Brantley Gilbert knows that tomorrow is no guarantee. Just over five years ago the talented singer/songwriter was ignoring his deepest ambition of becoming a Country singer and was just going through the motions of everyday life. It wasn’t until a nearly-fatal car accident that Gilbert opened his eyes, realized the importance of living each day to the fullest, and decided to pursue his love for music as a career.
Brantley Gilbert was born and raised in the small town of Jefferson, Georgia, just outside of Athens city limits. It is that upbringing and small town influence Gilbert credits toward allowing him to cultivate his unique sound. With well-known rock bands REM and the B-52’s having roots nearby, Gilbert’s taste in music always swayed toward a rock feel, but his true-to-life testimony of heartache, trials, triumph, and success found a home in country music.
After taking the stage night-after-night Gilbert began to notice familiar faces in the crowds. A group of believers who shared his passion for life and music had developed, and pretty soon the following had taken-on a life of its own. Gilbert quickly realized that his acoustic shows — however intimate — didn’t satisfy his audience’s thirst for his rock-infused country music. In order to meet their demand, he formed a band.
“We went from these acoustic shows to a bona fide Country-Rock-Soul show that is wide open,” says Gilbert. “Even when we play a ballad, it’s high energy.”
With the fans demanding new music from Gilbert, he came to Nashville, Tennessee where he soon signed with Warner Chappell Publishing and began to develop music for a debut album release. One of his songs, “The Best of Me,” was recorded by Country superstar Jason Aldean and earned a spot on his Wal-Mart exclusive and iTunes release WIDE OPEN.
Moreover, in August 2010, Brantley’s song “My Kinda Party,” became a #1 smash for Aldean. The superstar’s latest single, “Dirt Road Anthem,” was also written by Gilbert.
“It’s an honor that someone like Jason would want to record one of my songs,” says Gilbert. “It’s a big step for me as a songwriter and I couldn’t have asked for a better artist to perform the song. After all, he is a Georgia boy!”
On March 16, 2010, the rising star released his sophomore album, HALFWAY TO HEAVEN, the follow-up to his debut national release, A MODERN DAY PRODIGAL SON. The album peaked at #2 on iTunes Country Album Charts, and at #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Album Chart for all genres.
In February 2011, Gilbert passed another career milestone when he signed with Big Machine Label Group imprint The Valory Music Co. -- home to superstars Reba and Jewel as well as #1 chart-topper Justin Moore.
As tour dates multiply throughout the South, Gilbert’s fan base continues to expand. The rising star’s MySpace page garners more than 25,000 listeners daily— a number that has brought him to the #1 spot on MySpace Music Charts for both country and southern rock.
Brantley Gilbert’s debut Valory Music Co. single impacts Country Radio on April 25th. Currently in the studio with award-winning producer Dann Huff.
“I’ve realized that life can be very short, and everyone should take advantage of it,” says Gilbert. “If you’re gonna live, do something with it. Make it great.”
