Meet Bran Merritt | Sleep Nation – Lead Vocals and Guitar

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bran Merritt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bran, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up, I’ve always been a creative type. I used to draw Batman when I was in kindergarten when I should have been listening. I always wanted to be a cartoonist throughout elementary school, but my focus changed after turning 12 years old. My mother passed away after battling breast cancer for a little less than 2 years. I was what you considered a “momma’s boy.” We were very close. She made it a point to make sure I knew that I was her world. Unfortunately, the great bond was severed by the evil that cancer is. The pain that I had to carry around for essentially the rest of my life had to be dealt with. I didn’t know what to do or how to act. I will never forget the dread of having to go back to school a week after my mother’s passing. No one can prepare you for loss. I don’t believe it is something you can prepare yourself for. Nevertheless, I kept searching for something to deal with the pain that I was having to face daily. Cue my love for music. I started to really take a deep dive in all things music. My aunt, my mother’s sister, got me into Pink Floyd and Rush. I believe my introduction to Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” was quintessential to my road to dealing with the loss of my mother. Listening to music is a cherished pastime, but I started thinking about creating music. My dad took guitar lessons for a little while. He got pretty good and practiced for a couple of years. We always had a Alvarez acoustic setting around. One day I picked it up and set out a goal to learn that song “Wish You Were Here.” I went to my dad to learn how to chord a “G” on guitar, and then it was off to the races learning and practicing this song. Once I got quite a few songs under my belt. I started thinking that I could write my own material. I worked on my own material and notable compositions everyday after school. I can’t be grateful enough for the power of music that helped me deal with the depression and loss that I was feeling on a daily basis. The mother that I confided in and leaned on everyday was no longer around, but with the help of learning, writing, and playing music it made each day a bit brighter. So, I guess this is the sole reason why I pursued a creative career because it literally brought me out of the trenches.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When Sleep Nation first started out, we were a 3-piece that kept looking for a singer. We kept trying people out for awhile, and for some reason or another it just never worked out. I believe the drummer suggested that I should just sing. It took quite a bit of convincing, but after we played an entirely instrumental show. Evidently, this was enough to nudge me in the right direction. I’ve been doing all the vocal work in Sleep Nation ever since then. Now, when Covid first hit that presented some new challenges for Sleep Nation. Not only were we not able to play shows, but we lost 2 members during that time. Joey Lauretta, the drummer, and I were left wondering what to do. How we were going to bounce back from this? Replacing members has to be one of the worst parts of playing music. Joey and I decided to continue Sleep Nation as a 2-piece. Just as the singing issue took some convincing this was not any different, but after we did it’s been the best decision we’ve made. We just played a safe and socially distanced show at the East Room in Nashville, Tn. This show distinguished any doubt that we had about our decision. Everyone at the show were saying that we sounded the best that they’ve ever heard before. Take what you’re given and make something out of it. This is exactly what we did.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve grown up in Middle Tennessee all my life. So, I know the area pretty well. The best places to eat are the Stillhouse Restaurant at the Short Mountain Distillery in Short Mountain, Tn. After eating a great meal, we would probably grab a few samples of the “local spirits.” I love hunting vinyl records. My stepmother started my obsession after gifting my first vinyl ever which was Genesis’ “Invisible Touch.” The Great Escape is one of the best places to hunt after records that you can’t find anywhere else. Then, we would catch a live music event at the Exit-In in Nashville. You have to go to a show if you’re in the music city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to thank my aunt Lou-Shawna Scott for creating my obsession of music, and getting me into some really great bands. I also want to thank my Dad, Brett Merritt, for showing me that first chord on guitar. If it wasn’t for these two wonderful people. I probably would not be playing music.

Website: www.slpntn.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sleepnation/

Twitter: @sleepnationband

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sleepnation

Youtube: www.youtube.com/sleepnationband

Image Credits
Bryanna Licciardi