It’s almost impossible to put Nashville native Bren Joy in a box. His music merges elements of gospel, hip-hop, jazz, and pop into an alternative R&B fusion. He uses music to express different themes and emotions especially familiar to those going through their early twenties. Despite the emotion-filled vocals, Bren’s music holds a light sound that uplifts listeners. His songs are perfect for belting in the shower or a drive with your friends, and even better yet with a nice joint to go with them.
After our interview at Bonnaroo got cancelled, Bren Joy and I utilized a hero (or villain, to some…) of the whole pandemic: Zoom. With only a few minor inevitable technical difficulties, I had the wonderful opportunity to interview the rising Nashville artist. Respect My Region last talked with Bren literally days before the pandemic, so we were excited to hear what he’s been up to since.
Bren Joy talked with Respect My Region about his local influences, who his recent single “HEADLINE” is about, his upcoming tour, and more. Bren also shared his weed preferences and the story of his first time trying cannabis, which is likely much different than many others’ first time. Watch the YouTube video for the full interview or catch the highlights below.
Bren Joy x Respect My Region [Exclusive Interview]
RMR: One thing I’ve really learned from writing about music is how an artist’s hometown impacts their sound in one way or another. How do you feel being from Nashville has influenced your sound and/or career?
Bren Joy: I think it made me fall in love with live music. It really is a city where everyone is so intellectually gifted. There’s so many writers and poets and authors, and so many incredible people here that know how to express themselves through words.
And that kind of stuff really gets embedded in you. Every corner you turn, there’s live music. And it’s this idea of a city where if you can’t hop on a stage and make people smile and create a memory, then what are you doing it for? You know, that’s like the whole essence of Nashville, I think. And the south definitely has a different style than the coast, or the north, west… wherever.
But yeah, it’s affected everything I do.
RMR: What would you like to see more of in the music scene in Nashville?
Bren Joy: Oh my gosh. I think just young talent. I would love to see a lot more R&B, a lot more hip-hop, a lot more jazz. There’s so much growing that Nashville still needs to do, and can do. I think that’s everywhere though. I think just my generation and the younger generation are really pushing out some weird ass music. But, like, that’s the point. That’s the point of music; to grow and to challenge people’s ears.
I do feel like, at some points, Nashville is a little bit safe. There’s some room to grow for sure.
RMR: Your music incorporates so many different genres and sounds. What are some of your favorite elements to use from different genres?
Bren Joy: I love a rock snare. I think drums from different genres are always really interesting. I think writing styles too. R&B is a very love driven genre. Using R&B to talk about things other than, you know, love or sex or anything.
It’s always really compelling, and it’s really cool. The essence of R&B is to hit you, you know? It’s to make you feel something, that’s the point of R&B. And when you’re able to do that and talk about different things, that’s really cool.
Hip-hop has incredible metaphors, and so does country. Country music has some incredible lyricism. I think there’s always something I’m inspired, especially being in Nashville, like, that concept is crazy in itself.
RMR: Can you tell us anything about who your most recent single, “HEADLINE” is about?
Bren Joy: Not about anyone specific. It was a fling… I had a hookup. The point of “HEADLINE” was that I wanted a way to be very vulgar without being very vulgar. This song itself pushes and pulls.
I’m so private about who I’m talking about or what I’m talking about, but I will say it’s one of those situations where you get a little drunk and you feel one of your friends, you know? Yeah, it’s one of those situations. “HEADLINE” is one of my favorite songs that I think I’ve ever made.
It really challenges the listener, but it’s completely different than anything I’ve made. The chorus is different than any vibe I’ve made. It’s not that singy of a song. It’s just so many cool blends and the lyricism is insane. And yeah, I don’t know – it’s a special one for sure. Live, it hits incredibly as well.
STREAM “HEADLINE” by Bren Joy
RMR: How do you feel joining the Warner Music family has impacted your career?
Bren Joy: In every way. First off, the name Warner is iconic… everything it represents. I think they’re a company that is really pushing to create the next generation of stars. And I think they already have some of the next generation on the roster currently, and they’re proving that; and I want to be a part of that.
Being on a label like Warner really pushes you and they really do encourage individuality and being you, being your true self, which is something I have struggled with in the past. So yeah, it’s amazing. It’s definitely been influencing everything I do and how hard I go, and me pushing the creativity and causing a conversation. I think that’s been the whole essence of 2020, and 2021, is causing a conversation. I’m taking that into next year too. I want my music to cause conversation and to just hit people.
*side note: I asked Bren Joy what Warner artist he would like to collaborate with the most and his answer was DMV rapper IDK. Someone better make this R&B hip-hop fusion happen!
RMR: What is your favorite cannabis strain?
Bren Joy: I’m a big, big indica guy, because I can’t go out and smoke.
My favorite brand ever is Jeter’s. They create these mini pre-rolls that are coated in oils. They will change your life.
RMR: What is your go-to cannabis strain or type? And form of consumption?
Bren Joy: Pre-rolls for sure. But if I’m out at a party I like to roll. It’s fun, like with a tray out and everything. It’s a moment.
RMR: Tell us the story of your first time smoking weed…
Bren Joy: Oh shit, it was at Bonnaroo. Yeah, we did a lot more than smoke. It was Bonnaroo, Major Lazer. I used to not be a big smoker cause I get very anxious. However I smoked and I was like, oh okay, I don’t feel nothing. So I took like four or five, six hits. And I swear, I just met Jesus that day.
It was crazy. I was so fucked up. I went to Bonnaroo and I was seeing Major Lazer and the whole time was nuts. Ever since then, my life has changed because that was the first time I smoked and had fun, you know? It was the first time I smoked, but I just had associated with, “okay, you only smoke if you’re sad.”
RMR: If you were chilling with a group of friends [**in the car with the windows down cruising (because Bren Joy made me clarify)] and they handed you the aux cord, what is the first artist you’re putting on?
Bren Joy: Marc E. Bassy, some of his early stuff is incredible, or Mac Ayres.
RMR: Lastly, if you could be reincarnated into any animal, what animal would it be and why?
Bren Joy: I think I’d be a dog. Dogs have it the best- no one hates dogs, you know? I feel like I’d be a dog or like… I feel like a parrot has a pretty good life.
STREAM “Twenties” debut album by Bren Joy
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Buy Tickets for Bren Joy’s Upcoming Tour
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