The time is fast approaching for the much anticipated return of Breland to the UK and other parts of Europe for his Truth Telling Tour. This headlining tour will see Breland play in Glasgow, Manchester, London, Amsterdam, Hamburg, Birmingham, Bristol, Kent and Cologne. The Kent show will be Breland’s first time ever headlining a festival and those attending Speedfest will be in for a treat.

Breland has been a favourite amongst UK Country fans since his debut playing C2C Festival back in 2022. Since then, Breland has made the UK his second home returning to the C2C Stage as well as playing headline tours, The Long Road Festival and supporting Shania Twain. During these visits, Breland released his debut album Cross Country (2022) to much critical acclaim and later released the Deluxe version Cross Country: The Extra Mile (2022).

After taking some much deserved time off after non-stop touring, Breland released his EP Project 2024 in 2024. The six-song EP delivered a track listing of hit after hit that really proved Breland’s broad talent for singing, songwriting and producing. Breland really is a “one of a kind” artist who has brought something wonderfully unique to the country music genre. The amount of “high calibre” artists who he has collaborated with over the years shows how his spin on the genre is working. A kind soul, Breland is always ready to share his platform with other artists and often collaborates with both already well established names and up and coming artists on all his projects and live shows.

Breland recently played his fourth annual BRELAND & Friends benefit concert at the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee on April 22. The special concert saw guest appearances from Jordan Davis, Sam Ryder, Joy Oladokun, Graham Barham, Grace Bowers, Mackenzie Carpenter, Madeline Edwards, Tigirlily Gold, Jonathan McReynolds, Adrien Nunez, Reyna Roberts, and more. The proceeds of the event went to Middle Tennessee’s at-risk youth through the Oasis Center.

The Truth Telling tour is one fans don’t want to miss out on. Anyone on the fence should definitely take the plunge as his live shows truly offer fans an unforgettable experience.

We caught up with Breland to discuss this tour, Project 2024, new music and more!

“TRUTH TELLING UK & EU TOUR 2025” DATES
May 29 – Glasgow, UK – SWG3 Warehouse
May 31 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Institute 2
June 1 – Manchester, UK – Club Academy
June 3 – Bristol, UK – Fleece
June 5 – London, UK – Islington Assembly Hall
June 7 – Kent, UK – American Speedfest
June 9 – Amsterdam, NL – Melkweg OZ
June 11 – Cologne, DE – Helio37
June 12 – Hamburg, DE – Turmzimmer

How have you been? How has your week been?

It’s been good! Been making some new music, having a little fun as well.

Great! Well I am very excited that you are coming back for the Truth Telling tour later this month and through June. I know that you love it here. What can we expect from these shows and why is it called the ‘Truth Telling’ tour?

It’s called that as I have a song called ‘Truth Telling’ which will be coming out very soon! We will be playing that for y’all and y’all will be some of the first people to hear it. But yeah, I’ve just been working on a new project, and ‘truth telling’ has been one of the songs that has kind of gotten us in this direction for the project. I figured if we’re going to be giving people some new music, we might as well make that the name of the tour.

You seem to always treat us with new music in the UK, so I hope that means that we’re very special to you?

Yeah, absolutely! I have long since been on the record as saying that the UK is my favorite place in the world to play, and every time I come over there, that is reinforced so a lot of love for the UK, and always trying to bring some additional energy and figure out some new ways to engage with the fans when we’re over there.

Energy is definitely the right word, because your shows, I mean, I’ve been saying since day one, “Breland needs to be the headliner for, like, absolutely everything”, because anybody playing after you has quite the challenge.

Thank you. I appreciate it.

Are you bringing a full band? Is Christian going to be with you?

We don’t have Christian with us this time, but I do have the rest of my guys. Christian is out doing some other things on this run. We have a guy named Devin with us who is also very lovely, and it’ll be his first time playing with us overseas, so I’m excited for him to experience what that’s like. And then I’ve got my bass player, Budda coming with me, and my drummer, Harley, who’s been with me all the times that I’ve been out that way.

Amazing. I’m coming to Speed Fest with my family because my boys and I adore you. You’re headlining the festival. Do you change things up for a festival set, especially if you’re headlining?

Yeah, well, I’ve never headlined a festival before, so to my knowledge, this will be my first headline festival. So I don’t know exactly exactly how it’ll be different, but I know anytime I’m playing a festival, you always have to assume that there are people in the audience that may have not seen you before. You know, they’re also coming to see some of the other acts that are on the bill, but I do think as a headliner, it’s a little different, because theoretically I would be bringing the most people out. So you know, hopefully these people already know some of my music, but in the event that they don’t, I’ll definitely introduce them. And, you know, we’ve got some new songs, some old songs, some songs that, you know, more people would have heard, obviously, some of the hits. But really, just try to treat everybody like, even with my own fans, I try to treat everyone like there’s a chance that they may have not seen me before, or that they may have not heard the majority of my music, and try to bring a fresh energy every time we play songs.

