Brailey Lenderman might have dropped her debut single “Remember All The Nights” earlier this year, but this Georgia native holds company with some of Nashville’s Best. Regularly writing with heavy hitters and featuring an industry icon on her current release are details already on Brailey’s résumé, who is currently on her first radio tour.
We caught up with Brailey to talk about her life as a songwriter, her debut single and what it’s like to work with the some of the most coveted talents in the business.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
BL: I am originally from Georgia where I went to high school and college. I attended GCSU where I received a degree in Psychology. I did not want to go to college. I wanted to move right to Nashville, but my parents were all, “You need a few more years of growing up. You are going to college!” . . . So I did. Ha! Now, I live in Nashville!
CN: At what age did you discover music? When did you realize that this was the path you were meant to be on?
BL: I honestly cannot remember a time I wasn’t doing music. I have picture of me at the piano at a really young age. I have sang forever. My whole family is crazy talented in music, so it was in my blood from the beginning.
I have wanted this to be my career path since elementary school. If you asked me, “What do you want to be when you grow up” I would always say, “I want to SING!” We did a survey when I was in the 5th grade on our future and what we wanted to become when we grew up. Number 1 on my list was a singer and songwriter. My mom recently found the survey in our basement. So, it’s funny to see, how I knew so young what I wanted to be. My passion and dream is exactly what I get to do now!
CN: Who are some of your biggest influences in country music as well as other genres? In what ways have they influenced you, both personally and as an artist?
BL: Country music I always say Eric Church, he is definitely one not to follow the crowd and he has always done his own thing. He never apologizes for who he is, he just lets himself be him and the world loves him for it. Not to mention, I love all his music, he is so talented. And performing, don’t get me started, I am mesmerized when I see him in concert. He is just incredible.
Out of country music I would say Ryan Tedder. I was just telling someone the other day, he has never put a song out that I haven’t liked. I love all his stuff. His ability to write is out of this world. He is beyond talented and I would give probably my left arm to sit in a room with him and write.
CN: Can you take us through your songwriting process? Do you draw mostly from personal experiences? Those around you?
BL: Songwriting for me can be personal, made up, or inspiration from those around me. I always start with a concept. I have a book just FULL of concepts for a song. However, just because I have the concept doesn’t mean I can just write it. I need the inspiration, whether it is from a story someone told me, or a feeling I have that day. Songwriting is very personal to me because my feelings tend to run deep. If someone is suffering from a broken heart, I hurt for them, or if someone is extremely happy, I am probably ecstatic just because they are happy. I feel their emotion, so I channel all of this into songs.
CN: You regularly write with some of the biggest names in the business, including Tim Nichols and Travis Meadows. What is it like to write with songwriters of that caliber? How has that influenced / inspired yourself as a writer?
BL: Writing with them was really great, I really enjoyed seeing their process of writing. Travis is an incredible writer and artist. His music speaks to me on so many different levels, so when I have a concept down to one of my songs, and the story behind it, it’s like he puts himself in my shoes and allows himself to feel my emotions. The songs we wrote together are some of my favorite.
Tim Nichols was such a humble guy, he has written so many songs sung by women artists and all of them are songs that I have loved. So, to sit with him in a room and stir up new ideas, was surreal. It was a blessing and a privilege to work with Tim.
CN: Your debut single “Remember All The Nights” was released earlier this year. Can you talk about the story behind the song?
BL: The story behind the song is young love and how you reflect back to those “awe” moments. It talks about all these times in your younger years and meet the love of your life at that time. I know everyone has experienced that innocent, no bounds love, the kind you think will last forever. It talks about how time doesn’t wait, so if you want that feeling back you have to go get it. It’s a great song that I believe connects to several people.
CN: The lyric video was also recently released and features personal photos of experiences from your life. Tell us about how that idea came about.
BL: Rui Pedro came up with this concept and I fell in love with it. To make this as personal as possibly was the key to making this video perfect. The photos reflect all my favorite times. I laughed and cried when I got the final cut of it. I honestly have to give all the credit to Rui. He is a genius and what a beautiful video to share.
CN: For those who may not know, “Remember All The Nights” features an icon who will be inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Bluegrass Hall of Fame this year. What was it like to work with the one and only Ricky Skaggs? And on your debut single no less!
BL: If you tell me there is a nicer person than Ricky Skaggs, I will call you a liar. Ricky has not only been so generous to play on this, but one of my biggest fans. He has encouraged me through this whole process and prayed for me. He has shared his heart with me about God and what he is doing in my life. Ricky is beyond talented, but don’t let that distract you from the fact that he is a genuine person and his success has only made him more humble. I will forever be grateful for Ricky and him working with a “nobody.”
CN: This past June you performed at your very first CMA Fest. That had to be an amazing experience. What was it like to be in front of so many country music fans?
BL: It was truly incredible. Since moving to Nashville, I have always wanted to play CMA fest, so actually getting that invitation was a dream. I had so many friends and family come and support me and people who I met at fan fair the day before. It was so awesome having people sing my single and dance to songs they haven’t heard. I celebrated afterwards by getting a new tattoo, which my dad hates. So, all is right in the world haha.
CN: And currently you are on your debut country radio tour. How has that been?
BL: It is great! I always enjoy talking to people, especially about music so it is really second nature to me. It was easy and it’s always a great feeling to have your song playing on the radio.
CN: Do you have a dream collaboration in mind?
BL: Yeah, One Republic and me. I want to sing on one of their songs so badly, because that also means I got to work with Ryan Tedder. So I could die really happy if that happened.
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
BL: Spontaneous. Life to me is so short! I’m always thinking, “better do this now because I might not get to.” That’s why, I just packed up my belongings, hugged my family and moved so quickly. I left my life behind for such an unrealistic dream and I’m loving every minute of it.
CN: With “Remember All The Nights” music video set to drop in a few weeks, what’s next on the agenda? Tour?
BL: I hope a tour! I’m excited for what’s to come this fall, I do have a few shows coming up, and I’m only hoping to add more to the list!
Follow Brailey Lenderman on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and check out her debut single “Remember All the Nights” on iTunes and Spotify.