By DEBORAH BEHRENDS

Indiana Correspondent

BURGIN, Ky. — If you're a fan of country music, maybe you've heard of newcomer Dillon Carmichael. If not, though – you will.

The 25-year-old singer/songwriter from Burgin (Pop. 965) is making a splash and has been recognized as one to watch by Billboard, Rolling Stone, Taste of Country, Pandora, and more. The New York Times has compared his rich baritone to Randy Travis and Parade said he "defines pure country."

Carmichael has earned tour dates with Aaron Lewis, Dwight Yoakam, Trace Adkins, The Cadillac Three, and A Thousand Horses, among others. He said his goal is to tour with somebody like Justin Moore or Jason Aldean, and to keep making records.

Music runs in Carmichael's family – his mom's brothers are John Michael Montgomery and Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry. He lists his musical influences as Hank Williams Jr., Lynyrd Skynyrd, and other Southern rockers.

"But I also love George Strait, Keith Whitley – all that stuff spoke to me. I like a little bit of everything," Carmichael said in a recent interview with Farm World.

He left home at the age of 18 to move to Nashville. He was offered a publishing deal to write songs, but still wanted to perform.

Although he didn't grow up on a farm, Carmichael said he worked in the hay and tobacco fields for others around the area. Along with a respect for hard work, he left home with four years of FFA membership behind him.

"I couldn't do what I do now without some of the lessons I learned in agriculture and FFA. Among other things, I learned leadership skills," he noted.

Carmichael said he attended several national conventions and served as the treasurer of his chapter one year. He would absolutely recommend the experience to any high school student.

"When I get a chance to talk to young folks, I let them know it's a really good organization. You can learn a lot, particularly if you don't have a great home life. My advisor had some great parenting qualities. The advisors really take you under their wing.

"I'm very passionate about FFA," he added.

He performed at the 2018 national convention in Indianapolis, the same place where he saw Toby Keith perform a few years earlier. He also partnered with Spotfiy Hot Country in 2017 for its first ever “Give Thanks” campaign, which paid tribute to real families who devoted their lives to farming and God-given resources each day.

Carmichael's music can be found on streaming music services. His official website is dilloncarmichael.com and visitors can find videos, his tour schedule, and more.

COUNTRY SINGER/SONGWRITER Dillon Carmichael spends time with FFA members during the 2018 national convention, at which he also performed.

(Photo provided)