Are we going to have any guests? Because Kezia Gill is going to be at speed fest. So are we going to have some guests?

Yeah, you know, I haven’t given it a whole lot of thought as to the guests. I kind of have to see who’s around, but Kezia is definitely a good friend of mine, and I’ve always told her that if I’m on a stage playing after her, that I will do what I can to bring her on stage. But the trade off is that one day when she’s headlining and I’m opening for her, she’s got to bring me out. So we’ve got a little pact going.

I love that. And one thing I’ve been hearing from the UK fans is, Can ‘Cracks’ please be on the set list?

People like ‘Cracks’? Is that the word on the street?

It is. So that’s what I’m seeing on socials.

That’s funny that they would say that. Well, you know, I wrote ‘Cracks’ with UK’s own Jon Green, who, oddly enough, I am writing with this afternoon and I haven’t written with Jon in probably seven or eight months, so the fact that you brought that song up feels like we definitely should be playing it.

I think you definitely should. And I want the whole of the ‘Project 2024’ EP, because that is amazing. How did you decide on what songs to put on an EP. Do you have stuff that was already born or did you write fresh specifically for that project?

On the last EP the song ‘Run’ was one that I’ve had for a few years, and we were thinking about putting it on the ‘Cross Country’ album, and then we were thinking about trying to put it on the ‘Cross Country’ Deluxe, and it just didn’t work out that way. And so we ended up putting that on ‘Project 2024’ but the rest of those songs were all new and kind of crafted pretty much between the summer and the fall when it came out. Usually, I try to do fresh songs, but then I also have to remember, like, you know, a lot of these songs that I’ve had for years are still new to everyone else who hasn’t heard them. So, you know, I try to keep some of those songs that haven’t come out in contention. And anytime we’re planning a tour like this, it’s always like, “Okay, well, which of these unreleased songs do we think are going to be most effective?” Obviously, knowing that people might not be able to sing along with them, but what’s going to add the most energy to our set? And I also try to think, when I’m putting songs out, “okay, well, which of these songs is actually going to make it into, you know, make it into my live show, ?” and “what’s going to actually impact people at the highest level?” And I’m always trying to work through all of those different calculations in my head before we get ready to put new music out.

Do you have a particular song that hasn’t quite fit on any project yet that you’re dying to get out?

Oh, man, I’ve got a few. And you know, I still pitch these songs around in the event that someone wants it. I wrote a song with Mitchell Tenpenny called ‘All Kinds of Country’ that I’m still trying to see what we can do with that, because I know that song would go nuts live. It’s got a lot of energy. I did a song couple months ago with Shaboozey called ‘Little More Country’. That was actually the name of my US tour last year, but we weren’t able to put it out. So I do have a couple songs, especially the ones that have other artists attached to it, that I’m always like, “okay, you know, maybe, maybe now is the right time”. But, yeah, I mean I write a lot of music, and I’m only able to put out a small percentage of it. So, I mean, it’s a pretty long list of songs that I wish everyone could hear. And you know, I’ll continue to try to push on those, and hopefully they’ll see the light of day in due time.

I hope so. You took off time to reflect and have a bit of a rest and stuff before Project 24. What was it like going back to Selma?

It was a great trip and it was kind of a great way to help me really understand the significance of what it is that I’m doing and what I want it to represent. You know? I mean, it’s really easy to just end up kind of in the vortex of the music industry sometimes, and, you know, playing shows and going from place to place, and it can be very exciting. But then over time, it’s really easy to kind of lose sight of, like, what am I doing? and why am I doing this? and who am I? And what do I like to do if I’m not on the road? And just some of those things like I feel like between 2020 and 2024, you know, I grew up so much. From 24 years old when I put ‘My Truck’ out, to now I’m almost 30, and the majority of that time was like a whirlwind. So I just felt like I needed to take a little time and just kind of figure out what I want everything to mean. And going down to Selma, where I know so many of my ancestors are from, and lived and struggled and fought. You know, it really is a privilege for me to be in a position that I’m in, an opportunity that I recognize doesn’t come lightly and doesn’t come without a great deal of sacrifice by a lot of people that have come before me. So that trip really helped me kind of put things back in the proper perspective. And, you know, I’m looking to do more with the community down there as well,

Is there a potential documentary?

