Like many people in the country music community, Carly Pearce had friends in attendance at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas on Oct. 1 when the shooting took place.

Like many, Pearce felt shock and horror watching the tragedy unfold on the news and seeing her Facebook feed flooded with messages from people reporting themselves safe. "It's our community, so many were affected and my heart goes out to all of the victims," the "Every Little Thing" singer tells Taste of Country Nights.

"It's just terrifying," Pearce continues, adding that this type of tragedy is in the back of artist's minds. She hopes that the event raises more awareness for people to be cautious and instill tightened security. "But at the end of the day, I believe that you just have to step up on that stage and go to these shows and not be fearful and try to enjoy it and be safe."

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Pearce's debut album, Every Little Thing, drops on Friday (Oct. 13) and one major artist who has been a fan of hers since he heard the haunting title track is Eric Church. The "Record Year" singer called Big Machine Label Group founder Scott Borchetta to thank him for signing Pearce, and he even invited her to be his solo opening act on select tour dates.

"It was pretty powerful," she says of the experience. "It was great for me to just got out there and absorb every night what he does because it is an experience. He's a great role model."

Taste of Country Nights is a syndicated night show which airs on nearly 100 radio stations nationwide. Listen to highlights on iTunes or your Android device.

Listen to Carly Pearce's Interview on ToC Nights:

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