We’re looking forward to introducing you to Brandon Lay. Check out our conversation below.
Brandon, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
So in the midst of finishing up final mixes on my upcoming EP “TriStar RoyalT” I decided to fabricate some barn doors. I wanted them to open the entire span of my barn opening and couldn’t find any options available that suited my needs so that’s what spurred me to take a stab at it. My wife was very skeptical especially once I told her I was going to be taking advantage of my scrap steel pile to source the material.
After hours and hours of searching for inspiration and not finding a design I wanted to build…I came across an ad for a bifold closet door hardware kit and got the inspiration to copy that but just super size it.
A few tractor pins/smoker hinges/bearings later we have some new barn doors. I have yet to put the glass in yet but they will be done soon.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I grew up in West Tennessee surrounded by agricultural and the corresponding culture. Although I was raised in a subdivision I always knew given the chance I would raise a family in the country.
I think the contrast comes to life in much of my lyrics and lifestyle. Besides coaching my 6 year old basketball and baseball these days I’m half music in my studio and half renting heavy equipment. Our company is called Budget Digs.
Much like the music business….it seems when it rains it pours in the construction world (no pun intended) so keeping a resemblance of a routine is challenging.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was a basketball player. That was my first love and my identity my whole life up until my senior year of college
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
I think headlining stadiums and being a country Bruce Springsteen was the vision at some point. Obviously setting goals and not achieving them stings no matter what/when.
The dream of music success coming to fruition as an artist usually comes down to a handful of painfully frustrating details that no one ever tells you about and are mostly (not all) out of your power.
For me…creation is the breadlife of redemption as far as career goes. Also,
If creation was the maverick…time would make a good Goose.
As a follower of the Lord he ultimately has been the rock and the giver of grace in my life.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
It’s hard to say because I try to keep my head down but I would say not even close.
It’s human nature to form an opinion on someone or something fairly quickly and after my first single went out I would meet people that thought they knew exactly who or what I was.
On the inside I was screaming “wait, there’s more!”
I’m simple on the outside and complex on the inside and that is rarely an advantage lol
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What are you doing today that won’t pay off for 7–10 years?
Challenging myself to become a better audio engineer. Im not good enough yet but eventually I’ll get there.
I never put enough stock in the details and artistry of mixing a song. This day and age how it feels is literally everything. It’s the extension of the songwriting process.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Brandonlay.com
- Instagram: Brandonlaymusic
- Twitter: Brandonlay
Image Credits
@tylerleaman
@doveshore
