The Band Perry builds global fan base at CMA Fest

[June 12, 2012]  NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- The Band Perry is working to build an international fan base. They've played shows overseas and have more coming up. But at CMA Music Festival last week, roles were reversed as fans from around the world flocked to their hometown of Nashville.

"We've seen people from Germany, Scandinavia, the U.K," said Reid Perry, before signing autographs at Fan Fair Hall. "So it's like Nashville is the center of the world for a week."

CMA Fest set a new attendance record this year, with 71,000 fans showing up each day. Attendees came from all 50 states and two dozen countries, including Australia, Chile, China, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, South Africa and several places in Europe.

"It's a big goal of ours to try and win the international heart this year," lead singer Kimberly Perry said. "We've been over to the U.K. now twice this year and are headed back over to Europe two more times, once with (Brad) Paisley and once to do a string of our own shows. So it's really exciting to know that country music has footprints across an ocean."

The sibling trio is working on a follow up to the band's self-titled, platinum album, featuring the No. 1 hit "If I Die Young." They are also promoting their single, "Postcard From Paris." This year marked their third CMA Fest as artists and the second time they were asked to play the big stage at LP Field.

With most major country stars in town for CMA Fest, The Band Perry also got to see some of their own favorite artists.

"We are like the biggest fans," said Kimberly. "We are fans first and foremost. I got Blake Shelton's autograph."

"I took a picture with Glen Campbell," added Neil Perry.

"So, we would love to wait in those signing lines, too," said Kimberly with a smile.

If only they had the time.

The group is on Brad Paisley's Virtual Reality tour and also has other gigs planned this summer.

___

Online:

http://www.thebandperry.com/

http://www.cmafest.com/

[Associated Press; By CAITLIN R. KING]

For the latest country music news from The Associated Press, follow: http://twitter.com/AP_Country.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.