Artist To Watch: Steve Moakler

It isn't often (in Nashville especially) that you go to a show and the entire audience is quietly captivated by the performer on stage, but when Steve Moakler took Douglas Corner's on October 16th he did just that. Debuting a variety of tracks so new that the ink hadn't yet dried on their page, the audience listened intently to each lyric and note as if children listening to a story before bed. It's clear at that moment they realize the person on stage has something of significance to say.

A blend of country and alt rock, almost raising question where he might fit on the spectrum, the tracks illustrate why one of Nashville's most promising new talents has been buzzing since the release of his Ben Rector co-produced album Watching Time Run. After that night's performance and a run through each of his two full length records, I predict Moakler the heir to the John Mayer thrown. A crown he'd likely be proud to wear (minus the douchey gossip surrounding Mayer's love life). And with a few more elements of mainstream production added to the new tracks, he could very well follow in those footsteps.

Download a free sampler of Moakler's music from Noisetrade below and check back for more from this talented singer-songwriter soon.

Posted in: Artist To Watch,Ben Rector,John Mayer,Live,Steve Moakler