Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Bruce Wiegner

Triple threat Bruce Wiegner is one to keep your eyes and ears on. Whether he’s producing, writing, or performing, his artistry undeniably shines through. He’s proven hit after hit that he knows how to craft lyrics that connect with any listener. His latest, “Malicious”, is a relatable jam about distancing yourself from a toxic relationship. Pop Culturalist caught up with Bruce to chat about “Malicious”, the biggest lesson he’s learned, and hitting the road for the What’s Going On tour.

Career Questions

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Bruce: It all started in high school. While everyone was doing sports and stuff, I was always interested in music. My friend introduced me to guitar, and I realized I’d rather sit in a room and play guitar by myself than run three miles. So, I decided to go all in with music. At that point, I started playing shows and going to concerts; I found my safe place through that. Now when I look back, it’s so cool. I see myself in the fans that come to my show. It’s amazing to be on the other side because I’ve always dreamed of being on the stage and playing shows for a living.

PC: Who or what would you say has had the biggest influence on your career?
Bruce: I would definitely say Ace Enders. He sang for a band called The Early November, which was my favorite band all through high school. When I was around twenty-two, I actually got to work with him. There’s something so special when you’re sitting with someone who inspires you and they say, “Hey, man. You’re a great songwriter. If we work together, I can help craft what you have going on.” He was the person that lit the spark in me and reconfirmed that pop is the lane that I should be in. Once we started working together, we ended up writing tons of songs and became really good friends. So, I would hands down say Ace Enders is the dude.

PC: You’ve been a part of multiple music projects in the past. How have those experiences prepared you for this next chapter in your career?
Bruce: They’ve taught me to be very careful. You have it in your brain that once you get signed or once someone’s on board, it’s all going to happen. But at the end of the day, no one will care more about your music than yourself—that’s been the biggest lesson I’ve learned. Last year was actually the first time I took a step back and focused on myself and what was going to be best for my career. I think through all the projects I’ve done, the hardest thing I’ve learned is sometimes I need to be selfish; that’s what I’m learning to do.

PC: You’re a singer, songwriter, and producer. Is there one that you naturally gravitate towards?
Bruce: I would definitely say songwriting. I’ve always made up songs and melodies. Some were the worst songs in the world, but when I was twelve or thirteen—whenever I started playing guitar—I started writing. That’s been something that’s come naturally to me. I would say songwriter, then producer. I just like entertaining people.

PC: What is your creative process like when you’re working on a new track? Has it changed over the years?
Bruce: It definitely depends. I love to write from personal experiences. If I’m writing with another artist, I need to know what’s going on in their life. Usually, someone will throw out a line, and you’ll be like, “There’s a song there!” It’s like that every day for me because I’m always in my own head. With my song “IDK”, for example, I was in the shower and started singing a melody—I had to jump out and voice memo it. [laughs] It does suck sometimes because you can’t turn it off. There are times when I’m in the middle of a conversation with someone and they’ll say something and I’ll be like, “You just said something cool. I’m going to write a song about that.”

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Malicious”. What inspired that track?
Bruce: It’s actually crazy. I started writing “Malicious” in 2015. I was in a bit of a toxic relationship and I wanted to distance myself from that person. I was telling them, “Hey, this isn’t healthy for either of us. I just need my space.” I had to block them because they kept texting me and then they eventually got through to me and said, “I don’t understand all the malice you’re showing me.” It was just me trying to take a step back, and I thought that was so funny. At the same time, I was angry and sad. In a sassy way, I thought, “Why are you so malicious, babe?” Then, I was like, “That’s a cool song.”

I started writing it and then the song went through four different singers. At the time, I was in a duo called The Weekend Riot. Then there was another singer who tried to sing it, but it didn’t work out. My friends, Sarah and Lucas, both tried, too. Then after four years, I thought it was time to just put it out.

PC: That’s a great story. You’re heading on the road next month. What can fans expect when they head to What’s Going On tour?
Bruce: The tour is really cool! It’s a great lineup. Chris Bloom opens the show, then it’s me, and then Scott Sire. Chris and I will both play for Scott as well. It’s one big collaborative show—we’re one big family. In terms of my set, I play all the songs that I have out right now along with some covers. It’s a really high energy show, especially during Scott’s set. We also do some songs that we’ve written together.

We did our first tour in February, and we didn’t know what to expect. The moment that we started singing, the crowd sang every word back! We had to readjust our ear monitors because the crowd was so loud. It was such a great problem. [laughs]

PC: What can we expect as we look ahead in 2019/2020?
Bruce: Well, I’m dropping a music video for “Malicious” during the tour. On tour, I’m going to play a brand-new song, which I’m hoping to release by the end of the year—if not, then in 2020. I’m going to continue rolling out songs until I feel ready to put out an EP or album.

PC: If you had to pick one song that best encompasses you as an artist, what would it be and why?
Bruce: It’d be “IDK”. It’s an interesting feeling since the song is about me struggling. I overthink and over analyze everything. I’m a really nervous person, so I figured I would write about that and try to figure out why. That song has connected with people the most. [laughs] It’s great that people relate to it, but it’s almost like I don’t want you guys to relate to it since it’s not positive. [laughs]

PC: That song blew up for you. What were your expectations ahead of the release? Does it add more pressure for future releases?
Bruce: I was lucky enough to play that song on tour before it was out. I knew it was going to be my next single, but I got to test the waters live. People at the show were like, “When is that song coming out?”

My buddy, Andrew Siwicki, who films and edits for Shane Dawson, was like, “Hey man, your song would be perfect for our video series.” I didn’t think anything of it except that I thought it was cool…then, it blew up! People were Shazaming the video to figure out what the song was and then it hit the iTunes charts. At that point, I was like, “Is this the new bar I have to hit?” I’m so grateful that it’s done well.

To go back to your original question, one thing that I’ve learned is I can’t go into it thinking if “Malicious” doesn’t do exactly what “IDK” did, then it’s a flop. It just means the time will come because this song was out seven months before it blew up. It’s definitely nerve-wrecking, though. If it were up to me, I’d love everything to be as big as it can be. But, I’m also a believer that the longer it takes to become a hit, the more I will feel like I deserved it.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Bruce: Morgan Wallen

PC: First album you bought?
Bruce: Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers

PC: First concert you attended?
Bruce: It was Nickelback, Blink-182, Sum 41, Bush and Lit all at a festival together.

PC: An album that changed your life?
Bruce: The Early November’s The Room’s Too Cold

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Bruce: Madison Square Garden

PC: A must-have on the road?
Bruce: Cold brew!

To keep up with Bruce, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “Malicious” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.