Published on July 28, 2010 by Holly Stafford
Brantley Gilbert knows that tomorrow is no guarantee. Just over five years ago the talented singer/songwriter was ignoring his deepest ambition of becoming a country singer and was just going through the motions of everyday life. It wasn’t until a nearly-fatal car accident that Brantley opened his eyes, realized the importance of living each day to the fullest, and decided to pursue his love for music as a career.
Brantley was born and raised in the small town of Jefferson, Georgia, just outside of Athens city limits. It is that upbringing and small town influence Brantley credits toward allowing him to cultivate his unique sound. With well-known rock bands REM and the B-52’s having roots nearby, Brantley’s taste in music always swayed toward a rock feel, but his true-to-life testimony of heartache, trials, triumph, and success found a home in country music.
After taking the stage night-after-night with just his guitar and opening for other country artists throughout the southeast, Brantley began to notice familiar faces in the crowds. A group of believers who shared Brantley’s passion for life and music had developed, and pretty soon the following had taken-on a life of its own. Brantley quickly realized that his acoustic shows—however intimate—didn’t satisfy his audience’s thirst for his rock-infused country music. In order to meet their demand, Brantley formed a band.
“We went from these acoustic shows to a bona fide country-rock-soul show that is wide-ass open,” says Gilbert. “Even when we play a ballad it’s high energy.”
With the fans demanding new music from Brantley, he came to Nashville, Tennessee where he soon signed with Warner Chappell Publishing and began to develop music for a debut album release. One of his songs, “The Best of Me,” was recorded by Jason Aldean and earned a spot on his latest album, WIDE OPEN. Since, Brantley has signed a record deal with Average Joe’s Entertainment and collaborated with top-charting act and labelmate Colt Ford to write and record, “Dirt Road Anthem,” which is currently featured on Ford’s multiple-week Top 25 Billboard album, RIDE THROUGH THE COUNTRY.
“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.”
And great it is. Brantley will celebrate a national album release in 2009 with A MODERN DAY PRODIGAL SON which features hit singles, “G.R.I.T.S.” and “Whenever We’re Alone.”
As tour dates multiply throughout the South, Brantley’s fan base continues to expand, and like most artists these days, fans can stay updated about tour dates and news via MySpace. His page garners more than 25,000 listeners daily— a number that has brought him to the #1 spot on MySpace Music Charts for both country and southern rock.
I had the chance to talk with Brantley about things like his goals, accomplishments he’d like to make, and what some of his favorite things to do are. You can read about that below.
When did you first realize you had an interest in music and what sparked that interest?
I don’t even know. I was extremely young and we had a chest of draws in the middle of my bedroom and my mom walked in as I was putting on a concert on top of them, so I guess sometime around then.
How did you break into the music industry?
I started off playing in middle school and when I was around 14 or 15 I met Corey Smith and he asked me if I wanted to get up and play some, and we did so for about 3 years and I built up a fanbase. After we went our separate ways business wise, it just sort of went from there.
How would you describe the sound of your music and what makes you feel as though you are different from other artists in your genre?
I’m not sure. Its kind of a new southern rock. More rock but good country. I like to write songs that just stand by themselves.
What are some of your short term and long term goals you have lined out for yourself?
Well, short term is I’m going to try and get in the shower (laughs.) I just finished working out so I need to do that. Long term would be to ride this thing until the wheels fall off, even if I have to play while using a walker. Just take what the good Lord gave me.
What are some of your musical pet peeves?
Cheesy songs. That would definitely be one of them. (laughs.) But then I’m sure there are people out there who think some of my songs are cheesy.
Besides music, what are some of your favorite things to do?
I love riding motorcycles. I have a 99 soft seat custom built Harley Davidson. She’s my girlfriend.
What do you miss most, besides family and friends, when you are out on the road touring and traveling?
My dog, Allie. She’s a pitbull. Love her to death.
What is one accomplishments you hope to make above all others in your life and career?
To touch as many lives as I can and to help people in tough situations with my music.
What drives you the most to do what you love? What inspires you?
Every little thing that happens every day inspires me. As for what drives me, I think the guys in my band who rely on me to get paid since they have families to take care of, that’s what drives me.
If you had the chance to tour or record with any singer of band, who would you choose?
Elvis. Or my buddy Colt Ford. I’d love to go out with him again.
