an Electrician and stayed local to his hometown. A few years into his trade, he risked it all and went to Nashville, TN to audition on NBC’s The Voice, despite not making it to finals, he decided no matter what he did, that music was where he wanted to be. That’s when he decided to start the band Carolina Ignition.
Wesley met Jacob Newell, age 23 and Jesse Hodges age 23 back in High School, despite them being from separate schools. They met through local talent shows and Wesley saw potential and invited them to the first rehearsal as a group. They did not disappoint, they are very talented and driven by the music and have mastered their instruments. After continuous tryouts for bass guitar and drums, they ended up with Brian Kidd, age 48 and Richard Thacker, age 41. They each have played in successful local bands. Brian also played on the road with a touring Gospel Group. Today, this lineup is the dream team and what makes the entire foundation of Carolina Ignition. Every member is highly-energetic and self-driven to go the distance.
Today, Carolina Ignition has released 3 singles “Countrified Soul”, “Crank Up..Live It Up” and their most recent “The One That Made You Pray”. They are currently unsigned to a label, but continue releasing their music for the fans that love it. Their music can be found on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music and many many more streaming services.
Even with Carolina Ignition touring every weekend, they still make time to get in the studio and rehearse at least 2 times a week to always make sure the music stays tight and constantly changing the show to keep audiences engaged. Carolina Ignition plans to release an Album in the upcoming season which will include songs such as “Not Your Average Bar Band”,
“The One That Made You Pray”, “Crank Up, Drink Up, Live It Up” and many more.
