Draft:Chris Link

Anthony Christopher Link (born May 7, 1988), known as Chris Link, is an American singer-songwriter, journalist, and co-founder of the roots music website RootsnRevelry.com. He was born and resides in Floyd County, Virginia. . Link is noted for his role as the writer and frontman for The Deer Run Drifters, a Virginia-based Americana roots band that was active from 2011 to 2016.

Formation and Early Years
The Deer Run Drifters are an Americana roots band formed in 2011 in Floyd County, Virginia. The band's origins are deeply influenced by the scenic landscapes of their hometown, including the famous Friday night Jamborees at the Floyd Country Store, which significantly shaped their musical style and lyrical themes. They quickly gained a regional reputation for their authentic sound that blends elements of folk, country, bluegrass, and rock.

Members
The founding members of The Deer Run Drifters include:


 * Chris Link: Lead vocalist, guitar and primary songwriter
 * Shane Edgell: Banjo
 * Sean Edgell: Guitar and harmonica
 * Joseph Link: Mandolin and backing vocals
 * Will Norton: Bass
 * Josh Penn: Drums

Musical Style and Influences
The Deer Run Drifters are known for their rough and rowdy stage presence, authentic lyrics, and stripped-down instrumental prowess. Their music often reflects the band's rural upbringing, with themes of love, hardship, and the beauty of the American countryside. Influences range from traditional bluegrass and country to modern folk and rock, with artists like The Felice Brothers, The Avett Brothers, and Lucero shaping their sound.

Discography
During their active years, The Deer Run Drifters released two full length albums that showcased their evolving sound and storytelling abilities.


 * 1) Appalachian Blues (2014): Their debut album, which received positive reviews for its heartfelt lyrics and authentic Americana sound.
 * 2) Restless Youth (2015): Their sophomore album that expanded their musical palette and solidified their reputation in the Americana scene.

Both albums garnered critical acclaim for Link's storytelling and the raw, authentic capturing of Appalachia. AmericanRootsUK.com included both projects in their Album of the Year lists for 2014 and 2015. In its 2015 review of Restless Youth, PopMatters noted, "''Chris Link comes into his own as one of the more promising vocalists in bluegrass today." ''

Performances and Tours
The band toured extensively across the United States, performing at various festivals, local venues, and renowned music halls. They opened for notable acts such as Mandolin Orange, Split Lip Rayfield, Spirit Family Reunion, and Morgan Wade. Their energetic and heartfelt live performances earned them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim within the Americana music community. The Deer Run Drifters notably opened FloydFest in both 2014 and 2015

Hiatus and Legacy
In 2016, The Deer Run Drifters announced a hiatus, allowing members to pursue individual projects and personal endeavors. Despite their relatively short time together, the band left a lasting impact on the Americana music scene. Their music continues to be celebrated for its sincerity and connection to the roots of American folk traditions.

Notable Collaborations
The song "Nirvana'd (I Blame This Guitar)" was originally written as a duet with country music singer Morgan Wade. Although it was recorded and released by The Deer Run Drifters, the official duet version was never formally recorded. A live performance of Link and Wade playing the song can be found on YouTube on the Chris Link Music channel. Additionally, Wade has periodically covered "Nirvana'd" during her tours.

The Chris Link Music channel, started as an outlet for local singer/songwriters, has garnered hundreds of thousands of views, notably for featuring the first known videos of a young Morgan Wade singing her original hit songs.

RootsnRevely.com
Co-founded by Chris Link in 2023, RootsnRevelry.com is a music website dedicated to celebrating and promoting roots music. The site serves as a hub for fans of Americana, folk, bluegrass, country, and other genres that draw from the rich traditions of American roots music.

The mission of RootsnRevelry is to provide a platform for both emerging and established artists within the roots music community. The website aims to foster a deeper appreciation for the genre by offering comprehensive coverage of music news, artist profiles, album reviews, and event listings.

Since its inception, RootsnRevelry.com has become a respected voice within the roots music community. It has helped to elevate the profiles of many artists and has contributed to the broader appreciation and understanding of roots music. The website's commitment to quality content and community engagement has earned it a loyal following of music fans and industry professionals alike.

Solo Career
Since disbanding from The Deer Run Drifters, Chris Link has settled into a quiet life, raising a family of six. He continues to write and release music periodically through YouTube and other streaming platforms, with plans for future albums. Although he is not touring full-time, Link still performs at local gigs on the bar circuit and participates in various music festivals, including the annual Humane Society Fundraiser, Cabin Fever.