Lewis Brice Discusses Real-Life Heartbreak Behind His Songs

Lewis Brice. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

South Carolina native Lewis Brice possesses a muscular voice that is at once soulful and rough around the edges—a natural fit for an artist who drew as much inspiration from ‘90s rock band Fuel as he did from blues and country artists.

Musical talent is deep in the family roots for Lewis and his brother (and fellow country artist) Lee Brice, whose mother was part of a family vocal group, The Lewis Sisters. After following his brother to Nashville, Lewis appeared on CMT’s Can You Duet in 2010, where he made it to the Top 8. He also starred in his brother’s video for the award-winning “I Drive Your Truck.”

During a recent visit to the MusicRow office, Brice performed three songs, including what he calls the “half-true” story in his current single, “Best Ex Ever,” as well as “Outta My Mind.”

His muscular voice was its rugged best on “Messin’ With My Mind,” a passionate take on a confusing relationship.

“I really thought for the longest time that she really wanted to connect in more of a serious relationship, and I got to the point where I wanted to make it a serious relationship. So I took her to a real nice dinner and I was like, ‘Let’s make this official, just you and I, boyfriend and girlfriend.’ But she wanted to stay friends and hang out nonchalantly. I was cool with that, and we talked about other things and hung out and had a good time at dinner.

Lewis Brice with MusicRow staffers.

“Two days later I get a phone call from my buddy, saying, ‘Are you still seeing that girl?’ I said, ‘I hung out with her two nights ago. Things are going good, we are friends and hanging out.’ He was like, ‘Interesting, well have you seen her Facebook lately? She’s done gone and got engaged.’ So yeah, that’s when I wrote ‘Messin’ With My Mind.’”

All three tracks are from Brice’s self-titled six-song EP, which released earlier this year via Straight 8 Entertainment and Kobalt Music Recordings. The album was executive produced by Lee Brice, and produced by Lewis Brice, Brian Bunn, Ben Simonetti and Dan Frizell.

Brice says there is more to come in 2018.

“I’ve got a whole bunch of new music I’m working on, and next year is going to be a great year,” Brice says.