INTERVIEW: Logan Brill — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Logan Brill

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THERE are a few reasons why one should be interested…

in the Country music star, Logan Brill. Her music channels the greats of the genre but has a contemporary feel to it. That clash of romantic nostalgia and modernity means she has lodged her sounds into the hearts of many. She will soon be here for Country Music Week, so I ask her about that – and whether she will be in the U.K. after that.

She discusses her debut U.K. single, World Still Round, and her new album, Shuteye. I find out about the themes and backstories from the record and what she has planned for the future.

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Hi, Logan. How are you? How has your week been?

I’m great, thanks! The week has been good.

I’ve been on the road a lot recently and I’m back in Nashville, briefly - so I’m enjoying some time at home.

For those new to your work, can you introduce yourself, please?

Sure. My name is Logan Brill and I’m a Country artist living in Nashville, Tennessee. I’m originally from East Tennessee and have been playing music and singing for as long as I can remember.

My sound is a little bit Country; a little bit Blues - and a little bit Rock.

World Still Round is your debut U.K. single. What is the origin of the song and can you remember the moment it came to mind?

The idea for World Still Round came about when I was writing with a friend of mine, Scooter Carusoe, in Nashville. I was dating and watching friends of mine fall in and out of relationships - and decided it was something I felt compelled to write about.

We wrote about half the song sitting at a pancake house in Nashville called the Pancake Pantry.

Shuteye is your new album. What kind of stories and themes inspired the songs on the record?

I like to think the songs on Shuteye make up a picture of my life at the time I was writing for the record.

A lot of the songs were inspired by things I was going through in my life at the time - or things friends of mine were going through - relationships coming and going and life changes that come from being in your twenties. Between the songs Tupelo and The Bees, especially, I definitely felt a theme about the concept of ‘home’ and what that meant to me.

I travel so much; I think I’m really interested in the idea of finding a place that’s yours - and missing people back home when I’m away.

The album has already received acclaim. How important are those reviews and does it give you a lot of confidence knowing your music is beloved?

Making a record takes so much time and energy; so once it’s finally out in the world, it’s really exciting to see that it resonates with people.

It means a lot to me to know that people appreciate and relate to the music.

You are in the U.K. for Country Music Week. Is this your first time here and what is it about the event/week that pulls you here?

I’ve been lucky to make it over to the U.K. a few times over the past year-and-a-half to tour - first for the Nashville Meets London festival in 2016 and then for C2C festival in March of this year. I am so excited to be back for Country Music Week! The audiences in the U.K. have been so welcoming. With crowds in the U.K., there’s such an appreciation for original music - especially Country music.

It’s really inspiring to see.

Nashville is your base. What is it about the Tennessee city that gets into your heart? How does it differ to Knoxville (where you were born)?

Nashville is such an amazing city.

I’ve been living here for eight years now and it’s changed so much during that time, but one thing has stayed the same: the people. Nashville is such a friendly and welcoming city it really does feel like a small town. The music scene in Nashville is competitive but it’s also really inclusive. We all support each other in a way by writing together and playing on each other’s records.

It’s really fun.

Knoxville, where I grew up, is a smaller city close to the Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee. It’s a little quieter than Nashville and has a lot of small-town charm.

Can you remember those artists that drove you to come into music?

The music from my parents’ generation is what really inspired me to want to pursue music. Growing up, while the rest of my friends were buying Britney Spears and NSYNC records, I was geeking-out on Gram Parsons, Bob Dylan; Bonnie Raitt and the Eagles.

Was your childhood musical? Did your parents’ taste enforce your passion for music in any way?

My parents’ taste in music is definitely what inspired my passion in music.

My dad, especially, made my musical education a big priority. I remember him sitting us down to watch The Last Waltz and Pink Floyd live concerts on V.H.S. Then, when my parents split and my mom remarried, my step-dad became a big influence on my passion for music. He played in a local Knoxville band and would have me get up to sing when I was ten or eleven.

In your career; you have shared the stage with the likes of Willie Nelson. What have been your fondest memories to date? Is it daunting being on stage with such titans?

I’ve been so lucky to share the stage with some of my idols over the years.

I’ve learned so much by watching some of the musical legends I’ve been able to tour with. One of my favorite on-stage moments was when Vince Gill agreed to join me on the Grand Ole Opry stage to sing with me on my song, I Wish You Loved Me.

That was a pretty big thrill...

PHOTO CREDIT: Preston Leatherman

What tour dates do you have coming up? Where can we come see you play?

Coming up next, I’ll be over in London for Country Music Week. Otherwise, hoping to be back in the U.K. sometime very soon!

When are you coming back to the U.K., do you think?

No official dates yet but I’m sure I’ll be back again before too long!

Hopefully, the first part of next year?

IN THIS PHOTO: Jillian Jacqueline

Who are new acts you recommend we check out?

I’m a huge fan of a girl named Jillian Jacqueline who will also be at Country Music Week. She’s living in Nashville and is putting out a new project that is really incredible.

If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?

Late for the Sky - Jackson Browne

This is a record I listened to with my dad growing up - so I have a lot of great memories linked to it. I also think it’s lyrically one of the most brilliant albums out there.

Trio - Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris

Three of the most amazing female singers out there, all together on one record. Need I say more?

Wide Open Spaces - Dixie Chicks

This is the first contemporary Country record that I was totally hooked on when it came out. Every single song is solid gold and I looked up to three such strong women as a young singer.

What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?

Stick with it and always be true to yourself!

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).

This is a tough one…

Since hearing about Don Williams’ passing last week; I’ve been going back to all his old records.

In his honor; how about his song, Tulsa Time?