Check out our interview with former child star turned rising queer country artist Brian Falduto who just released his music video for “Same Old Country Love Song.”
Filled with references to Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood and more, the single received TikTok love from School of Rock co-star Jack Black (1.3M views), and influencer Tate Hoskins (1.5M views), and is featured on his debut 8-track album, GAY COUNTRY.
Follow Brian @brianfalduto
[vc_column][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gue2yp2uhQM” title=”Brian Falduto – Same Old Country Love Song (Official Video)”][vc_column_text]
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Committed, Compassionate
Describe your sound in 3 words.
Cheeky, Introspective, 90’s
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I’m influenced by a variety of artists but the album I just put out was heavily influenced by the country artists of the late 90’s, early 2000’s – namely Shania Twain, Jo Dee Messina, Rascal Flatts. I love a good blend of cheeky lyrics & catchy melodies packaged up with clever instrumentations & a fierce delivery.
I choose to make music because it’s been a very healing vehicle for me in that it’s allowed me to discover my authentic voice. It’s helped me understand my thoughts & my emotions in a validating way. I got hooked on the process of excavating my truth into song. Sharing those songs with people in a way that allows them to connect is just the fulfilling icing on the cake. Plus, country music & being queer are two things I love dearly so I also have an agenda of proving to the world that those two things can coexist.
Do you play any instrument?
Yes .. piano, guitar.
Tell us about your new music video for “Same Old Country Love Song”
The song has meant so much to so many so I knew the video needed to be something special. I recruited my friends Rachel Borders to direct & Brendan McCann to wardrobe & production design. I’m really happy with how it came out because it’s sort of hard to watch it without recognizing how much fun we had making it. It feels like a testament to where I am now as a person & as an artist. I’m less concerned with outside perception. Instead, I’m prioritizing inner freedom & unfiltered expression. I’m proud of that – it’s taken me a long time to get here.
What’s the story behind the song and about the creative behind the video?
What we’ve done is we’ve taken iconic country music looks from iconic country music videos & performances & we’ve recreated them in a fun & stylistic way that allowed us to play with gender & queerness, which is reflective of what I’ve done with the song & the entire album really: taking familiar country sounds & tropes but infusing them with LGBTQ+ joy & heartfeltness.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
I’m doing my best to share my story in a way where I’m authentically visible. This takes a lot of self-awareness & a conscious effort to create from a place of love, not fear. Putting that energy out into the world & feeling the effect of that is rewarding. I’ve also been at this since I was 10 so I’ve had plenty of opportunities to prove to myself that I’ve got my own back. To be an artist requires resilience; you can’t rely on external validation because it comes & goes. If you have to do it though, you’ll keep doing it. I’ve discovered I’m in it for the long game.
If you returned to acting, what kind of roles would you like to play and why?
I’d love to tell more queer stories! As an early example of LGBTQ+ representation, I’d love the opportunity to revisit that mode of storytelling with a more concrete understanding of what I’m doing since when I was younger I didn’t even know what being gay was.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Aw, he just needed a lot of love & affirmation that it was okay to be himself. He never really got that message, just mixed messaging about what made him great. So I’d really seek to hammer in the idea that his greatness is inherent, not something that needed to be earned.
How would your best friend describe you?
I texted her just now & she replied, “Unique, Determined, Supportive.”
What’s next for Brian Falduto in 2023?
I’m looking at a busy Spring/Summer of shows – bringing the album around to different cities, playing pride festivals, maybe getting back to writing/recording.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being present.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I’d love to see my Grams again. She was my favorite person & my biggest fan.
What would be your dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Top of the bucket list right now are Italy, Hawaii, & Amsterdam – in that order; & I’d likely go with my boyfriend or with my friend group.
Best advice ever given?
You will always be enough if you show up as yourself because you are the only you. It’s sort of the philosophy behind Anthony Meindl’s Actor Workshop, of which I’ve been a long time student, & the lens through which I share my art & my stories.
Favorites:
Book: “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle
Quote: “Be kinder to yourself; & then let your kindness flood the world.” – Pema Chodron
Movie: We’re the Millers
Tv Series: Survivor
Favorite Food: French fries
Travel Destination: California
Sports Team: NJ Devils
