Over time, we continually hear Country music drastically change; despite this, the genre always returns to its long-held, traditional roots, in part thanks to artists, like Brent Franklin.
The past decade brought forth many traditional Country artists who continue to seek to uphold the beloved sounds and songwriting of traditional Country music. These artists proceeded to spark a “neotraditional” movement led by artists like Cody Johnson, Aaron Watson, and Jon Pardi. As time marches on, this movement continues to gain steam as new faces to the genre emerge.
It’s a given phenomenon that Country music, as a genre, would continually evolve. It should not, however, mean replacement by music that’s apparently Pop in element, but stamped with the label ‘country’ as we’ve witnessed happen this past decade. Consequently, it went without saying that lovers of real country music grieved the death of ‘country music.’
There’s a ray of hope, however, to this ruckus. If we’re patient to do a little digging, we’ll find up-and-coming country musicians who are committed to filling the shoes of country legends from the bygone eras. So here goes my best recommendation for your listening pleasure.
After hearing Brent Franklin`s songs, you would be drawn to a string of his key music influencers including but not limited to Linkin Park, Breaking Benjamin, Slim Thug, Post Malone, and Money Bags Yo. This leads to him becoming the next endeared country singer. His musical style is noted as a blend of country, rock, and Southern soul.
Brent Franklin, born and raised in Texas, dropped out of school in the 9th grade in favor of getting a job and beginning his life. After serving in the US Navy, he tried his hand at several different industries, experiencing successes and losses, but always leveraging what he learned to propel himself forward. He turned his sights to his one great passion, his music.
Early on, Brent realized that if he wanted to make his goals and vision a reality, he was going to have to work hard rather than wait to get lucky. “I realized that if I needed a hand, I had to look at the end of my wrist and use what I have, and I’ve got two of them.”
That’s exactly what he did. He focused on developing himself as an independent artist.
“We just started putting out music, touring a ton, and sort of finding an audience,” the Texas native says. “That was kind of my thought process behind doing this independently. Why don’t I just try to be in creative control and see what happens?”
Being a free agent, Franklin has enjoyed his newfound creative freedom and believes it has helped him grow as a songwriter and artist.
“There’s not really a pressure to write for radio at this point, so I just get to write songs that I love and keep that honesty and integrity throughout my songs,” he shares.
Franklin is among a growing trend of artists who are taking their careers into their own hands. It seems to be a growing trend in Nashville, a place where, according to Franklin, successful indie artists once were few and far between. Being an independent artist, Franklin has learned a lot about various aspects of the music business, including how to better manage his finances.
Stay tuned for more music from this country music rising star!
Stream Brent Franklin’s newest release on the artist’s official music platforms and follow him on his official social media. Contact through email for interviews, reviews, and/or collaborations.
