Born and raised in West Georgia, Brian Collins displays a true southern soul with his musical presence. Humbled by his modest upbringing as the son of two truck-driving parents, Brian exudes passion and love in every corner of his career. Brian Collins will be playing a show at Eddie’s Attic tomorrow, December 17th, and Alex May had a chance to talk with him before the show.
Can you tell us a little bit about your music?
I’d say its a mix of southern soul, country, and Americana.
How did you get started playing music?
I was drawn to music as a child and it was always a passion and borderline clinical obsession. While all my friends were out being social and living their lives, I was shutting myself in a room, picking the guitar till my fingers blistered, playing the harmonica till my lips bled, writing and singing for hours upon hours and doing it wrong for years until one day it was finally right. (which it never really is for me) …you don’t just choose music, I believe it chooses you.
Is there anything specific that usually inspires your songs?
If I had to say one thing that inspires me it is the resiliency of the human spirit but I also try to live life to the fullest and observe my surroundings. When I find a point of interest or spark I go with it to see where it takes me.
Do you typically write your lyrics before or after the music?
I rarely write lyrics first. If, anything, maybe a title or phrase but I tend to lean on the music and melody to set the mood then just let the lyrics fall out naturally.
What aspects of your music do you feel are the most important?
My music is real and it is honest. Also, there is a vulnerable quality to it that I think is very relatable. I actually live the words that I write down in these songs. They are thoughts and experiences that have been documented, in some fashion, and formed into a song. What you hear is what you get.
Can you tell us a little about your musical influences?
I grew up listening but not limited to the classics (Jim Croce, Bob Seger, Bill Withers, James Taylor, Van Morrison, Tom Petty, Al Green, etc). I strive everyday to have that “timeless” quality that made a lot of those songs/artists survive and live on for so many years. Don’t get me wrong though, I love a lot of current music as well! We all have our guilty pleasures.
Are there any current artists that you would like to perform with?
I’d love to hit the road with Garth Brooks, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Zac Brown Band, Amos Lee, …this list could go on and on but at the end of the day, I just want to play. Period. By the way, If you guys are reading this, just have your people call my people. I’m open.
Thanks to Brian Collins for taking the time to talk with us, and make sure to grab your tickets to his show tonight at Eddie’s Attic!
