Exclusive Interview: Brett Landin Talks “Girlfriend,” the Power of Songwriting, and More

Brett Landin is one of country music’s most exciting up-and-coming voices. Known for her powerhouse vocals and raw, emotive songwriting, Brett has an innate gift for penning lyrics that make listeners feel seen and heard with songs that are equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking. She never shies away from tackling important subject matter like life, loss, and love.

Today, the gifted artist drops her highly-anticipated new single, “Girlfriend,” which features an important message about self-empowerment and stepping away from a toxic situation.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to catch up with Brett to discuss the incredible year she’s had, the release of “Girlfriend,” and more.

PC: It’s been over a year since we last chatted, and you’ve continued to achieve so much success. When you look back at the last year, is there a moment that stands out?
Brett: I am so grateful to be back chatting with y’all! So much has indeed happened over the past year, and I don’t even know where to start, except to say that I am incredibly thankful for the opportunities and gifts the past year has brought.

When I look back at the past year, one of the moments that stands out the most is finally feeling embraced by the country music community here and getting to share my stories and play my songs right here in Nashville. There’s something super special about finally being able to take the stage in the city where all these songs were born and produced. I am so excited for what’s to come within this amazing community.

PC: You have a new single out now. Tell us about “Girlfriend” and the story behind it.
Brett: “Girlfriend” is a song that had been brewing inside of me for a long time. The story is rooted in a lot of truth, both firsthand and secondhand. I think there is this painfully tragic and universal experience of being stuck in a “situationship” where not only is there unrequited love, but also an emotional burdening. It’s almost like a “booty call” but not physical. It’s exhausting and hard to break out of because there is true care and concern for the other person, but it’s not healthy or sustainable. “Girlfriend” marks the definitive end to the emotional burdening and is an anthem for anyone who is or has ever felt trapped in that cycle.

PC: There’s such a fantastic team behind “Girlfriend.” How have you, Leslie Satcher, and Christopher Harris been able to push each other as collaborators?
Brett: I am so grateful to have such a talented team of people behind me throughout all the phases of “Girlfriend.” Being in a room with someone as lyrically and musically gifted as Leslie Satcher always pushes me to write wittier and stronger. She is a wizard of words, and every time we write together, she stretches me to write better and leaves me with life lessons that make me a better person.

Chris is such a rock for the project. He is an excellent producer and lyricist, always encouraging me to take the leap and go for it—both in the vocal booth and in life.

PC: You’ve steadily been releasing music since your debut single. If you had to pick a song that best encompasses who you are as an artist, which one would it be and why?
Brett: Oh wow, what a question…and a great one at that. I think I would have to say “Slow Dance in the Kitchen” best encompasses me as an artist because I don’t think I have ever been so raw and honest in my storytelling. As an artist, I strive to tell stories, and they happen to be in the format of songs. I want to be an artist who tells stories through melodies, and I feel like “Slow Dance in the Kitchen” is a song in my repertoire that really captures that rawness and realness I want to continue to cultivate as a songwriter.

PC: You’re an artist who thrives on the live stage. How much do you use that environment and setting to test out new material?
Brett: I love performing live and think that, especially during writers’ rounds, trying out new material is always super rewarding and provides a great opportunity to get feedback. I have been writing like a madwoman over the past year or so, and in the coming shows, there may definitely be some trials of new music! We shall see! However, I think it often depends on the environment, the crowd, and the situation to determine whether or not it matches the vibe to introduce new material.

PC: When you look ahead to the rest of 2024, what does the year hold for you?
Brett: 2024 is already proving to be an incredibly busy and exciting year! I am in Nashville performing for the next week and then will be back from August 5-10th, playing five shows during that time, so definitely come out and say hey if you’re in Nashville. Beyond that, there are some shows in the Big Apple on the horizon for the fall, so stay tuned! Following my Instagram is the best way to keep up to date with all the shows coming up! I am so grateful to be booked and busy.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Brett: The 502’s – I am obsessed!

PC: First album you ever bought?
Brett: Sweet Baby James by James Taylor or Playlist: The Very Best of Lonestar.

PC: First concert you ever attended?
Brett: Taylor Swift’s Fearless tour.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Brett: Revolution by Miranda Lambert – This album and the songs on it (in particular “The House That Built Me”) were the first time I was truly opened up to the power of storytelling and connecting to music. It was the first time I had ever wept while listening to an album, and that changed everything for me and how I viewed the power of music.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Brett: Red Rocks.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Brett: Aquaphor and my Watermelon Moonshine Stanley Cup.

To keep up with Brett, Instagram and Spotify.

Photo Credit: Kate Owen