RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- The 59th Country Music Awards are live Wednesday night on ABC11.

Hosting this year is Lainey Wilson. ABC11 spoke with her music director and guitarist, who's from Sanford.

The North Carolina native rocks out every show with Wilson, the famed country star.

ALSO SEE | Complete list of winners from the 58th annual Country Music Association Awards

"I'm so blessed to have the success that I have and to be able to do the things that I always wanted and dreamt of," said Aslan Freeman.

Freeman's love for music started as a child. He played the drums, piano, and guitar. He went on to college for music, going on to tour with punk rock bands and teaching himself to produce music.

"Once I started playing guitar when I was around 15, 16, that's when I started actually w

See Full Page