Brandon Blackburn has loved music for as long as he can remember. After getting his first guitar as a Christmas present in third grade, Brandon’s father taught him the basic chords. Before long, he had mastered their favorite song – “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” Heavily influenced by the likes of Eric Church, Poison, Nelly and Matchbox 20, Brandon has cultivated his own unique sound by combining modern country with a hint of alternative rock. Over the last four years, Brandon has been performing at local bars all over the gulf coast and, most recently, the entire southeast. In 2021, he was awarded the honor of “Best Country Performer” by Lagniappe Magazine, a Mobile-based magazine that focuses on South Alabama. In September of 2022, Brandon released his debut single “472” which can be found on all digital streaming platforms.
Brandon Blackburn's Top Six
What makes Nashville special to you? Obviously as a Country artist I would have to say the music. When you think of country music, you automatically think Nashville. But along with that I would say all the history as well. Nashville is the place where so many legends were made. Finally, on a personal level, Nashville holds a special place in my heart because the first original song I ever recorded was about a girl I was seeing who was living there at the time. Most under-rated thing about Nashville? Typically, when people come to Nashville, they want to spend their entire trip on Broadway. Don’t get me wrong, Broadway is iconic and a great time. But I would say everything else is underrated. There are so many other places to go and things to see while you’re in town. Don’t be afraid to venture out! Say you had a completely free day in Nashville—no work allowed. What would you be doing? I’d start by sleeping in and then grabbing brunch. After that I would probably head down to Yee-Haw Brewing to play some cornhole and have a few afternoon drinks. Throw in an evening walk through Centennial Park and dinner and that would be a perfect day. Then I would end it by venturing out and listening to some amazing local music. What are some of your favorite Nashville restaurants? Whenever I’m in town I always try and make time for a few spots. Ruby Sunshine, Martins BBQ, and Hattie B’s are a must. I love trying new places though so feel free to send me some recommendations! Is there a place you haven't ate you have been dying to go? I have always wanted to eat at the Pancake Pantry. Unfortunately, I don’t have the patience to wait in line wrapped around the block. Maybe one day I’ll get up early enough to get a table there. If someone is coming to Nashville for the first time, where do you take them? It seems like everywhere has a rooftop bar now, but one of my personal favorites to take people is Acme Feed & Seed on lower Broadway. It’s got an amazing view of the river as well as Nissan Stadium. The moonshine slushies are also a solid way to kick off an evening.
One Thing About Nashville
What excites you most about the Nashville music scene right now? What has me the most excited is seeing all the success a lot of my friends and colleagues are having. Releasing new songs, opening up for big name artists, releasing albums, it’s all surreal to be around. Becoming part of the music community has been awesome, and I have met a lot of great people. I LOVE seeing all their hard work pay off, and it has me excited to see what my own future has in store…
Five Favorites
What’s your favorite place for breakfast in Nashville? My favorite breakfast spot is probably Ruby Sunshine on 21st Ave. Scrambled eggs with cheese and bacon, extra crispy. I try and stop there every time I’m in town. Do you have a favorite music venue? That’s a tough choice. Obviously, you have historic places like the Opry and the Ryman. But personally, I am a huge fan of Ascend Amphitheater. It’s hard to beat an outdoor concert there on a summer night. Favorite place to go on date night? So, I’ve never actually been to this place, but I had a date night planned here a few months back that fell through, and I’ve always thought it would be a great time. Game Terminal in South Nashville. Something different than your typical “dinner and a movie” date. What could be better than having a few cocktails and playing ‘Space Invaders’?? Best place to grab a beer? If any of my friends are performing, I’ll always try and grab a few drinks and support them. Otherwise, if I’m just casually grabbing a beer, I like to wander around and find dive bars “off the beaten path”. I’m sure there are many hidden finds I have yet to stumble across, and I look forward to checking them all out. Best Broadway bar?I have never had a bad night at Kid Rock’s. That place is always a party. But I’m also a big fan of Robert’s Western World. It’s nice to kick back and listen to some old school honkytonk music every now and then. Plus, you can’t go wrong with their fried bologna sandwich.