We had the good fortune of connecting with Bri Bagwell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bri, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
I always heard and thought that if I beat up the highway, take as many gigs as I can, and just work as hard as possible as a road warrior, that it will always pay off in the end. In the music business, everything is very strange and unconventional (more so than ever!). It. may be better to focus some road energy on social media, writing quality songs, recording music, and even rest (!) in these current times. There are so many new and unique paths, and killing yourself on the road for low-quality shows is hard work, with sometimes little reward. Playing a lot is definitely good for refining your skills, your band, and your banter… but don’t do it so much that you’re too tired to do anything else that is also important! I would advise quality gigs over quantity once you have laid the foundation. I say this as I’m about to hit the highway harder than ever. What do I know??

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am working on my sixth studio project currently. I just recorded six songs in Nashville last week with some of the top country musicians in the world, and my superstar producer Rachel Loy. I’m incredibly excited for this project, which is currently 100% independent; meaning, I am doing it all without management or a record label. That’s not to say we won’t shop this record around to labels or publishers, but I think what sets me apart is my completely independent approach to performing and recording. I’ve had labels, publishing deals, managers… you name it! I have been close to giving up many times, I have seen people and band members come and go, I’ve been through 3 vans and trailers; but, I have kept evolving and just “figuring it out!” I think my perseverance in this scene has led to the successes that I’ve had. If I would’ve thrown in the towel, I never would’ve gotten to sell out Gruene Hall. I can’t even imagine not having that experience! I tour year round, so squeezing in writing and recording is quite a task, but I’m so thankful that I have disciplined myself to keep creating despite a pretty grueling schedule. I have a writing “accountability group” and I write a song every two weeks, no matter what. I don’t always love it, but now I have a giant catalog of songs to choose from when I go to record. I am really proud of that, because it hasn’t been easy! I also have a podcast, Only Vans, where I talk to my friends in the music business as more of a behing-the-scenes-friendly conversation instead of a formal interview. We just got picked up by a giant network – The Bluegrass Situation – and the podcast has really taken off! I’m also relaunching a Bri Bagwell curated clothing collection with one of my best friend’s boutique, The Glam Wagon. I love to have a lot of irons in the fire, because you never know what people are going to latch on to! I wouldn’t have it any other way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Is this about New Braunfels? Or Dallas? Ha.

If it’s MY town (New Braunfels), I would go to breakfast at The Pantry at Gruene Mansion, spend the day on the Comal or Guadelupe river, hit The Birdhouse restaurant for dinner, go to Gruene Hall and the Redbird Listening room for live music, and end up in my favorite speakeasy, Sidecar!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My parents have always been an inspiration to me. They both grew up as farmers in southern New Mexico. They both have started and been successful in their own businesses, and watching them work hard my entire life has shaped who I am as a person. They’re also kind, generous, and incredibly smart. They were high school sweethearts, which is pretty dang cute! I still talk to them almost daily, even though I’ve been out of NM and in Texas for almost 20 years. They have never been anything but incredibly supportive of my career choice, and I know how lucky I am to have that support system in my life.

Website: https://www.bribagwell.com

Instagram: @bribagwell

Twitter: @bribagwell

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bribagwell

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/bribagwell

Other: My podcast is at: https://www.onlyvanspodcast.com/

Image Credits
Only Vans Podcast Logo by Melissa Eason, Haley Hays Photography, Melanie O’Neil Photography for my Bri Bagwell x The Glam Wagon Collection, Greg Roach Photography

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