When you think of cowboys and country music, the cold climate and frozen tundra of Alaska might just be the last place on earth that you would think of. But, the northern-most state in America is right where up-and-coming country artist, Doug Briney’s career is heating up. With his highly anticipated debut CD, “It’s All Country” scheduled for March 2012 release, this God-fearing road warrior with the warm baritone voice and love for all things southern, might just be the original Northern Cowboy.

With the release of “It’s All Country,” Doug is showcasing his signature sound, which he cultivated from years of touring camps, churches and conferences across the US. “We even played in an airport once, to impress a pretty girl for one of the band members,” he says with a laugh. Blending traditional influences from country music’s past, like Lee Greenwood, Gatlin Brothers and Kenny Rogers, with modern contemporaries like Toby Keith and Trace Adkins, Doug has created an original, honest and authentic sound that is all his own. “It’s All Country” is a timeless collection of well-known country classics from recent memory (“Bleed Red”, “Voices”, ”Ol’ Red”) alongside heart-warming and inspiring new tracks, such as the title track and first single, “More Than Just a Farm.”

“More Than Just a Farm” was written by ICMA member, Pat Kelley, and it tells the true-to-life story about growing up and learning life’s lessons, set against the backdrop of a working farm. “When I was selecting songs for this project, I must have listened to hundreds, looking for just the right ones. I wanted songs that, not only spoke to me on a personal level, but would also be very relatable to country music fans everywhere,” says Doug. With his first single, he has done just that. Sure to strike a chord with listeners around the world, the track is set for release this February, ahead of the full CD.

While recording in the studio is a labor of love for Doug, performing live on stage is his true passion. He has been a finalist for two year running in the KBear Radio “Country Idol” in Anchorage, Alaska. Through his associations, he met and performed live with Kelly Clarkson, before her big American Idol win. He has also been nominated for Best Male Singer at the Independent Country Music Association Awards. Next stop for Doug: Nashville. “I like to tell people that I’ve sung at the Grand Ol’ Opry. Of course, it was in the parking lot..but some day!” It’s this sunny disposition and witty sense of humor that is making country music fans sit up and take notice of this cowboy as one of the “good guys in white.”

Living up to that reputation can be a difficult task for any artist, but for Doug, it is second nature. Grateful for being able to live his dream of performing and recording music, he has gladly given back to his community in a big way. He is involved with charities like the Wounded Warrior Project and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, as well as being a pastor at the Cowboy Church of Anchorage. In fact, it’s his unwavering faith that keeps him grounded along his musical journey.

Still think a country singer can’t come from Alaska? Just ask this Northern Cowboy: “I have come to know and love the Cowboy Lifestyle through country music…And, it is who I am now, who I have been, and who I will always be.”