Essential 8: Houston Bernard

Watch "We Made Out" HERE

Houston Bernard and his band bring vitality and grit to modern country with a fresh and hard-hitting approach that has earned them nominations for Country Act of the Year New England Music Awards in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Over the years, they have shared bills with Old Dominion, Miranda Lambert, Josh Turner, Clint Black, Cadillac Three, Dierks Bentley, Travis Tritt, and more. In July 2018, they released their third album and first single, "We Made Out" which is already being played all over North America, Europe, and Australia. Here, Bernard answers hie Essential 8+ and talks about the album, his professional bucket list, what he listens to on the road, and so much more!

Did you have a musical mentor? If so, who was it and how did they influence you?
Yes, Kaz Gamble, he started producing me when I was in highschool and he opened my ears to many styles of music that I was not currently listening. He also shot my very first music video that aired locally on television. Which is a big deal when you are 15 years old.

With any particular song, was there an “a-ha” moment when you knew the song was completed and perfect? I kept listening to “We Made Out” wondering how I can make it better, we remixed it and added some new backing vocals which sold me on being ok to call it finished.

Is there a story behind your album’s title? “Lucky Man” is the title and a track on the album. I feel very fortunate to be able to play music, to have the people in my life #more than blessed.

Why did you choose to anchor the album with the songs you did? I actually recorded 6 other songs that did not make the album. I felt they were very different and didn’t really fit, I think the songs on this album make sense together.

Where do you draw inspiration from when writing? My life, they are all true stories.

When/where do you do your best writing? In my man cave when no one is around.

Do you write about personal experience, the experience of others, observations, made-up stories, something else or a combination? Yes, a bit of everything but generally my own experiences.

What’s the best advice you have ever gotten from another musician? Learn the business.

What’s the best advice to give to a musician just starting out? Learn the business and don’t ever be satisfied with you art form, keep working to improve it, that is where your energy should be.

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What’s your favorite/”go-to” food on the road? Grilled chicken salad.

Do you have any touring tips? Get as much sleep as you can, don’t drink as much as you think you can.

What are your “must have” albums for the road? Well, I stream my music usually so I have all the albums. But, I'll listen to some Wheeler Walker Jr.

How do you kill the long hours in the van? Music, debates and philosophical conversations.

What’s the most frustrating thing about being on the road? Not enough rest, you cant really sleep in the van we have, its too bumpy.

What do you love most about being on the road? Sharing music with new people, the challenge of trying to win over a new crowd.

What has been your biggest struggle so far? Being independent you can imagine its funding, sleep, and being away from family. But, the trade off is we get to do what we love to do.

What has been your biggest success? 3 albums that I am proud of and 5 years playing with the same amazing fellas.

What’s your favorite venue and why? Loretta's Last Call in Boston, there is a lot of love there.

What’s your dream venue and why? Gillette Stadium, I always wanted to play a stadium.

Who would you love to collaborate with? Vince Gill, Dwight Yoakam.

Which song of yours gets the best crowd response? "Knockin’ Boots"

Are there any songs you are tired of playing and why? "Wagon Wheel," Good song but unfortunately overplayed. Give it 10 years please, ha ha!

Is drinking at gigs a positive or a negative? Makers and Ginger is my drink, and a couple in a night is nice, but, I try to stay healthy so I drink a ton of water and exercise.
 
Favorite (or first) concert you have ever attended? Favorite concert was Bruce Springsteen, Front row. Amazing talent.

Favorite thing to do on a day off? Spend it with family of course, or play some basketball.

Do you have a favorite gift from a fan? We opened up for Clint Black last year in Maine and he was really nice, asked to play longer, took a picture with us and the fan printed up and framed a picture for each member of the band. That was sweet.

Is there a recent release you cannot stop listening to? “Drank Like Hank” by Brothers Osborne, so good. The whole album is great, and Kacey Musgraves new one too.

Song (of yours) you wish you would have released as a single and why? "Knockin’ Boots," people really enjoy that song and we end a lot of shows with it.

Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off? Duet with Miranda Lambert.
 
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