Albemarle Neighbor: Krites to perform at AoA's interactive Nashville Night

More than two decades ago, Brian Krites was attending a Dave Matthews Band concert when he had a life-changing moment.

The band was “baring their soul onstage,” Krites recalls, and “something resonated with me.”

Soon after, Krites picked up an acoustic guitar and taught himself to play, using all of the songs he loved, including Dave Matthews’ “#41.”

“I love the lyrics and the complexity of its theme,” Krites explained.

Krites has now been playing acoustic guitar for more than 22 years, performing progressive acoustic rock. But he says it wasn’t until five years ago that he seriously began writing song lyrics.

As he’s gotten older, Krites believes his lyrics have gotten deeper and more meaningful. He said about 90% of his songs reflect his faith.

“I think music is spiritual,” Krites said. “The deeper the lyrics, the broader the interpretation can be.”

Krites said he begins writing a song by playing his guitar and humming a melody.

“Eventually I will hear a word and a word will become a line,” he said. “I feel like the song exists and I am just trying to reveal it.”

Born in Ohio, Krites has lived most of his life in Elizabeth City. He said his father was musical.

“I got my talent from him,” Krites said.

Krites and his wife, Talia, have two sons, Carter and Rowen. Krites said his sons also play guitar.

When he’s not performing music, Krites pays the bills through his work as a tile installer, his profession for the past 22 years. He also recently earned his real estate license and has been an associate broker with Water Street Real Estate Group since last October.

Krites is excited about the opportunity to share what inspired him to become a songwriter and how he goes about the craft. He’ll be performing along with two other groups, The Bee Keepers and 100 Proof, at Arts of the Albemarle’s Nashville Night on Saturday, May 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets for the event are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.

Krites said the Nashville Night event will be interesting experience because it will be interactive. Krites will play four of his songs and then chat with the audience about the songs and answer any questions they have about the songs or his song-writing process.

Krites also plays in the band Greyside, which won the AoA Battle of the Bands competition this year. Their music is available on Spotify and Apple Music, as well as on YouTube.

For more information about Nashville Night at the AoA, visit its Facebook page or call AoA at (252)777-2787.