Chris Ostler is a neurodivergent country-rock artist redefining what it means to feel different and turns it into sound. Think Jelly Roll heart, Bryan Adams grit, and Nate Smith soul, all channelled through an Exeter-born storyteller with a real transatlantic feel.
Chris was born and raised in Devon and, from a young age, was interacting with the world through rhythm and melody. Even before birth, Chris was responding to music in the utero, as his parents played music they could feel Chris kicking on the beat in response.
As a child, Chris found the world frustrating; feeling alienated from his peers, he found communicating in words was tricky and felt increasingly lost. One day at school, he was tapping his pencil on the table to deliberately annoy the teacher, who realised he was tapping in time to something, something he didn’t recognise, but that held his attention. His musically literate parents identified this as a talent and got him drumming lessons. This cemented Chris’ natural rhythm with a more structured understanding of the music that had always flowed through him and more importantly, it gave voice to his frustrations.
Chris soon found that communicating was, rather than something that held him back, actually his greatest strength and he began writing the music that he has come to be loved for. His neurodivergence acting as a conduit for connections and relationships.
Chris is motivated by his observations of life, people and emotions. His voice is both powerful and haunting, and his ability to enthral an audience is both locally renowned and developing further afield.
The way Chris writes is shaped by his visual imagination and particularly by a connection to colour; both of which are reinforced by his strong emotional and relational connection with beautiful melodic sounds.
Chris has the eagerness and excitement to compose and perform in a variety of styles, as well as play covers in his own rocky manner. He is in his element both as a solo artist but also when performing with a band, with the live stage being his natural home.
Playing a blend of country rock and pop, both original and covers, Chris is a vibrant and dynamic performer with a distinctive and powerful voice that resonates like ripple in a pond. He plays his acoustic electric guitar as if it’s part of him, generating incredible songs that engage the audience into his world. Chris’s trips to Canada from his childhood significantly influenced his sound, imparting it with a strong transatlantic presence.
Chris includes Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Nate Smith, Jelly Roll, Bryan Adams, Rascal Flatts, Sister Hazel, Chris Stapleton, Avril Lavigne, Nickelback, and Gavin Degraw among his musical influences.
Chris often plays solo with his acoustic guitar and stomp box but can also be backed by talented, renowned session musicians as his regular band members. He loves to use a six-piece line-up with drums, bass, keys, lead electric & rhythm guitars all behind him on his electric acoustic.
Chris has played to more than 10,000 people across the UK summer festivals and garnered over 15,000 views organically in a recent month – an artist on the rise!
Supporting slots for national and international artists such as Joan Armatrading, Martin Barre, Luke Combs UK Tribute, Chris Barron, The Leylines, 3 Daft Monkeys, Sarah McQuaid and the Barefoot Bandits, means that Chris can reach wide audiences.
He has played large mainstage festivals such as GoldCoast Oceanfest, The Big Feastival, East Barnett, Alsager and Wychwood, plus many smaller intimate stages such as Scotland’s Fynefest.
Live audiences are truly his natural home!
In April 2026, Chris released the single Whiskey Gold.
Perfect for fans who love lively nights, storytelling in music, and authentic vibes that feel like home. the song is inspired by the pressures of busy workweeks and celebrates the joy of letting loose, socialising, and making unforgettable weekend memories.
Chris says: “You never know what’ll happen on a good night out with real good people!”
This upbeat anthem channels positivity, fun and freedom, perfect for anyone ready to unwind and enjoy life’s golden moments.
Whiskey Gold was followed in July 2026 by the single Right Kinda Love.
The country-rock ballad is laced with the emotions of discovering a timeless love. With warm acoustic textures, atmospheric rhythms, and Chris’ unmistakable vocal tone, the song carries a heartfelt, anthemic energy that feels both intimate and uplifting throughout.
The song is inspired by the epiphany of finding the ‘right one’ to share your life with and letting them know it.
Chris says: “When you’re with that special someone and realising they’re the one, that’s all you’ll ever need!”
