Brian Falduto – Gay Country

By starrymag | May 10, 2024

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) I love that you’ve created the term “gay country.” Why was it important to you to create this term and expand the confines of simply being referred to as “country music?”

 

A) As a longtime fan of country music, I often felt left out by the genre simply by the fact that queerness wasn’t ever addressed. So many of the songs I grew up listening to resonated with me and yet I also struggled to see myself in them. “Gay country” is just country music that’s unapologetically queer. My album is meant to be like a lighthouse in the darkness for those looking for queerness in a genre where it can be hard to come by.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Ty Herndon, Kacey Musgraves, Faith Hill, Rascal Flatts, Jo Dee Messina, Orville Peck, Shania Twain, Dolly Parton. I could go on.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “One More.”

 

A) It’s based on a true story of a romantic night in Aruba – one of my first queer experiences actually – where I was encouraged to step outside my comfort zone and let loose a little bit. It was a fun memory, but it was the first of many growth experiences where I came into my own as a gay man. Maybe it was the beauty of the Caribbean or the cute boy or the overflowing cocktails, but something about that night felt magical. The song is rather playful because that’s how the night felt.

 

Q) What kind of response have you been receiving from the fans to it?

 

A) I’ve been enjoying seeing videos of them dancing along to it; it’s got that “classic country drinking song” feel to it so it seems they’re picking up on that fun vibe. Some of them are also picking up on the fact that it’s a bit of a new sound for me and I love that because I am trying to show a bit of an evolution with this new music I’m releasing.

 

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) Typically, I start with lyrics actually! But I go both ways. It really depends when and where the inspiration strikes. Lately, I love a good co-write just to get the wheels churning and then I’ll often finish the tune by myself and build out the arrangement from there before eventually performing or producing it.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in producing your music?

 

A) I mostly leave the mechanics of production to someone more skilled as I’m not the most technically proficient. I like to view myself as riding in the passenger seat. I got my eyes and ears peeled and can steer, if necessary, especially if I have a strong idea about which way to go, but I don’t want to “back seat drive” too much.

 

Q) What are some themes you explore on your album Gay Country?

 

A) The project is very late 90’s, early 2000’s country music influenced as that’s what I grew up on. It was also when country music sounded the best, in my opinion. Most of my songs are about love or my lack thereof at the time of writing this handful of tunes. I also take a moment to enjoy some stillness on “Slow Down Town.” “When Your Home Don’t Feel Like Home” is a commentary on the theme of hometowns in country music. So many country songs are about how great home is but sometimes when you’re queer, that’s not your experience. Similarly to “Same Old Country Love Song,” this song is meant to expand the reach of the genre a bit in that regard.

 

Q) “Same Old Country Love Song” became a fast fan favorite. What do you think it is about the song that has made it such a standout?

 

A) I think it’s just a testament to how long queer people have felt left out by country music, which is silly really because country music is about storytelling more than anything else and there are so many LGBTQIA+ stories needing to be told.

 

Q) Your music has received support from your former School of Rock co-star Jack Black. Who else from the film have you kept in touch with?

 

A) We’re pretty much all in touch! I think we may hold the record for longest lasting group text by a cast of a major motion picture.

 

Q) What do you hope lingers with audiences that explore Gay Country as a whole?

 

A) A sense of nostalgic belonging.

 

Q) Are there plans to go on tour, or have you been working on new music already?

 

A) Yes & yes! My current line-up of releases for the near future is meant to gently guide listeners of “Gay Country” along an evolution of my sound because a lot of the content I’ve got in my pocket for the far future is a bit of a new direction. It’s all still country but it’s a little less tongue-in-cheek and a bit more introspective. And hoping to announce some tour dates soon! Stay tuned.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Oh gosh, so many people. Maybe Adeem the Artist or Flamy Grant if I had to drop some names. Or Fancy Hagood. I love what they’re all doing. If I’m thinking big time, I’ll say Kacey Musgraves as well. Can’t hurt to start manifesting!

 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) [laughs] Well, the new Kacey Musgraves album is gorgeous and is often filling my ear holes as of late. I just think it’s such a beautiful reflection on the complexity of relationships and the universe and all the things. I’ve also been having fun checking out Jacob Collier’s stuff. I’m a little behind the curb with him but have been enjoying playing catch up.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans (LGBTQIA+ or otherwise)?

 

A) I have mixed feelings on social media. In this day and age, it is important (to a degree), but it’s also difficult for me to participate without getting swept up in comparing myself to others or feeling a sense of burnout from the constant output it requires. My creativity thrives when I’m catering to my more introspective and sometimes sensitive nature so social media can be a tough arena to be vulnerable in that way. I find that when I’m able to really be myself on social media platforms, it resonates with the people it’s meant to and that’s when I feel happy with my relationship to it. But often, being myself means not being on social media [laughs], so it’s a balancing act for me.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you! There’ve been days where the grind of being an independent artist has been overwhelming but all it takes is an unexpected DM of encouragement and support from a fan and suddenly, I’m able to keep going. So, it really means a lot.