Breland Charms Nashville’s The High Watt On “Cross Country Tour”
Breland. Photo: Garrett Rizan
The charisma was palpable at Nashville’s The High Watt on Tuesday night (Oct. 5) for Breland‘s hometown show. The Bad Realm Records / Atlantic Records breakout talent took his “Cross Country Tour” sold out performance to the soon-to-relocate venue.
Warner Music Nashville’s Robyn Ottolini, another charming country breakout, warmed up the crowd for Breland. She entertained the room with her witty “Sincerely, Drunk Me,” driving “Tell You Everything,” and reflective “Trust Issues.” She also showed off her versitility with a spirited cover of “The Best Of Both Worlds” from Hannah Montana, and Chris Brown’s “Look At Me Now,” including spitting the incredibly hard Busta Rhymes rap verse.
Ottolini wrapped up her well-rounded set with her breakout viral hit, “F-150.”
Breland. Photo: Sam Aldrich
When it came time for the man of the hour to come on, the loud noise of a train whistle, harmonica, and the sound of a cranking truck reverberated in The High Watt to signal his arrival. Breland got the music started with his viral hit, “My Truck.” The enthralled crowd sang along.
Breland grinned ear to ear nearly all night. We found out later that he got his Invisalign off earlier that day; the young star said that’s why “it’s all smiles from me!” His joy was contagious.
With just a bass player and a drummer, and a backing track, Breland performed several of his many collaborations, including “Miles,” which features Tiera; “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bentley & Hardy); and an un-released taste of a fun new song with Thomas Rhett called “Praise The Lord.”
When it came time to sing his tune with Mickey Guyton, “Cross Country,” Breland told the crowd that the music he makes is “cross country.” He explained, “The music I make is a cross of country, hip-hop, gospel and pop.
“Country music is for everybody,” he added.
In addition to his collaborative projects, Breland performed his rhythmic “Hot Sauce,” his trap jam “Horseride,” his clever “WiFi,” and his velvety version of Deana Carter’s “Strawberry Wine,” which he covered for Spotify.
Keith Urban & Breland. Photo: Garrett Rizan
To top the night off, Breland brought out a special guest from yet another one of his collabs, Keith Urban. “Y’all don’t know how hype I am right now. I’ve been thinking about this all day!” Breland said. The two launched into “Out The Cage,” which appeared on Urban’s The Speed Of Now Part 1 album.
“How bad ass is Breland?” a banjo-picking Urban said. The two then performed their newest collaborative jam “Throw It Back,” with Breland visibly having the time of his life.
