Nashville based singer-songwriter Briston Maroney just released his debut album ‘Sunflower’ earlier this month. This album has been a long time coming, with Maroney’s breakout hit “Freakin’ Out On the Interstate” endearing fans to his homegrown yet grand sound. This authentic, personal feel to Maroney’s music is credited largely the product of his career thus far. With the release of his 2017 debut EP ‘Big Shot’, the artist amassed a loyal fanbase in the Nashville DIY scene. When you hear a Briston Maroney song, you can almost feel yourself at one of those intimate shows, with the Americana tinge that is so characteristic of music’s favorite city and the youthful camaraderie of an audience gathered in a Punk’s basement.
But ‘Sunflower’ also demonstrates the heights which Maroney can rise to when given the best tools. This record was recorded between the summer of 2019 and the beginning of 2020 alongside acclaimed producer John Congleton (Angel Olsen, St. Vincent). Maroney also collaborated with Manchester Orchestra’s Andy Hull and songwriter Dan Wilson. “I learned a ton from writing with those people,” he says. “I think the biggest thing I took away is you get to decide how open you want to be, and you get to decide how much of a stage you want to set for emotions in songwriting.” The punchy guitars, twinkling pop melodies, and electric songwriting truly make this record great, and demonstrate how the young artist is pushing himself creatively and emotionally with each new work he puts out.
Briston sat down with B-Sides host Pete Mar to talk about the making of ‘Sunflower’ and how his relationship with his music has evolved with the record.
