Luke Bryan on Career Evolution, Grammy Prospects, and Duet Dreams with Beyoncé
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It goes without saying that country music has found its way into the mainstream—be it via blends with other musical genres, or simply that people are catching on to how fun Nashville can be. It also goes without saying that Luke Bryan is leading the pack of crossover artists making a mark on the non-country world.
When asked which pop, rap, or rock star he’d most like to collaborate with outside of his native genre, Bryan doesn’t even pause to think. “Beyoncé,” he declares, adding that he’d love to throw down a duet of “Single Ladies.
It’s more than likely Bryan would hold his own alongside the mega-star. Not only does the 39-year-old Georgia native possess a cheerful-yet-commanding sense of performance, he’s built up somewhat of a starry empire himself. The current reigning Entertainer of the Year for both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, Bryan also holds a number of all-genre award nominations to his name and is currently staring down a likely Grammy nomination with the release of his fifth record, Kill The Lights, out August 7.
“I love the whole evolution,” Bryan says of his career’s rocketing launch from Georgia country to nationwide mainstream. “I’m proud of that. At the end of the day I have enjoyed every step of the way, and I tried to be positive from A-Z. In a 10-year career, you have to evolve, and it’s all about the fans coming along on the ride.”
That’s something he doesn’t have to worry too much about. Bryan’s fans have remained loyal throughout his rise, with a seemingly endless appetite for his brand of sunny, party-friendly country music (the singer not only has five studio albums to his name, he is famous for his string of Spring Break-themed EPs, released annually). His last set, 2013’s Crash My Party, debuted at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart and Top Country Albums chart simultaneously. However, Bryan states that—like his career overall—he’s evolved considerably with the release of his latest album.
“With every album you want to find a way to reinvent a few new things,” he explains. “That’s the bottom line--find a way to push yourself to new heights and new levels. We felt we were able to do that with this album. I feel it showcases a new me, in a new light. I elevated from Crash the Party.”
He cites the new song “Strip it Down” as a good example: “That’s a pretty sexy song, I haven’t went down that road. I think I just tried to continue to make something for everyone to gravitate to.”
Bryan also feels that he’s grown as a recording artist overall. Having honed his sound with so many live performances on the road, he admits “it was tough” to finesse his studio work to his liking. “I was truly learning how to sing in a studio. We learned how to be really crafty over the years, and I became a better singer, learning everything I can about my voice.
“Finally I harnessed all the tools I got—a limited set of tools,” he deadpans. “But I harnessed them.”
As for the chatter that Grammys may be in his future, Bryan is calm regarding the prospect. “I never had a Grammy nomination; it would be amazing to get one,” he says. “We’ll see what happens. It’s all a cherry-on-top situation. Any nominations are flattering when you get them. You’re excited to have them…but you have get back to work,” he adds pragmatically.
Bryan notes overall that the time in his career where he has become truly larger than life is—surprisingly—the time he’s felt the least pressure. “I love it more presently,” the married father of two says. “I’ve had more fun than I ever had in my life. I can truly relax and relish everything. I’m not out to prove something, or chase my tail.”
We think Beyoncé would have to agree.
