EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Brady Riley Talks New Single ‘Welcome to Chambers County’

On-the-rise country music icon Brady Riley returned this past Friday with his brilliant new single ‘Welcome to Chambers County’ which signals the start of a brand new era for the unique performer who is continuing to blaze a trail across the industry with his stunning vocal control, and authentic artistry.

Here we speak exclusively with Brady Riley to discuss his latest release, future music, Pride month and more:

Congratulations on the release of the new single, how does it feel to have new music out, especially during Pride Month?

It feels so good to have new music out, I haven’t had a new song out since November of 2021. I’ve been writing so much lately that I almost forgot to release something new. Releasing this song during pride month is super special because it’s one of the first times that I can kind of showcase me as an artist. This song really gives you an idea of what my “sound” is. It’s also something that I don’t think people are going to expect from me… and I love shocking people.

What are you hoping listeners take away from this song?

I think this song is the story of everyone’s small-town politics. WTCC can be anyone’s county or small town. I want the listener to almost be able to see a version of their own music video in their head. This song tells a story.

Do you have any set goals in mind for this release?

I want people to hear this song and see who’s singing it and what I’m wearing and it be able to give them the “wow” factor. There’s a huge misconception of me when it comes to my music with the way that I present myself. I’m kind of recheck, kind of Hollywood, but also country AF. I definitely don’t want it to go unnoticed that I can do anything any other male country artist is doing, I just happen to do it with fake eyelashes and heels on.

You’ve been performing across Nashville quite a bit this month, particularly Pride events, how welcoming do you feel the country scene is to LGBTQIA+ artists within Music City?

I’ve gotta say, I have felt very welcome. I have felt very included. Country music has a lot of growing to do still, and I am so grateful and happy to be part of paving and growth for country music.

What advice would you give to an artist who isn’t sure how to Come Out within the industry?

Please don’t feel a need or urge to come out until you’re ready, everyone’s coming out should be personal and on their own terms, but just know that it’s not easy… it’s actually very hard sometimes to be yourself. Also, understand that there is a whole community ready and welcome to squeeze you so tight and love you unconditionally.

You live very authentically, do you feel that transcends to your music too?

100%. I want to be authentic as hell ALWAYS. Something that I’m extremely passionate about is authenticity. I want to be the artist that I so desperately needed growing up. If you’re older or younger – I want you to be able to look at me performing, in pictures, videos or through my lyrics, etc.. and see what I’m doing and feel okay, seen and heard. I want my fans to be able to listen to my music and use it as a safe space and I want it to take them to a place and feel at home.

What has been the highlight of Pride Month so far for you?

Being embraced by country music. At the beginning of this month, I was almost upset that pride was my busiest month as an artist thus far but then I came to the realization that this is me being EMBRACED and LOVED and really being respected. I’m grateful to be constantly learning and growing with this community.

And going back to the new single, how do you feel this track represents your artistry overall?

This is the beginning of a new era. It definitely shows growth from heartbreak. I’m excited to show people that a country boy can indeed survive… I just survive with a little more makeup than Hank Jr.

Can we expect this to lead to a full-length project?

2 projects… actually (more on the later…)

Looking ahead, what else does 2022 hold for you?

More live shows, new music, a new project and so much more. I’ve really been writing and working with some of the most incredible people. I cannot wait to show you what I have up my sleeve. There’s so much going into these projects and I can hardly wait to share what I’ve got cooking.

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