Brittany Bexton grew up with Aretha Franklin, Motown, and rock and roll as the soundtracks that influenced her musical palate. Since her move to Music City in 2011, Brittany has released two CDs (a self-titled album and an EP titled FREE FALL); she has toured to perform at fairs and festivals in 18 states (performing at Fiddler's & Fiddleheads Festival/Oconto County Fair/Gogebic County Fair/Sonoma County Fair/Wyoming West Festival) sharing the spotlight with Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Craig Wayne Boyd, Jason Sellers and Sarah Buxton among others.
Brittany believes in a greater gift—that her music and writing have a greater purpose to bring joy, laughter, connection and hope to her listeners. Sharing personal insight, testimonials and her belief in a greater power, Brittany has written an inspiring book titled “Learning To Believe Again: 30 Days To Finding Hope, Faith & Comfort in God’s Truth.” (Released February 2020.) The 200-plus page paperback complements the hopeful and inspiring message of her debut single, “Believe Again,” released on February 28, 2020. She released the official music video for the song on June 3, 2022.
Brittany Bexton's Top Six
What makes Nashville special to you? That it's where the songs are made. Not just where they are recorded or sung, but where so many songs are written. There's something incredible about knowing that much creation is going on in one place. And knowing how many musicians, even from all over the world come here to write with amazing writers. The Tin Pan South Festival is my favorite. You often get to hear hit songs before they are ever released, from the writer themselves.
Most under-rated thing about Nashville? The nature that is available with quick easy day trips; Hikes, lakes, waterfalls, rivers. There is so much available to experience outdoors without going far.
How would you say your hometown of Novato, CA differs from Nashville? I grew up in Novato, CA, a small town about 40 minutes North of San Francisco, and they are vastly different. The "country" where I come from is legitimate rodeo's and ranches, and agriculture, and dairy farms. The country in Nashville is the music. I remember when I first arrived in town someone said "You even got the boots to go with your move." I told them they were my actual boots, couldn't they tell they were broken in? the person said "You can buy them that way." I said, "well, maybe you can, but I actually broke these in riding horses." I realized pretty quickly, it was more rhinestone country in Nashville than actual country, except for the music. When I moved here, Nashville was a big city, with more of a small town feel and charm. Now it's living up to it's nickname of nashvegas quite a bit more. I still can't get over the crowds in downtown at this point, or the number of highrises. There are no highrises in my hometown, and the latest restaurant open used to be Denny's until it closed. There is no nightlife. When I was a kid, friends of mine legitimately went cow tipping to entertain themselves. Lol. Nashville is all about the nightlife with music coming out of every venue downtown. I lived about 20 minutes from the ocean and 20 minutes from wine country growing up. Nashville's water is rivers, and lakes, and the wine is fruit wine if it's local and decent. One of the things I love about Nashville is the friendliness of people here. And the slower pace of life, where people actually take time to talk, even to strangers.
Say you had a completely free day in Nashville—no work allowed. What would you be doing?
I would be going to the lake with friends, likely kayaking, and cooking out. Jamming with friends, by a bonfire in the evening. (music isn't work when it's just for fun). That would be a pretty ideal day for me.
What are some of your favorite Nashville restaurants? Frothy Monkey in 12 South, because they have delicious coffee and food, and lots of gluten free options. Otaku Ramen, because fancy ramen is always delicious, and they actually offer gluten free noodles there, so I can partake! Vui's Kitchen - A Vietnamese restaurant that's super tasty, and really fresh. Those are my go-to's when I'm in town, but the truth is there are so many new restaurants that I haven't tried yet and need to. Nashville has really become a foodie town in the last few years.
If someone is coming to Nashville for the first time, where do you take them? They have to experience Broadway at least once, even if we don't stay long, it's an experience in and of itself.
If there's a show while they're in town, then I take them to the grand ole opry. I try to make sure they catch at least one good writer's night since that's really something special about Nashville. One of the better places to do the writer's night experience now is the Listening Room. And I try to take them out to do at least one thing in nature. I love taking people to the waterfalls. Though they aren't right in town, I love that we have truly awesome waterfalls within an hour of town. Also, a walk through Centennial park, and seeing the Parthenon is always fun.
One Thing About Nashville
How has Nashville influenced your music? Exponentially. I would say mostly I have become a better writer. My lyrics go deeper and hit the mark faster than they did before, and I've had writing retreats and experiences here I couldn't have gotten anywhere else. I have also really come to love the creative side of production. When I record, I really end up co-producing the songs. I like sitting with the musicians for each part until I really get the sound I want. Also, being totally immersed in so much live music, I was really able to hone in my own sound, and not just sing the classics. An old guitar player and I toured together a lot, and really got a rootsy rock, bluesy feel going that I love.
Five Favorites
What’s your favorite place to go for ice cream in Nashville? Jeni's Ice cream. I love all the fun flavors, and that you can taste test most of them before deciding.
Do you have a favorite music venue? The Ryman. It feels like stepping into another world when you walk in. I can still feel all the music that's been played there in the walls, and I can almost picture some of the greats like Johnny and June chatting backstage. It is so rich with history. There's also not a bad seat in the house, and the sound is always phenomenal.
Favorite museum? The Country Music Hall of Fame. I love soaking in the history of the music, and I love that they rotate exhibits.
What grocery stores do you shop? Aldi - Especially good when prepping for tour, because they have great snacks for a way better price than other stores.
Food Lion - They're store brand organic milk is reasonably priced and really tasty. I also really like they're sparkling waters, and they sometimes have easy grab jalapeno poppers and pre-prepped dinners that are tasty.
Kroger - For all general needs. And if it's a big Kroger, they have $5 sushi on Wednesday that is actually good!
Best Broadway bar? Personally I enjoy the ones that are a little more old school or rock-abilly the best. They are more about the music and dancing than the drinking and partying. Layla's is one of them.
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