We’ve thought about it. I mean, it is an interesting story in general, of like, how I ended up in country music of all places, and some of the things that I’ve been able to accomplish in this space and some of the challenges that I face. But I also think that that’s part of what the music is for. And I get a chance to tell those stories when I’m out on the road, and I find that the people who maybe enjoy listening to the music, when they come to these shows, they get a chance to actually see me a little bit more clearly. And I also love being able to actually talk to people, you know? Before and after the show, and they’re buying merch, and I get to connect with them, because everyone’s story is is important in its own way, and it’s part of why I love country music so much, because we get a chance to sit down on a daily basis and literally just tell stories, tell the truth.

The song ‘Same Work’ from ‘Project 24’ that is based on a meet and greet, isn’t it?

That is a true story. You know, shout out to Tenille Townes who I wrote that song with, and also shout out to Michael and Tanya from The War and Treaty, who were so kind to jump on the song with me. And all of the names I just mentioned are people that are good friends of mine in this industry. I couldn’t imagine telling this story with anyone else, because, you know, it is a real story. Obviously, it’s a real interaction that I had. And anytime I’m feeling a little lost, it’s those kinds of moments and interactions that show me just how much of a blessing it is to be able to do this, and why it’s important to, you know, make sure I’m always putting my best foot forward, because there are some incredible, incredible people out there on the road that really make this job so worth it.

And when you are putting a project together, whether it’s an album, EP, how do you decide book ends? Do you want to start off with a big, you know, big impact?

I think it depends on how many songs we have, and it depends on the songs that we’re considering. But like most of the projects that I’ve put out previously are kind of like a compilation of songs that all speak to me in different ways, but like, I’m kind of the through line on those projects sonically, they’re all over the map. I’m really excited, honestly, for this new project that I’ve been working on, because it is a lot more cohesive in terms of, like, clear Sonic direction. And people are going to listen and be like, “Wow, he has really, like, narrowed his focus” in terms of what these songs sound like. And I think that’ll actually make it a little bit easier, hopefully, to sequence, because it is an album that I think each song kind of leads into the next versus previous projects where it’s like, “Okay, I like doing this and I like doing that and I want people to be able to hear all of them.” And nothing against that. I do. I do love the projects that I’ve put out, and I hope that the people who enjoy them will still enjoy them. But a lot of my favorite albums, just as a fan, you know, have kind of these clear Sonic directions, and you kind of listen to them and it brings you into a world, and so building that world, especially on some real experiences that I’ve had both in life and in love over the last couple of years- You know, being able to tell those stories and do it in a way that all feels interconnected, this has been a new challenge for me. And, you know, I have a lot more clarity on it now I think than I did previously in my career.

Well, I can’t wait to hear it. Is it going to be this year? Do you think that will come out?

I sure hope so. I think we’ll get some of the music this year. If we get the whole album this year, that would be amazing. But, you know, good things take time, and I’m definitely not rushing it.

They do. Have any of your songs sounded completely different from the writers room to full production to the point you were like, “wow, I didn’t know it could sound like that?”

Oh yeah. I mean, some of these songs go through a bunch of different revisions. Funny as it is, I think about a song like ‘Thick’, which is a, you know, a fan favorite, when we play our live shows, just the energy of it. It’s a funny, funny little song. But like that song went through several different iterations of production, and we sat on that song for almost three years, but by the time it came out, it had been about two and a half years, and it had gone through a few different versions. I wrote it with a guy named Sean Douglas – he’s done a lot of the Lizzo stuff. And then it was co- produced by a group called The Stereotypes, and they do a lot of the Bruno Mars stuff. And so it originally sounded like a Bruno record, and then, you know, just didn’t fit on my project, but I liked the song. And so then we’re like, okay, we need to country it up. And then it kind of went a little too far in that direction. It just didn’t make sense. And it’s like, okay, well, let’s, let’s try to find the middle ground. And when we eventually found it, I was like, Okay, this song has to be on the project. And I think the version of it that people have heard is the version that they needed to hear.

And I’m probably going to really embarrass myself here, but what is a 401K?

Haha, I don’t know what y’all call it over there. Yeah, it is a great question. It’s kind of like, you know, you put a little bit of money away from each paycheck toward kind of a pension or retirement, and it’s like a fund that you can lean on in an emergency, or when you’re ready to retire. I guess it’s maybe this the safest way.

Oh interesting! Let’s talk about teaming up with Ella Henderson because that was an amazing collaboration. I wasn’t expecting it, but I love it. So how did that come to be?

