Bri Bagwell Writes About Finding Love Through Country Music Legends With New Single “Heroes”
Texas country artist Bri Bagwell may have spent the past few months touring throughout the Lone Star State and beyond, but that has not stopped her steady stream of new music releases. In her newest single, “Heroes,” Bri weaves together a love story and celebrates the artists that kickstarted her passion for country music and continue to inspire her today.
Whether she is in the studio or on the road performing, Bri is constantly pouring into her music and working on new projects. Between songwriting, starting a clothing line, and authoring her first book, Bri is a prime example of creativity knowing no bounds!
Q: When did your musical journey begin?
I sang on stage when I was three and told my mom I didn’t even need a microphone because everyone could hear me without it. Been hooked on the stage ever since that moment of ignorant bliss. As far as in Texas, I got pulled up to sing a song my senior year in college at Mother Egan’s on Sixth Street, where I was offered my first solo show. I somehow never stopped playing after that.
Q: If “his Heroes are my heroes too”…which have influenced your music the most?
I love the raw songwriting and rock solid singing of Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash. Johnny Cash and my grandmother were second cousins. I think the love for country music literally runs through my veins… Currently, I love Brandy Clark, Lori McKenna, Sean McConnell, and Miranda Lambert as writers, performers, and entertainers.
Q: As a female artist you have broken through a male dominated musical landscape in the Texas Music scene and command a serious fan base. What do you think has contributed to your success?
It’s been all perseverance; members of the Eli Young Band told me it was a long time before they were ever able to sell tickets, and that you just “have to hang in there.” I never quit or gave up, even when it was really, really hard (and it still is). Also, I write songs in a songwriting “club,” and have done so religiously for the last few years. It’s churned out songs like “Heroes,” even when I didn’t feel like writing, but I forced myself to do so.
Q: What part of being a touring musician do you like the most? Writing, recording, performing live, making videos…
There’s nothing like the magic of the stage when you’re performing original music. It’s the highest high.
Q: Why?
Writing is work for me. It’s fun, but it’s work. Making videos requires makeup and technology and editing and a lot of things that don’t come naturally to me. Recording is definitely fun, but when you’re doing it right, it’s also hard work. Performing mostly feels natural and easy, after the driving, setting up, radio interviews, etc… the singing is the reward.
Q: If you think of your career as a series of snapshots, what are your three favorite pics?
1. Writing a song with Dean Dillon on a porch on a gorgeous fall Texas day. 2. Winning the Texas Female Vocalist of the Decade Award and being so surprised I was speechless (for once). 3. Performing with Robert Earl Keen at a sold out ACL Live and coming off stage in happy tears.
Q: What is your songwriting process? Do you think you are a stronger lyricist or melody maker?
I am most certainly a stronger lyricist, and can get stuck in a melody rut (where I use similar melodies to previous ones). I have to switch up instruments — like go from guitar to piano — to try to remedy this. Words and rhymes and poems have come to me since I was little. Sometimes I write lyrics in my head on stage while I’m singing a different song.
Q: You refer to your Martin in Heroes…. That seems to be a favorite of lots of Texas musicians and of course Willie’s Trigger, the most famous Martin of all. Has that always been your guitar of choice or did you grow into it?
Willie signed my Martin HD28 two years ago, and now that guitar is retired at home. My first Martin was a gift, and now I’m obsessed with them, especially that model. It’s not too big or too loud, and it just feels right in my hands. Musicians like guitars for many different reasons, and I of course LOVE the sound… but that Martin was on the road with me the majority of my Texas career, and it will always have my heart. It also doesn’t hurt that Martin is an amazing company.
Q: Social media…Love or hate, or both?
Both. “Heroes” got many, many great comments, and a few really terrible ones. If I see a bad comment, I’ll remember it the rest of my life. Sometimes I choose to not look at the comments for my heart’s sake, or have my team delete them before I see them; but then I risk getting reprimanded by the platform or the fans for not interacting enough. It’s a tough one, because I love sharing things with interested folks and also keeping up with my brothers’ families through their posting about my nieces and nephews. It’s just a big chunk out of every single day to “do” social media properly, and it’s always changing. There’s definitely no denying that it is a vital way to communicate with people, and mostly for free (although we do a ton of paid advertising now, people seem to really enjoy the free posts of my rescue dog, Whiskey).
Q: 2020 was a rough one for everyone. How did you make it through the year like no other?
Well, lucky for me, I’m in love. We cooked, hiked, made cocktails, recorded… I also had an independent label deal during the pandemic, and amazing sponsorships (hello Rebecca Creek Whiskey and Karbach Brewing). Fans bought a ton of merch. I was able to pay my bills, and for the first time since I can remember, take a BREAK without feeling guilty about it. I wrote a children’s book, launched a clothing collection, and wrote a ton of tunes. Staying busy = sanity. For me at least!
Listen to “Heroes” here: https://linktr.ee/bribagwell
