#brandonstansell

[bringinbackpod]

Interview with Brandon Stansell

[toogoodmusic]

THE TOO GOOD TEN with BRANDON STANSELL

Hailed by Rolling Stone as “a country artist you need to know,” rising singer, songwriter and musician Brandon Stansell has been slowly making a name for himself in the country world - and doing it on his own terms. Coming from a  family who was never supportive of Stansell’s sexuality in addition to pursuing a genre of music that hasn’t been inclusive to LBGT+ artists, Stansell has been working hard to redefine the genre. In 2018, he made history when CMT premiered the music video for his song “Hometown” that follows the emotional journey he faced when coming out as it was the first LGBT themed video to appear on the platform. Since putting out his first EP in 2015 he’s been both an  advocate and inspiration as he continues to be vulnerable and sincere in his music and his latest EP, This Must Be The Place is no exception. The six track record showcases his own take on the country-pop sound that infuses soulful vocals with introspective storytelling. This Must Be The Place is described as “a perfect picture of this specific time in the young songwriter’s life” and with its raw honesty you’ll feel like you’ve made a new friend after listening. He celebrates the recent EP release by taking on the latest Too Good Ten. He shares the story behind the songs on the EP, why representation matters, what is was like collaborating with Cam and so much more. Check out the full interview below:

The Too Good Ten. Ten Questions. One Artist. Too Good.

Photo Credit: Karen Marie

1. Starting from the beginning, what was it about music that you were so drawn to? What went into the decision to pursue it full time? 

BRANDON: Well, I have been singing my entire life. I started working for Opryland in Nashville when I was six-years-old as performer and really never looked back. I knew I would spend the rest of my life chasing those stage lights.

2. Huge congrats on the release of your latest EP, This Must Be The Place. How did you end up deciding on these (6) songs to include on the project? Which one were you most nervous to release and why? 

B: Oh, thank you! It’s always exciting to release new music. My writing tends to be quite personal, so every release usually reflects what’s going on in my life at that moment, and this record is no exception. The EP is about dating again, dates gone wrong, and days when I’ve felt weighed down by the days behind me rather than what’s ahead. It feels both personally reflective and re-inventive in a way.

3. Now I read that “Good At The Time” was a date gone wrong – what’s the story behind that one? 

B: My co-writers Sam Creighton and Will Jay got a lot of laughs in at my expense while we were writing this one. The song is about a Palm Springs getaway that went a little off the rails - I will spare you the details, but they’re all in the song so…go listen!

4. There are now (3) openly LGBTQ+ country artists signed to major labels (Brooke Eden, Lily Rose, T.J. Osborne) which is up from 0 just over a year ago and your video “Hometown” was the first LGBTQ+ themed video to play on CMT. As a part of the LGBTQ+ community and being in the country music space, what do milestones like these mean to you?

B: It’s exciting to see other artists finally comfortable enough to come out. Country Music needed these people! Queer people who love country music needed these people. Aspiring queer country artists needed these people. Where there once seemed like there was no space for the queer community in this genre, there is now. And I feel very grateful to have been in the mix of such incredible artists who have helped turn the tide. We’re still aways away from where we need to be in terms of equality and visibility but we’ve taken some huge leaps in the past few years.

5. You collaborated with fellow country artist, Cam on the emotional single “Hurt People.” How did that collab come about? Who else would be a dream collab on a song? 

B: Well, I adore Cam. We met a few years ago at a benefit show in Nashville and just stayed in touch. When I had a work-tape for this song, I sent it over to her and asked if she wanted to feature on it. She responded with a bunch of crying emojis…and I took that as a YES! I was so happy and honored to have her - she is the real deal. As for another artist collab…there are things in the works, so stay tuned!

6. What’s been the best or most influential piece of advice/tip/trick that’s stuck with you over the years (personal and/or professional)? 

B: A friend of mine once told me if I kept waiting for someone to open a door for me, I’d spend my life sittin’ behind a closed door. That’s been motivating to me over the years.

7. In the “Pick Up Where We Left Off” music video it depicts some of the stuff we found ourselves doing during quarantine last year like puzzles, gaming and drinking straight from the bottle. Besides music, how did you pass time and/or keep sane during the isolated times in 2020? 

B: Well like most people, I spent a majority of my days just trying to keep it together. I am so grateful I have music as an outlet. On my worst days, my guitar was a really good friend to me. I’ve put out two EPs since the start of the pandemic. And I would say, the music really did save me.

Photo Credit: Karen Marie

8. If you could say one thing to your younger self and one thing to your future self what would they be? 

B: It’s gonna be ok.

