Chris Ostler
EPK
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 has played to over 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 international artists such as Joan Armatrading, Martin Barr, 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!
The Music
Playing a blend of Country Rock/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 trips to Canada from his childhood significantly influenced his sound, imparting it with a strong transatlantic presence.
The Influences
Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Nate Smith, Jelly Roll, Bryan Adams, Rascal Flatts, Sister Hazel, Chris Stapleton, Avril Lavigne, Nickelback, Gavin Degraw and many more!
The Sound
His audiences have described Chris as an eclectic fusion of Jelly Roll, Bryan Adams and Nate Smith, all channelled through an Exeter-born storyteller.
Instruments & Line-up
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 Chris on his electric acoustic. A truly all encompassing, phenomenal musical experience!
Key Achievements
Opened for Joan Armatrading, ‘Local Talent’ Tour & on subsequent album.
Supported other international acts: Martin Barre (Jethro Tull), Chris Barron (Spin Doctors), Sarah McQuaid, Kelly Swindall, and some national favourite such as the Leylines, 3 Daft Monkeys and The Barefoot Bandits.
Grand Finalist of Mayor of London’s GIGs competition.
Solo tours in Toronto, Canada independently in 2024 & 2025.
Featured on BBC Radio Devon, BBC Radio Leicester, and BBC Introducing Southwest, Devon & Cornwall, other local, national and international radio stations.
Special interviews with Alicia Pozonia, USA podcaster, on metal health and well-being and the National Autistic Society for World Mental Health Day as well as several independent radio stations.
Tracks have also had international airtime on over 25 radio stations world-wide, including Europe, Canada and the USA.
Industry Feedback and Press Quotes
“Big Fan!” – BBC Introducing South & West
“Loving this track” Daniel Pascoe, BBC
“Great stuff! Would love to have him play again” Martin Barre
“Strong voice, lovely performance!” Joan Armatrading
“Chris’s music always makes me smile. It has this feel-good, uplifting quality that matches his personality perfectly. Chris is one of those artists who can always brighten up your day.” Damian Keyes
“Chris has a real love of the craft.” Olivier Behzadi – Director & Head of Production at Level 8, (Former Head of A&R at Sony Music).
“Dude, ‘Funk In The Trunk’, SICK!! First off, you had me at the title, 100%, then I started listening and it’s just hook, after hook, after hook.” Adam Hambrick, American Singer/songwriter,
“I’m honoured to have Chris Ostler as my support act. Not only is he a fine singer and songwriter, he also whistles in the most tuneful and melodious manner and is a lovely fellow to boot!” – Sarah McQuaid, International Folk Performer
“…a force to be reckoned with!” EARMILK Magazine
“…absolute powerhouse of energy!” FAME Magazine
Industry Venues, Festivals & Charity Events
Festivals
Goldcoast Oceanfest, The Big Feastival, Wychwood Festival, Glastonbudget, Foodies Festivals, Lakefest, Cornwall Folk Festival, Salcombe Live Festival, Rock Oyster Festival, Leopallooza Festival, Fynefest, East Barnett, Abbfest, Radio Exe’s Party on the Green, Home Farm Fest, Smoked & Uncut Festival, Alsager Festival, Bradninch Music Festival, Exmouth Festival, Kingsbridge and Exeter Food & Music Festivals, Teignmouth Pride, Uffculme Music Festival, Paignton Regatta and many more!
Venues
Princess Theatre Torquay, Powderham Castle, Exeter Premier League Rugby venue (Exeter Chiefs-Sandy Park), Land’s End Resort, HMV Exeter, Exeter Phoenix, Exeter Castle, O2 Academy Islington, and Timepiece Exeter to name just a few. Check him out at Bandsintown to see where he’s playing next!
2026 Upcoming Plans
In process of completing a series of singles for release in 2026 over March, June, August, October
Collaborations with other international artists in progress
Summer UK festival season with performances being currently being secured
Potential Canadian Mini tour during September TBC
Making a Difference
Exeter-born Chris wants others to know that through music, we can “overcome challenges in life by supporting and believing in ourselves and others.” Proudly neurodivergent, he wishes to “help others and use music to make positive differences in the world.”
In Short
Chris’ unsigned approach is truly unique, and he goes above and beyond to bring his A-game to every show.
Outstanding song melodies and lyrics are woven together with an ability to engage the audience into Chris’ world through his distinctive, powerful voice. It will never fail to leave you with an ear worm and a smile on your face.
The live audience is Chris’ natural home; his love and joy for music resonates in the people of all ages. His energetic vibrancy can be enjoyed and felt by all. In every show, in every song, he gives you his everything.
Discography
Check him out at Bandsintown to see where he is playing next.
