EXCLUSIVE: Braedon Barnhill On Blending Classic Country Roots with Modern Edge in "Dashboard Dreaming" and "Dancing by Myself"

Braedon Barnhill has been making waves in country music, seamlessly blending classic influences with a modern twist. His latest releases, "Dashboard Dreaming" and "Dancing by Myself," showcase his ability to pay homage to traditional country while carving out a sound that's fresh and exciting. We sat down with Barnhill to discuss his musical journey, his influences, and the creative process behind his new songs.

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Finding His Musical Roots

When asked about the songs that shaped his musical tastes, Barnhill recalls a mix of country classics and unexpected alternative influences. "One of the first songs I really liked, I was probably three or four, and it was ‘Little Bitty’ by Alan Jackson. Anytime it came on, I would just start dancing," he shared. "I also loved George Strait growing up. It was a lot of older country because I wasn’t picking the tunes—I was just in the car with my parents."

Beyond country music, Barnhill’s father introduced him to alternative rock, making for a diverse sonic upbringing. "I didn’t always like specific songs—I just liked all of it," he said. "Music moved me more than I realized at the time. I’d get emotional over songs as a kid, and my parents thought it was weird. Looking back, that was probably a sign that music impacted me in a deeper way."

The Evolution from Hobby to Career

Barnhill always had an innate connection to music. "Even as a little kid, my house was full of instruments, and I was always messing around with them," he said. "I started really learning to play around 12 or 14 and wrote my first songs in middle school. But it wasn’t until I was about 17 or 18 that I thought, ‘Okay, I might actually have a shot at this.’ That’s when people started wanting to hear my songs again."

His first live performance at 19 cemented his belief that a career in music was possible. "That was four years ago now," he noted. "Seeing people connect with my music gave me the push to really go for it."

The Creative Process Behind "Dancing by Myself"

Barnhill’s unique sound comes from an eclectic mix of inspirations. "I grew up on ’90s country, but I listen to everything—R&B, rap, alternative music," he said. "The past year or two, I haven’t listened to much country outside of work. I like having a broad range of influences because I want my music to feel fresh and competitive while still staying true to my Texas roots."

That balance is evident in "Dancing by Myself." "It has that classic country feel with the fiddle intro and guitar riffs that take you back in time," he said. "But it’s also modern and relatable. I want my music to be something that even people who don’t typically listen to country can enjoy."

Why "Dashboard Dreaming" and "Dancing by Myself" Were the Right Songs to Release

"Dashboard Dreaming" was always intended to be the lead single, but Barnhill and his team wanted to give listeners more than just one song. "We knew we wanted a slow song to balance it out," he explained. "‘Dashboard Dreaming’ is more upbeat and rock-influenced, while ‘Dancing by Myself’ has a more traditional country feel. It’s like if you don’t connect with one, you might love the other."

"We’ve been playing ‘Dancing by Myself’ on the road for two years, and people always request it," he added. "That’s when you know it’s a song that needs to be out in the world."

Looking Ahead

With these two new releases, Barnhill is proving he’s a force to be reckoned with in country music. His ability to blend old and new, staying true to his Texas roots while appealing to a wide audience, is setting him apart in a crowded industry. As he continues to evolve, one thing is clear: Braedon Barnhill is just getting started.