Chris Greiner, Class of 2024, never expected music to turn into a career. He started performing in high school and kept growing from there.
“My songs are meant to feel lived in. Real stories, real words, and honest music,” said Greiner. “The genre has a blend of country, gospel, folk, and southern rock under the name ‘Revival Rock.’”
During the songwriting process, Greiner says he and his band want to be honest yet relatable about things they are going through, such as relationships, family struggles, love, or loss. A huge goal early on was to play their first show, and now, his band has opened for Drake Bell and Jimmie Allen.
Greiner recently became a member of the Country Music Association (CMA), was featured on the CMA red carpet, and performed at the pre-party.
“This was the moment where I personally felt like the hobby turned into a career,” said Greiner. “Real recognition by the industry we are working in.”
The band’s first EP, “Numb to the Marrow,” was released in January, and they are working on a second EP to come out in early May. Greiner’s favorite song to perform live is an original song that is not out yet, titled “I Still Go.”
“It’s heavy, energetic, and usually the opening song to our set. I get to hit the stage heavy and show who I am from the first note,” he said.
Greiner plays all over the tristate as well as occasional shows across the country. Follow him on Instagram @chrisgreinermusic or on his website, www.justchrismusic.com, for show dates and new music.
Advice for the Class of 2026
As Truman High School’s Class of 2026 prepares to graduate, Greiner says students don’t need to have it all figured out.
“If you’ve got something pulling at you, go for it. Whether it’s music, a business idea, a calling, whatever it is, do NOT sit on it because it doesn’t make perfect sense yet. Take the step, even if it’s small. Especially if it’s small, you won’t learn or grow the idea unless you water the seed.”
Although students will hit the graduation milestone together, everyone is on a different timeline.
“Don’t measure your life off what everyone else is doing after graduation. Some people have it all mapped out, some won’t. Both are fine,” says Greiner.
Lastly, he encourages students to “say what you need to say. Go after what you care about. Don’t leave things unsaid thinking you’ve got more time.”