Houston Bernard – People We Are

By starrymag | March 22, 2021

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound? 

A) To me I see and feel it as Heartland music.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences? 

A) Some are Brothers Osborne and Cody Johnson, Springsteen, Mellencamp, Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam,

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “People We Are.” 

A) This story talks about the best part of us as Americans and humans, doing the right thing, living within our means, ethics, respect and honesty.

Q) So many people have been requesting and relating to the track. What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to? 

A) I assume they feel the same way I do. They want to feel pride in their family, their work and their country. The best parts of us need to shine through. We all want better and in this current climate we need to come together and honor those that make these things happen.

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it? 

A) I think it gives a good example of people that are the heart of our country, working and playing hard.

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

A) Lately, I have an idea of what I want to say then go from there, but sometimes I’m just jamming out on a feeling and start from the chords and melody that is in my head.

Q) Bill McDermott handled production for “People We Are,” but how much of a say do you have in the production of your music? 

A) Well, when you are paying for it, you have complete say, but with that being said…I know when to get out of the way and let a genius do what they do best. Ha! It ends up being a team effort and he works with a great group of people. It was more than a pleasure.

Q) Will there be a full EP or album coming in the near future? 

A) Good question, I have so many songs and can’t wait to record them but being indie sometimes it’s easier to put out singles so every song gets a little bit of love. Though an EP isn’t out of the question.

Q) With concerts currently on hold, what do you miss most about being on stage? 

A) The connection with the audience. There is nothing else like those moments when you are able to bring music and lift people up.

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

A) Brothers Osborne or Miranda [Lambert]

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?  

A) Tyler Childers’ Country Squire. I tend to keep putting on in its entirety. Something about that album feels like home.

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

A) It truly is a new artform and each social is a little different. It’s interesting how many new people you can meet so quickly. It’s important because that’s where many country fans are looking for new artists and appreciating the ones they already love.

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

A) I can’t thank you enough. Your support means the world to me. I will try to keep making the best music I can make to touch your heart.