Even though Chase Rice chose to enter into country music on a non-traditional route, he's still quickly on his way to becoming a notable country star, with his most recent accomplishment being a No. 1 album debut.

Rice's 'Ignite the Night' was released Aug. 19 and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, selling over 44,000 in its first week. The record's lead single, 'Ready Set Roll,' was certified Gold before it even entered the Top 20 at mainstream radio -- just another showing of Rice's steady accomplishments.

Yes, the newcomer is an independent country artist, and his own Dack Janiels Records did the marketing and promotion for the album (with help from Columbia Nashville). Rice explains his rather unique process, saying, "We've built things a little bit differently, starting with live shows and building up our fan base through touring. Now people are showing up night after night to sing these songs right along with me ..."

Adds Rice, "And to do it the way we’ve done it and have the No. 1 country album in the nation this week is unbelievable. It's surreal.”

The 27-year-old is currently headlining shows across the country and will kick off the Ignite the Night Tour on Sept. 5 in Denver, Colo.

Watch Chase Rice Perform 'Ready Set Roll' Acoustic

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