Yeah, Ella and I, we’ve been fans of each other for a little while. We’re obviously label mates. Ella came out to Nashville for a writing trip, kind of right in the middle of my domestic tour last year, and we wrote that song. And then over the summer, I was out in the UK writing a little bit. It’s where I wrote my song, ‘Motion’ for ‘Project 24’. The day after, I went out to Ella’s house and we made some more music and we were talking about that song, ‘One Door Closes’ and we were like, “man, like, that was a really good song and now we’re making more music. Like, what should we do with this?” She’s like, “would it make sense for one of your projects?” I was like, “maybe. But like, you know, if you want to put it out, I’m definitely down to guest on it” And, you know, I was glad that we were able to get it out, especially, you know, with me having a UK run coming up. I thought the timing of it was really great. But, yeah, she’s an incredible talent. She’s a great writer. I love her voice. I love the direction that she’s going in. I know she’s done records and kind of really cut her teeth, kind of in that world, but like, she is such a great storyteller. And, you know, she reminds me a lot of Nashville writers, but then also she has something that is so UK, and I really appreciate that about her as well. And I love writing out there. So I feel like that song was like the beautiful marriage of, kind of what happens here in Nashville, and also what happens as far as the way songs are put together in the UK, and people seem to really like it. So I think we’ll play it. We may be adding that to our set list for our UK run, and hopefully people will be able to sing along with me.

Oh, amazing, yeah, definitely. Sticking to UK artists, I must mention Sam Ryder as well. You had him on your Breland and Friends Annual show? So what was that like?

Yeah. Oh, man, Sam, he’s such a sweet guy. Incredible voice and incredible talent. But what matters to me even more than how gifted someone is, is how they carry themselves and how they make people feel and he’s just a salt of the earth. I was really happy to have him on my Breland and Friends lineup. He’s been living in Nashville for a little while now, and that was his first time playing at the Ryman, so anytime I can help provide those types of opportunities for people. I’m sure he’ll be headlining there soon. But, yeah, I mean, the amount of talent that the UK has, like per capita, when I think about it, like y’all got, y’all got Ed Sheeran and Adele and Sam Ryder and Ella Henderson and Maisie Peters and all these people that I’ve now collaborated with, it blows my mind. Every time I come over there, I come across new artists that are so talented. So it’s great to know that as well as being, you know, vocalists, they’re also grateful,

I want to quickly ask about Joy Oladokun as well who was with you at Breland and Friends, because I’m starting to really like her.

She is incredible. Yeah, Joy is someone that I’ve been friends with in Nashville for a few years. I just really love the music, the storytelling, you know, She is in such her own world, like she’s kind of country adjacent, in a way, but then she’s, you know, soulful, but it’s also like, it’s really hard to define where you would put her music and how you would classify it, but I just know that it’s really good, and it’s very honest, and she doesn’t really need a whole lot of crazy production or whatever. I’ve seen her literally come on stage with just a guitar and rock out in front of 1000s of people, and people definitely respond. And so I’ve been a big fan of hers for a long time, and hopefully we get a chance to collaborate further. But I did get a chance to sing her song, ‘Sweet Symphony’, and take Chris Stapleton’s part at Breland and Friends, and I don’t often get to sing Chris Stapleton’s songs with, you know, his original collaborators. So that was a really cool moment for me, and also really great that we were able to get Joy. She was one of the last people that we added to the lineup, and I was really grateful for her time.

One last question, do you remember the first song you ever wrote, and is it out there for the world to hear?

I would hope it’s not out there for the world to hear haha! But I mean, I wrote a lot of songs when I was a kid, that are just like silly little tunes that, you know, kindergarteners would write. But I mean, even when I started taking music more seriously, you know, maybe eighth grade, ninth grade, you know, 14 years old or so, I started writing songs a little more seriously. And I would say probably the first 500 songs that I wrote are all trash, so I don’t think anyone needs to hear any of those songs. It was definitely a process for me to become the writer that I am today, and even now, I look back on stuff I was doing in 2019 and 2020 and be like, “Oh my gosh. Why did I settle for this? I should have done this, you know”. So hopefully I’ll always continue to feel that way and continue to improve. But I can tell you anything before 2017 no one needs to hear. I hope none of those songs exist in the universe. I’m sure my family probably has recordings, and I’ll make sure that they don’t go anywhere unless I do a documentary or something. At some point, maybe we can put some of that in there.

You never know. You might find a hidden gem that you could rejig and make better?

Maybe. Hey, you know what? You never know. You never know. I’ll keep the door open.

Thank you so much for today, and we’re so excited about Speedfest. Honestly, I’m not just saying it. My family listen to you in the car all the time. My four year old sang for the first time the other day around the house, he sang ‘Cowboy, Don’t’ and it was hilariously beautiful and so sweet.

That is amazing. Well, Send my regards to the family, and hopefully I’ll get a chance to meet your boys when I come out for speed fest.