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Meet Nashville Band Sleep Nation

'Scream & Shout'

By Rick LarntzPublished 6 years ago 3 min read
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Nashville indie rock band Sleep Nation

Scream & Shout by Nashville band Sleep Nation feels more like a tapestry woven from one of the finest indie rock bands on the scene. The band is comprised of Micah Rowland, Seth Bouldin, Justin Swingler, and Bran Merritt. Below is my recent interview with lead vocalist Bran Merritt.

Rock 'n' roll isn’t static; it is dynamic and forever changing with every generation. This is the story of an indie rock band and the struggle associated with a highly competitive industry. All the while staying true to the rebellious and raucous nature of rock 'n' roll.

Sleep Nation front man Bran Wyatt Merritt was born in Lebanon, Tennessee in 1986. Growing up in McMinnville, some of his fondest childhood memories include the Marvin Gaye classic "I Heard It Through The Grapevine," but it wasn’t until sometime later that he would really get into music when he purchased Genesis’ Greatest Hits CD. Influence by the unique sound of both Genesis and Phil Collins as a solo artist helped to drive his newfound passion.

When asked why Bran chose rock 'n' roll he gives credit to his grandma who always listened to oldies on 96.3 FM, formerly WMAK, and his aunt for turning him on to Pink Floyd. He says if it weren’t for them he would still be listening to country. Having the support of family is important when one chooses to pursue music. In his younger years some felt as though it were a waste and some just wanted Bran to be happy. Now, he has the full support of his beautiful and talented wife.

All the members of Sleep Nation grew up in McMinnville, except for Bassist Micah Rowland, whom they met in college at Tennessee Tech, and Rowland was with another band. It took some time for Bran to convince lead guitarist Seth Bouldin then he decided to join the band finally in 2012.

Rick Larntz: In your opinion, why is it so difficult for the indie artist to find success in today’s commercial industry?

Bran: There are so many bands in the market, and music is so accessible now. Which is a kind of a good thing and a bad thing. I remember playing a hometown show at the local fair, one of my dad’s friends saying if you guys were playing back in the 70s this place would have had over a 1000 people in the crowd compared to 200.

Have there been times when you've just wanted to give up, and if so what changed your mind?

I think about everyday I toss around the idea of “throwing it all away” to quote a Genesis song, but then I think what would I do? I’ve played live music over half my life. It’s a drug that I can’t quit and has no side effects. My grandfather said, “It’s in my blood.” He was the drummer of a rock band in the 50s called the Be-Bops.

Looking back what advice would you give the generation that is coming up behind you?

I wish more kids would start bands. I know when I was in high school there were plenty of bands around town. In that same area now, the same people are playing. We keep getting older.

What excites you about the future of Sleep Nation?

Evolving and progressing. I still get rejuvenated every time we write a new song that we are all excited about

The band released their debut single since signing with Victory Music Buzz record label titled Scream & Shout on April 13, which also happened to be a Friday.

Follow Sleep Nation on all social media outlets and don’t forget to get the single when it releases you won’t be disappointed.

The 615 blog was created as a way to showcase indie artists that might otherwise go unnoticed. We are dedicated to helping others discover the great talent that exists in todays music industry. Please take a minute to like us on Facebook. If you are an indie artist looking to be featured please message us or email us at [email protected]

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About the Creator

Rick Larntz

I am the owner/editor-in-chief of an independent music blog. We focus primarily on the indie artist who might otherwise go unnoticed.

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