Brandon Heath

It’s been a strong start for Nashville native, Brandon Heath. After some moderate indie success, the artist has seen his major label debut propel him into the spotlight, even garnering four Dove Award nominations, of which he won the award for “Best New Artist.” Add to that a solid songwriting history as well that includes collaborations with artists like Bebo Norman and Matt Wertz and you’d have to agree, Heath is on the right path to success.

We recently had a chance to catch up with Heath and asked him about his recent award, his hometown benefits, as well as discuss his upcoming sophomore album, What If We.

Soul-Audio: I’d like to start with the Dove Award win for “Best New Artist.” In the moments immediately before, what was the internal feeling?

Brandon Heath: I was standing on stage with all the other nominees. We had all just opened the show with snippets of our songs. Standing next to Mandisa, I leaned over and whispered, “I feel like I’m on American Idol.” She laughed. I looked up at my dad in the balcony and he was grinning ear to ear. He was just proud that I was nominated. I think in that moment, so was I. I was thankful to be nominated for good work. And then Jeremy Camp read my name on the card and I lost all train of thought.

SA: In hindsight, what has the Award done for your career?

Brandon: I think more people are paying attention now, but I can’t say in the immediate, that I see any major change. I’m giving my Dove to my Dad on loan for a while though. He’s my biggest fan by far!

SA: You have a new album, What If We, coming in August – what’s the primary musical difference from your last album?

Brandon: I would say in the beginning of working on this new record, I didn’t want to stray too far from the first record stylistically. My producer Dan Muckala really has a lot to do with my “sound,” and I focus more on the songs that we put on the record. I’m a songwriter more than a producer, but Dan continues to give me plenty of freedom to speak into the style of the songs as well.

In the end, stylistically I think we’ve got something fresh and new, but still song-focused. What If We is very “American” feeling, which sounds funny I know, but the big influences were Springsteen, Petty, and some Americana, plus a little hip-hop with the first single “Give Me Your Eyes”. The electrics might even lean a bit “Aussie,” compliments of my friend Adam Lester.

SA: What’s the thematic statement behind the title?

Brandon: The title What If We comes from a conversation with a mentor of mine. We were talking about spontaneity and possibilities and how cool it is to dream, knowing the freedom that you have in Christ. I have done some cool things in the last 10 years as a believer, and I’ve done none of it alone. The first single “Give Me Your Eyes” really kicks off this idea of stepping outside of the status quo. I hope this song will challenge listeners to see others with compassion first, like God see us. It is one thing to have compassion and quite another to act on it. Most times, it starts with the people around you.

SA: Born and raised in Nashville… how has that helped your career?

Brandon: I think it’s helped a lot. Growing up, I was inspired by the town and the people and the songsmiths who seemed to be the lifeblood of the city. So, I picked up the guitar in 8th grade. Plus, attending church in Nashville has meant that most of the people I work with now in music, I also worship with on Sundays. It helps to be immersed in a culture both professionally and creatively. Also, it helped to have mom’s fridge close by when the money was tight!

SA: Has it hindered it at all?

Brandon: Not that I can tell! It’s been good for me to move away for a while too. I think everybody needs a little fresh perspective now and then.

SA: When you’re writing for your own projects, is that a different side of your songwriting personality than when you’re writing for other projects?

Brandon: When I’m writing for other projects, I try and keep an open mind for sure. Try to step into their shoes because you want people to not only sing, but live your song. I think it translates in the studio and in a live setting as well. It’s gotta feel like a t-shirt that was made for you. You’ll wear it more and probably get more compliments on it. But seriously, I am very much a part of everything I write. You write what you know, otherwise you sound foolish and fake.

SA: Of all the collaborations you’ve done, has there been a favorite moment?

Brandon: That’s a really hard question, but my favorite writing session from this new record was with Jars of Clay. The guys have all become friends of mine mainly through my work with Blood: Water Mission. This was the first time we had collaborated artistically together. I was nervous, but the guys are so easy to hang with there was no pressure to deliver. It was one of those rare snow days in Nashville and I think we were all feeling a little playful anyway, we wrote a very playful song called “Sore Eyes”. You can hear them all there on the record.

SA: Finally, what are the hopes for the upcoming album?

Brandon: Well, I always hope that people feel a sense of belonging when they hear my music. And it can be on many levels; belonging to God, to love, to life, to me even. I hope people can relate to my story and my thoughts and wishes. That’s what all these songs are: Very honest, very fresh, very spontaneous. I also hope people have fun and feel the freedom to sing along. That’s what any musician really wants.

• www.brandonheath.com
• www.myspace.com/brandonheath

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