Whether it’s hanging out with his adorable dog Edgar, taking part in his “Bed Head Jams,” or having the time of his life on stage, fans continue to fall in love with rising country music star, Brett Eldredge.
From the very start of his career, Eldredge has been nothing short of successful. This Paris, Illinois native has captured six consecutive No. 1 hits with the Platinum-certified “Don't Ya,” Gold-certified “Beat of the Music,” which was the BMI most played country song of 2015, Gold-certified “Mean To Me,” “Lose My Mind” and “Drunk On Your Love” along with “Wanna Be That Song”.
Eldredge’s sophomore album, Illinois, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and No. 3 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart. The album contained three of his No. 1 hits, including “Wanna Be That Song,” which was recently nominated for Video of the Year at the CMT Music Awards, but fell to Keith Urban’s, “Blue Ain't Your Color”.
While Eldredge has been known for his impeccable vocals, he gives fans a taste of his quirky and outgoing personality in his newest single, “Something I'm Good At,” which made its television debut at the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards. The song is part of his forthcoming self-titled album set for release August 4th.
“You can't be afraid to be yourself. The more you realize that in life, the more your stress level goes down and you worry less about what people think of you. In the end you have to smile, be happy, and want to make people smile for you being you. That's what it's about, em acing those quirks and imperfections and letting them go wild. There's going to be someone out there that might make fun of you for it, but there's also someone out there that loves you for the fact that you are that person. You are you.” – Brett Eldredge
Catch Brett Eldredge as part of Luke Bryan’s Huntin’ Fishin’ & Lovin’ tour with Lauren Alaina at Merriweather Post Pavilion Sunday, June 25th. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $56–126.
Growing up in Illinois, when did the interest to become a country artist start? Did you ever imagine your life being at the point it is today and becoming such a successful artist in the country music industry with six consecutive No. 1 singles?
It was pretty early on. For me, the most influential years were in high school. I’m from a very rural town in Illinois. There was music on every road you drove down and [in] every person you met. It was the heart and soul of what my life was all about. You couldn’t help but relate to that music and when I heard Brooks and Dunn, I said, “Man, he’s got the most soulful voice, but he’s singing country lyrics and writing songs that are so relatable.” After that, I was hooked. I would be driving around town listening to their CD, wear it out, and had to buy a new one.
I figured out that no matter how you picture this crazy ride, it’s never going to be how you pictured it. I definitely didn’t. I knew I wanted to sing in front of a sea of fans one day, but I never knew what it entailed. You get there and it starts to happen and it’s so much better. You have to slow it down and really make yourself realize what the heck is happening because it’s such a magical experience that can pass you by if you let it.
Through the years, I learned to really slow it down and watch because this is what I’ve always worked for and people have carried me on their backs to get there. This is the time to not only cele ate, but share with everyone. It’s not how I pictured it, but its more real than any way I dreamt. There are a lot of sacrifices that come with it, but the reward is much better than the downfalls.
What was it like to see the success of your sophomore album, Illinois? Which song would you say is your favorite from the track list? Where did the idea for “Wanna Be That Song” come about?
Every record I put out has gradually grown towards the record I tried to make. Illinois was such a big moment for me as a song writer and artist because I was new and that was a huge part of my career. The album had several number ones. Everything gradually continues to go where I always hope it goes, but you have to keep singing in front of people and see what they like and what connects with you as an artist.
Illinois was so me. On the back cover of the CD, you see my town of Paris. It was a big record for me that kind of said, “Hey maybe I have a career in this for a long time. I can continue to play in front of fans for decades to come.” That record really put me on the map.
I’m so grateful that the fans connected with it. I took a risk and it paid off. My fans know I’m the kind of guy to do that. They never turn away from me for that and that’s the best thing in the world. I never want to feel stuck as a one trick pony. I’ve got this thing where I’m able to grow and try new things.
Your newest single, “Something I'm Good At” gives fans a small taste of your quirky personality. What ultimately inspired you to write this song?
I think exactly that. You can’t be afraid to be yourself. The more you realize that in life, the more your stress level goes down and you worry less about what people think of you. In the end you have to smile, be happy, and want to make people smile for you being you. That’s what it’s about, em acing those quirks and imperfections and letting them go wild. There’s going to be someone out there that might make fun of you for it, but there’s also someone out there that loves you for the fact that you are that person. You are you.
At the end of the day that’s what we’re all here to do. We’re here trying to find happiness in this life and share it with others. That was the sole purpose of this song and to show off my personality. Every lyric is me, through and through.
It’s very important to me for it to be the first single. The complete album is so diverse and goes much, much deeper. There is a lot of emotion on this record and I can’t wait for people to get a taste of that.
Where you nervous debuting it at the ACM awards?
I kind of got over being nervous. Some people will think you’re crazy if you want to try something as an artist and some will love you for it and that’s ok. You’re creating art and you’re doing your thing.
I had a crazy performance and it paid off. When you have people that are contortionists on stage, walking through the arena, a guy balancing on one hand, and other crazy stuff, it’s like welcome to my life in a couple minute performance. It was crazy and fun, and that’s what the song is. It was fun to chase that down.
What are you looking forward to most with the release of your self-entitled album set for August? How would you say it differs from your other albums? Is there any song in particular you're excited for people to hear?
“The Long Way” came out today. It’s crazy because I’ve been so excited. I just watched it race up the charts over the last 12 hours and its cool because the album comes out August 4th, but I want fans to hear a taste of what it holds and see people connect to the song. This song you can really tell the depth of what the album will hold. It’s a very emotional song.
The song “Cast Away” is literally my relationship with love and the kind of push and pull of chasing a dream and running from love until you figure out your loss without love. I think it’s by far my best record yet. I spent the most time nit picking it and trying to make it that big career record and I feel like it’s going to connect in a giant way with my fans. They’ll be the first to tell me because they’re very open about it.
What has been your favorite touring with Luke Bryan? Has there been any special moments during the tour that you'll always remember?
Oh, there’s a lot of things. Luke is one of the most relatable guys I’ve ever met. He’s such a down to earth guy. He is a guy you want to have a beer with and not only do you want to have a beer with him, you can. He’s that kind of guy. He hangs out with everyone, even the lighting guy on tour, he’s not above anyone. I think that’s why he’s such a huge star because everyone wants to be his friend, but also watch him on stage. He’s so relatable and real which comes across if you’re just fishing with him, backstage hanging out, or watching from the stands, it’s all the same Luke. What you see is what you get. You get a lot of great things.
It’s funny because Luke loves to be spontaneous on stage. One night he started singing a song that I had no idea. I’m about to sing with him and I didn’t know the words at all, but that’s the real thing about him. In your mind as a performer, you want everything to be perfect, but, people like imperfections. They like to see spontaneous things happen on stage because they get to be there. We’ve had several moments on stage. I love being on my toes. There’s not a lot of pressure because It’s just fun. If you screw up, who cares, we’re all just people. I think we screwed up a couple times that night, but it made it more fun.