9. If you could only listen to (5) artists for the rest of your life who would they be? 

B: 

Miranda Lambert

Tracy Chapman

Brandi Carlile

Fancy Hagood

Years & Years

10. What’s the rest of 2021 and early 2022 look like for you? 

B: Well, I guess now is as good a time as any to say I’m turning the newly released EP into a full record. I’m currently writing the last few tracks and will be back in the studio later this month. The full record will come out early 2022!

Photo Credit: Dave Dinette

A huge congrats to the talented Brandon Stansell on the release of his recent EP, This Must Be The Place and a huge shout-out to him for taking on the latest Too Good Ten. Keep up with his journey, the upcoming full record and those to-be-announced collaborations by checking out the links below:

SOCIAL:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

YouTube

MUSIC:

Spotify

[danfranklinmusic]

Dorks making #CountryMusic. . . . #BrandonStansell #music #livemusic #supportlivemusic #guitar #guitarist #guitarplayer #country #liveband (at North Hollywood, California)

[brandonmichael08]

Supporting @brandonstansell & bought one of his shirts! 🤪 #november26th2019 #slowdown #topshelf (at Litchfield, Minnesota) https://www.instagram.com/p/B5YeFOrB8HuEjc5kDMelrWJ2NYL9kKQ3SxJG7Y0/?igshid=x2ex4qjezz8d

[theqreview]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by The Q LGBTQ Creative Network (@theqreviews)

BEST OF 2018 We’re taking a look at some of the best music released the past year from artists destined to make 2019 even better! . @brandonstansell #Hometown https://youtu.be/wE-PiUdtttQ . #BrandonStansell #QReview #lgbtmusic #queermusic #lgbtqmusic #qtunes #qvibrations #insta #instagood #instagay #instagram #instamusic #instadaily #instalike #instafollow #follow #followme #music #BestOf2018 https://www.instagram.com/p/BsI_2a5gL2M/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1e8ztl951zora

[focusmidtenn]

@brandonstansell #concertforloveandacceptance (at Wildhorse Saloon) https://www.instagram.com/p/ByZDeebBrES/?igshid=ndsbnuxof4qq

[leftofstr8]

Just cuddling under a blanket and drinking coffee, pondering what a great month of radio it has been after coming off Hiatus. Big thanx to all of my guests, listerners and #leftofstr8family. You can check out any of the shows on iTunes, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Spreaker, Blog Talk Radio and many more..........Here is link to Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4AzPnHfmjLt5ZwIVPjlPQb Thank You: @kenythofficial @theshekcheck @randyslovacek @dewittsuzanne @brandonstansell @kaseylansdale @emersoncollins @blakemciver @michael_mott @rickyrebelrocks @dianeyvonphotography @adambouska @jeffparshley @theperezhilton @brandonjcarmody @paulyworld @kenarpino @tqpseries @manchair5 FOLLOW these TALENTED PEEPS!! #leftofstr8podcast #lgbttalkradio #lgbt #bearsofinstagram (at Poland, Ohio) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtRfwxMn7lF/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=140m2q89vvkn2

[espressonearme]

The latest The Coffeehouse Daily! https://t.co/D9qOTkPBaV Thanks to @Joe_Lenton @CarmineZozzora @brandonstansell #photography #travel

The latest The Coffeehouse Daily! https://t.co/D9qOTkPBaV Thanks to @Joe_Lenton @CarmineZozzora @brandonstansell #photography #travel

— Espresso Near Me (@espressonearme) July 27, 2018

[lafontkiosque]

@BuzzFeed: Stop what you're doing! @brandonstansell is the first musical guest on #PrideLive and he's on in less than one minute! Go to http://youtube.com/glaad right now! https://pic.twitter.com/5zJtrdkqdW

[alwayssummerblog]

New Artist Spotlight: Brandon Stansell

Newcomer Brandon Stansell was born and raised in Nashville, TN, embedding country music into his heart and soul. Stansell moved out to Los Angeles and found his unique country sound out on the West Coast.

Stansell is multi-talented and got his start in the music industry as a backup dancer on Taylor Swift’s Fearless Tour for two years. Inspired by the creative environment on tour and Swift’s songwriting, Stansell began his own musical journey after the tour wrapped up.

