It speaks to an audience more so than the numbers that everyone worries over. I think when you have the longevity that you have as an artist, it shines through no matter what. I want to just start from here and continue to go up.

Through all this, we've been pretty fortunate on the professional side, we've been very blessed and we're going try to just keep that train rolling. You know, although I love my first and second record, this brand-new record we just put out was me trying to outdo myself and make a better record than I've ever made. So even before my first records, I was always trying to make the next one better than the last one. The roots that I grew up in were taking pride in what you do and working hard at it and getting better. I'm a competitive person, even against myself. So, I guess a good place to start would be does this new record feel like a chapter closer, or a new chapter beginning? It's also allowed him to take stock of his career and what's truly important, reflecting upon his belief and opinion of the industry, its current state and his place within it. As he falls across the big lounger in the back of his ranch, surrounded by titular deer heads that hold pride of place across the room, he seems refreshed, grateful in the respect that the opportunity to recollect and reconnect has been afforded to him. It's almost easy to forget that Brice himself contracted COVID-19. Brice has also jumped at the opportunity to have the time to reflect and re-cooperate, precious time with his family being at the top of his list. It's also a hopeful sign of the possibilities that are forthcoming, with all fingers crossed for 2021. We're calling it the COVID band'.ĭespite the rising numbers in cases and continued anxiety surrounding the pandemic around Christmas, it's difficult to reject the opportunity to play live when the chance safely arises. I'm going to play a full electric, alongside our drummer and bass player. 'It's only half the members, but we're going treat it like a full band set.

Unsurprisingly for Brice, he's taking it all in his stride, lapping at the opportunity to get to play some songs to any audience - particularly highlights from his brand new, global-greeting album. It's happening in a year where his stock has never been so high, with two singles appearing in Billboard's top (the only artist to appear twice in the list), his first CMA Award win for 'I Hope You're Happy Now' - his duet with Pearce - and the fact he's celebrating the 10th anniversary of the release of his debut record with the release of 'Hey World', his fifth. It's another rollercoaster turn of events in 2020 for the singer-songwriter - having contracted the virus himself last month, causing him to pull out of his CMA Awards performance with Carly Pearce a couple of days before the ceremony was meant to take place. Lee Brice is heading for a show in Texas.

The Rising by Morgan Brice