Artist Spotlight: Bri Bagwell

Courtesy of the Artist

As the last full month of summer begins and warm sunny days turn into cooler nights, the quaint town of Challis, Idaho, which sits snug near the Sawtooth Mountains, prepares for an influx of music aficionados from all over the globe for the Braun Brothers Reunion Festival. Regarded as one of the state’s premier musical gatherings by both attendees and artists alike, the BBR is a family-friendly event that unites artists and fans in an unparalleled setting for three unforgettable, music-filled days. 

This year, the BBR will be held from August 8th-10th and will feature fifteen Americana, Texas, and Red Dirt artists including singer-songwriter Bri Bagwell, who will be making her inaugural appearance at the event. In the midst of a busy touring schedule, Bagwell graciously took the time to answer some questions and talk all things BBR (and getting to add another state to her charm bracelet), her latest album In My Defense, what she's listening to, and more!

In a few weeks you will be headed to Idaho to play the BBR for the first time. What made you decide to accept the invite and come out? 
Honestly, this festival has been on my bucket list for awhile.  I was so excited to be invited to play this year! I’ve never played in Idaho, so that’s one more state to add to my charm bracelet (mom buys me a charm for every state I’ve played in, which is about 20!).  When they invited me to play BBR, I accepted immediately with all the happy emojis. 
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With such a fantastic line-up, is there anyone who you are looking forward to seeing again or for the first time?
I have seen Steve Earle acoustic, but only for a few songs and it was years and years ago.  When I heard that he was on the festival, I was willing to juggle all the logistics to make sure that I’m there when he plays.  The entire lineup is on fire though, so I just want to see everyone (that’s not a PC answer, it’s just VERY TRUE.)

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​What makes playing festivals like this one special to you?
I fell in love with the Texas Music Scene at a young age, because my older brothers were super into it (even though we are from New Mexico).  They used to drive to El Paso to see Pat Green, Jason Boland, etc., and we would cover Texas Country songs in our first band when I was only 14.  It’s absolutely insane to me that I get to play on the same stage as some of the same bands that I idolized. I moved to Austin when I was 18, and right away got to see Reckless Kelly at Hills Cafe; now, I get to share a stage and some cocktails with them.  That’s surreal, even after 10 years of playing music.

In My Defense came out in 2018 and I always am curious why an artist chooses the bookends for a project. Why did you choose to put "Asphalt and Concrete" first and "Empty Chairs" last?
Glad you picked up on that...  I named the entire record after a line in “Asphalt and Concrete,” and that song is about moving to Austin, TX from a smaller town in New Mexico to go to college at the age of 18.  The whole record is about who I am at this point in my life, and “in my defense,” each song explains why I am the way that I am. “Asphalt and Concrete” is the beginning of that story.  “Empty Chairs” is an incredibly emotional tune, and it gives the listener a completely accurate description of road life for me at this time: the rollercoaster, the highs and lows, and my faith in God and the path he’s chosen for me through music.

What’s on tap for you for the rest of the year?
We have Kansas, Colorado, Missouri, Colorado, Oklahoma, Oregon, and of course Texas on the calendar (in addition to Idaho) for the remainder of the summer/fall.  I am also working on a new EP in Spanish, releasing more singles off of “In My Defense” to Texas and Regional radio, performing on the Texas Country Music Cruise out of Galveston, traveling to Ireland for the Texas Red Dirt Pub Crawl, and continuing to write one song per week… I almost got anxiety typing all of that!  Ha.

Finally, what are you listening to? Is there one recent release of any genre that you cannot stop pressing repeat?
Josh Ward just came out with a new Live At Billy Bob’s Album, and I am loving it.  He’s one of my good friends, but I am a sucker for great country songs and a really country voice.  Also, Kaitlin Butts new single “White River,” and Kylie Rae Harris’ new EP that came out this year are both INCREDIBLE and on repeat.

To keep up with Bri Bagwell visit:
Website/Facebook/IG

2019 Braun Brothers Reunion
Challis, Idaho
August 8-10th
​Purchase: 3 Day Pass $129.30
Purchase: 2 Day Pass Friday and Saturday ONLY
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The BBR is held rain or shine.
Tickets purchased online will be picked up at will call at the venue.
Tickets are Non-refundable.
Kids age 5 and under are free.
Kids age 6-12 are $15 a day and can ONLY be purchased at the front gate even if its sold out.
Kids age 13 and up pay full adult price.

Website/Facebook/Twitter