Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Burkmenn.
Hi Chris, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
My journey has been a wonderful ride. I moved to Nashville in 2009. I have been here ever since. I got involved with a group that did seat filling. I ended up befriending the owner who did crowdsourcing for CMA Awards, CMT Awards, and a bunch of other productions in town. I was able to start meeting people and working with so many wonderful people in Nashville. I have always loved music, and I just wanted to play a part no matter how. In 2013, I was working for a show on CMT, “Hot 20 Countdown.” We did the casting for the audience at the time. While working on that project, my co-worker Misty came up with the idea of me hosting a web show and calling it “The Chris Burkmenn Experience”(The CBEX.) So, I came up with a plan of finding talent and spotlighting it. We were fortunate to work with some incredible artists in town. We interviewed over 30 artists. One of my favorites that I was able to help shine a light on was Carly Pearce. She was one that I truly believed in! I originally built the platform because I wanted to build my skill in interviewing people. Since then, I went on to work for the CMT Awards and CMA Awards as a stand-in-through rehearsal for the show. It’s been a wonderful opportunity for me to build my resume. I was also asked to be a part of a show called “Real Country.” I was a stand-in on that project too, and I got to work with Shania Twain, Jake Owen, and Travis Tritt. I have landed some pretty amazing roles in this town, and I am forever grateful!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
You know what I always say, “The death of a dream is the day you stop believing in the work that it takes to get there.” I think anything worth doing in life isn’t easy. As long as we can keep moving forward, I believe that is the key. I am more thankful to being a very driven person. I don’t let things stop me. I have learned to become patient and enjoy the ride. I have in the past found my identity in where I am and what I do. I am learning that doesn’t define us. We are always so focused on what’s next. I am very much trying to remind myself if I only have this moment how can I make the most of it?
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have dreamed my whole life about wanting to be a TV Host. Since I was a kid watching TRL with Carson Daly, I knew it’s what I wanted to do. I have been working so hard to move forward in getting there.
I am most proud that I am constantly evolving and changing. Challenging myself in each and every season. I may not always have ideal situations, but I do my best to make the most of all of them.
I am also thankful that I have an ear for talent, and I have been able to work with artists such as Carly Pearce, Walker Hayes, Adam Hambrick. I was able to work with them early on. Most of them don’t remember me today, but I got to get to know them before the world did, and that is pretty special to me!
I am known for so many different things. I have worked in a lot of different areas in my life. It isn’t always glamorous, and people don’t always know who you are, but that’s okay.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Honestly, I am not really sure where I am going. With covid, everything has become increasingly difficult, and in this life, there are no guarantees. So, I decided at this moment I want to focus on my education. I decided to start back in school this year and have a backup. I will never quit my dreams, but I want to also have something that can provide a life for myself. So that would be my current focus.
I am still fortunate enough to be working for TV projects in town. It’s one of my most favorite things!
Contact Info:
- Email: chrisburkmenn@gmail.com
- Website: youtube.com/chrisburkmenn
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/chrisburkmenn
- Facebook: www.instagram.com/chrisburkmennofficial
- Twitter: twitter.com/chrisburkmenn
- Youtube: youtube.com/chrisburkmenn
Image Credits
Sarah Weeks
Hunter Berry Photography
