GULF SHORES, Ala. — New singer-songwriters breaking into the entertainment industry all have a story of their own — but the one behind country rocker Brantley Gilbert is hard to come by.

Just over five years ago, he survived a serious car accident that unveiled a deep revelation for him — he needed to pursue his life-long dreams with the time he’s been given. He said, “I’ve realized that life can be very short, and everyone should take advantage of it,” he said. “If you’re gonna live, do something with it. Make it great.”

Since then, the Jefferson, Ga. native has allowed courage and determination to drive him, garnering attention from his song, “The Best of Me,” which was recorded by Jason Aldean on his “Wide Open” album, and his recent contract with Average Joe’s Entertainment through which he wrote and recorded “Dirt Road Anthem.” The song is currently featured on Colt Ford’s multiple-week Top 25 Billboard album, “Ride Through the Country.”

Last year, Gilbert celebrated the national album release with “A Modern Day Prodigal Son,” which featured hit singles “G.R.I.T.S.” and “Whenever We’re Alone.”

Gilbert’s rock-infused country sound is influenced by well-known rock bands REM and the B-52s, and resonates a true-to-life testimony of heartache, trials, triumph and success.

As tour dates  multiply throughout the South, his fan base continues to expand, and like most artists these days, fans can stay updated about tour dates and news via his website and MySpace.

His most recent album, “Halfway to Heaven,” which features current single, “Kick It In the Sticks,” hit stores nationwide on March 16, and was named No. 1 on Billboard’s Heatseeker albums chart across all genres a week after its release.

In just a few months, the music video “Kick It In the Sticks” has received nearly 300,000 views on YouTube.

According to Gilbert’s record label and management team, he will be releasing a new single to radio soon. In the meantime, don’t miss the opportunity to get a glimpse of this grassroots phenomenon when he passes through Baldwin County.

Gilbert will perform a night of rock-infused country songs, including current single “Kick It In The Sticks,” on July 16, at 9 p.m., at The Hangout, 101 E. Beach Blvd. in Gulf Shores.

For more information about the artist, visit www.myspace.com/brantleygilbertmusic or www.brantleygilbert.com.