Today #lovestory came on the radio and I'm immediately transported. #fearlesstour #taylorswift #checkcheck #charitysdress #charitysbroach #cliftonwasted #jonathansmomjokes

A post shared by Brandon Stansell (@brandonstansell) on May 20, 2014 at 5:36pm PDT

Stansell’s music and videos convey an important message of openness and unity. An openly gay man himself, Stansell uses his platform to support and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. His music videos and songs speak about love and acceptance for a population frequently underrepresented in country music. Stansell tells Rolling Stone Country about the importance of using his platform for good, “Coming out was the most tumultuous experience of my life. And a big part of my passion is also my advocacy work. I hear from people in my community so often through email, about what it means to feel represented in this genre. And if there is anything that I can do to have one less person have to go through what I went though, then it’s all worth it. It’s not just that people are hearing music that they enjoy – it’s artistry and advocacy going hand in hand.“

#SLOWDOWN Available Now On All Digital Platforms! . . 🎙Album Release Show TOMORROW, 7PM at @la_rockwell! Tickets Available Online. . . 📀🎨: @k80moore 📸: @caseycurry

A post shared by Brandon Stansell (@brandonstansell) on Oct 7, 2017 at 1:38pm PDT

Stansell’s debut album, Slow Down, came out on October 6 and is a beautifully written collection. The title track, “Slow Down,” is a collaboration between Stansell and Ty Herndon, his longtime friend and collaborator. Rolling Stone Country describes the song as “a sultry, mid-tempo rewriting of a romance that burned out as fast as it flamed.”

Another favorite from the album is “Spare Change,” which Stansell describes as a tune of joyful resistance, spreading positivity and love, “Like I always say, if you’re going to take the time to make something, it better mean something. And at the end of the day, if anyone watches this video and is kinder to one stranger—especially someone who doesn’t look like them—then I’m happy.”

A bonus about Stansell? He just got a new puppy who is absolutely adorable. Follow him on Instagram for all updates and cute dog photos HERE. Get Stansell’s debut album, Slow Down, on all platforms now: https://fanlink.to/brandonslowdown

It’s a boy! Meet Blue.

A post shared by Brandon Stansell (@brandonstansell) on Dec 1, 2017 at 8:49pm PST

[itsallaboutmaggie]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Maggie Szabo (@officialmaggieszabo)

A little clip from last night at @thehotelcafe covering my friend @brandonstansell's song on honour of him recording his new album ❤️ (at The Hotel Cafe)

[danfranklinmusic]

Some fun shows this weekend- tomorrow it's #Radio70 again at #TLT, then I'm off to Sacramento for 2 shows with #BrandonStansell Sat and Sun! (at Sacramento Rainbow Festival)

[theqreview]

I gotta say, there’s always music coming out of Nashville. It’s known as the #MusicCity and has always been a hub for aspiring country music artists and more. But queer music? Maybe not so much. . But something has been happening lately in the city where music never stops. More and more each day we’re seeing, and hearing, more queer artists coming out of Nashville. So much so that it feels like Nashville is becoming the queer music epicenter. . And it makes sense. If you’re the Music City, It should be for all music. There is definitely a good vibe flowing in Nashville. It may be time for a visit to see what else we can uncover. .So as we continue to discover the magic in Nashville it’s only fitting to start with our most recent find: @brentsnydermusic. Check out Brent’s videos and see what this queer country crooner is all about. I think you’ll find quite a few hidden gems. . @brandonstansell @tyherndonofficial @brandicarlile @stevegrandmusic #gaynashville #queermusic #instadaily #instagram #instagay #instagood #instamusic #qreview . Posted @withrepost • @brentsnydermusic “On My Mind” is an old original! Link for full video in bio! . . . . . . . #singer #singersongwriter #countrymusic #countryartist #countrysinger #entrepreneur #entrepreneurlife #independentartist #independentlabel #gay #gaygram #gaysinger #countrygay #followforfollow #brentsnyder #royalbrecords #gayguys #gaylife #gaypride #lgbt #nashville_tn #gayguy #nashvillesongwriter #songwriter #gaynashville #gaycountryboy #lgbtmusic #gayhunk #gayentrepreneur https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs3AgdlFhZP/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=14026eix8jla7

[danfranklinmusic]

Thursday night! Genghis Cohen - this guy is doing an acoustic set of his original #countrymusic and I get to be his band. You think he works out? . . . #brandonstansell #supportlocalmusic #countrymusicinla #acoustic #intimate (at Genghis Cohen)

[danfranklinmusic]

#PatLeon and I are playing next Tuesday at #HotelCafe for @brandonstansell. Come have fun. (at Hollywood)

[leftofstr8]

I’m back, LIVE on the radio today with amazing writing/promotions duo #suzannedewitthall #dianedewitthall singer and author @kaseylansdale and singer songwriter @brandonstansell 2pm PST / 5pm EST Direct Link to show below http://tobtr.com/s/11150393 (at Poland, Ohio) https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsni84mHgC4/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=jkp1kkpjfv1n