Check Out Brendan Abernathy’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brendan Abernathy.

Hi Brendan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m Brendan and I tour the country pretty much constantly putting on concerts and sleeping on couches.

I started touring in 2019 and my first concerts in North Carolina were in 2020 just before the world shut down — in Charlotte and Boone. I loved the people I met and wanted to come back when the world opened back up – not only to build a fanbase but also because I’m partial to North Carolina barbecue and a Merritt’s Grill (in Chapel Hill) fanboy.

For a while there, all I could play were outdoor concerts, so I played parks around the area on my tours, and then eventually moved to indoor concerts, but it was slow-building. Then fall of 2021, I played a big one in Chapel Hill at the Battle House study center there. Folks knew my songs and it felt like everything was coming together, like a home away from home.

Because I don’t pay rent anywhere and visit each city every 4-6 months, I like to think of myself as “Everyone’s Local Artist.” My last show was at the Raleigh Pour House and was a night to remember, and I’d like to think I’m becoming a bit of a local here, too.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Definitely not. Music is a momentum game and losing all my momentum for 18 months was quite discouraging.

But one thing I always tell people when they ask if it is hard is, “Yeah, I just don’t think about it.” And that’s true. I don’t let myself go down the ruminating rabbit hole of “Wow this is so hard. I wish it was easier.”

Building a fanbase and creating art that connects is one of the hardest jobs in the world. I’m competitive, so I love the challenge to be the best I can be.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a tour dog, really. I travel over 300 days a year and play concerts all over the US. But all the while I’m just your average guy. Obviously, I believe in my art and in the music I write, so I’m not trying to downplay what I do.

I think it is something – that is the music and the space I create at my live show — the world needs, but not necessarily because I’m Van Gogh. More because I’m just vulnerable and I’ve been told I have a knack for finding details and images and stories that put words to things everyone feels but doesn’t know how to say or express.

I hope that’s true, because if so, that’s my exact goal.

My favorite aspect of what I do and what may be a good bit different than a lot of artists is that I really value knowing my fans. Many of them have become friends. And as great as the music is, people are irreplaceable. I know this level of connection won’t be sustainable forever, but I’m enjoying it while it lasts.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy? Man! So much. Sunsets, good dogs, Dr. Pepper, winning, pizza in July.

No, but really little moments make me the happiest. Yes, the big things are what we look forward to, but it’s the view on the way up the mountain that keeps the climb interesting.

Contact Info:

• Website: babernathy.com
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/brendanabernathy
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/brendanleeabernathy
• Twitter: http://twitter.com/sheeparedope
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6hPfu9knFY
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/39ETOzAilLp4bcJAUU8mmW?si=Bzqd79cZQlGq1EPGfRg4dg

Image Credits
Luke Crabtree and Steph Siau