Bryant’s solo project strips things back to the roots, finding clarity, connection and strength in songs that reflect the twists, trials and triumphs of his journey
What motivated you to start releasing music under your own name?
I write something almost every day. Being able to release music on my own allows me to follow the creativity no matter who is around. Don’t get me wrong, being part of a band is something I have never taken for granted, but the freedom of writing and recording and releasing what I feel when I feel it, is incredibly rewarding. I’m tired of forgetting these songs I make up on my front porch.
Your new solo single “Planted” features contributions from family and close collaborators – what was it like making a song so rooted in your personal circle?
The way “Planted” came to be was very special and it kind of just happened naturally. I wrote that song one night while hanging out with Graham Whitford and Nicholas Fry, two of my Shakedown running buddies. I started recording it right then and there. Next thing ya know, my brother and law Mike stopped by and I asked him if he’d play some piano. I also invited Tarka Layman and my wife Rebecca from Larkin Poe to sing on the track.
The lyrics and tone of “Planted” reflect a sense of growth, struggle, and finding hope. Can you talk us through the emotional journey behind that song?
There’s been a lot of change in my life lately and for me, dealing with big feelings takes music. If I zoom out and look at every door that has ever been closed in my face or everything that didn’t work out the way I “expected” it to, and take just a second to look at all the good things in my life, it’s clear to see that everything has happened exactly as it was supposed to for me.
Without all my experiences good and bad, I wouldn’t have met my wife, had a beautiful son, learned to record and produce records, etc.
Your work with the Shakedown has shown evolution in sound. How does your solo material build on, diverge from, or maybe simplify what you’ve done with the band?
“Falling Up” was somewhat of an “ice breaker” for me. It didn’t sound wildly different from anything the Shakedown would do. That was a tune that I just loved the vibe of, because it sounded like Freddie King and the recording felt like a capture that reminded me of where I’m from in Texas. That song could’ve been a Shakedown tune. It was like I was standing on the edge but had yet to jump. With “Planted,” I told myself it was time to get real and share the real stuff. For years I have written myself through a lot and always kept those songs back. Probably because it’s scary to be vulnerable.
What are your goals for the rest of 2025 and into 2026?
As a producer, I have three records for other artists I’m planning to finish by the end of the year. As for myself, I’m going to be releasing another song in November and possibly even one more in December! As for next year, I’m planning on releasing a record of solo material and going out a doing some shows. Hope to see ya out there!
