Photo Credit: Leighanne Littrell

I had the chance to catch up with Baylee Littrell via phone while he was in California. He’s been soaking up the sun, enjoying a bit of time to relax before his upcoming mini tour.

This is a new era for Littrell and he couldn’t be more excited.  “This new chapter is creating my own genre, my own vibe. It’s finally me becoming Baylee for the first time in my music career. Not a guarded version of myself. A scared kid. It’s like a young man that’s truly hungry to strive for success in this business and enjoy it.” A fan of all genres of music, he plans on adding elements of folk, rock, R&B, and pop to his next album. While it was Littrell’s decision to gravitate towards country music originally, he’s decided it’s not the right fit for him. “It’s me stepping out for the first time and trying something new. I’d love to try and create a different type of music movement where we’re bring singer-songwriter full band era back to music”. Think early John Mayer or Jack Johnson with soul. 

His new single “Hey Jesus” is the first look into this new phase of music, and packs a powerful message. “It’s truly my religious testimony. I was 19 when I wrote it and was struggling with my faith. You know to keep trusting that higher power. I ended up writing this song and I felt that I’m singing the song but it’s not my song. It’s God’s song.” It’s Baylee’s message to people who are turning to Jesus and don’t think they are worthy of it. “No matter where you’ve been in your life, no matter what road you walk down your forever worthy of his love. And forgiveness” he believes. On that same note this young musician wants his next record to gear towards people struggling. To let them know that they are not alone. “I might not have a solution, but I can provide comfort. You turn to music in the darkest days” he reflects.

Next week Baylee Littrell will hit the road for a three-date mini tour. “I’m excited. Hopefully I will get to add more shows this year and see how many places we can play. The goal is to get an album out this year and launch a tour to support next spring. I would love that.”

Fans can expect to hear some new music at these shows. There will be lots of crowd interaction with a bit of stand-up comedy thrown in. “Really what I love doing at shows with this new record is taking everybody’s input. I’ll play a handful of songs that I want to record. Depending on their feedback I’ll decide which songs will make it from there.”

You may have seen Baylee on this past season of American Idol. I spoke to him about his experience on the show and he had plenty to say.  “The audition was so nerve wracking. I’ve been in music for almost 7 years. All the nerves of playing gigs, recording, going on TV finally left me. Or so I thought.” He was relieved when the audition was over, and he got that golden ticket to move through to Hollywood.

One of the biggest risks for Baylee was performing an original song “Waiting on Myself to Die” for his audition. “That was my whole mission to try and go in there and push myself to do original music. Stay out of my comfort zone.” He wants to show the world that he is more than just Brian’s son. “Being in Nashville and trying to make it in the industry is tough. A lot of people don’t like me because of my family background. And that was that opportunity to go on and state my case. Like hey I’ve got something too.”

Every contestant that I’ve talked to about their time on Idol has had a different take on the experience. He says it was bittersweet, adding “It was a great experience but at the same time I was ready to use this and try and progress. It taught me a lot. Just when I thought I had myself all figured out I realized I had a lot to learn as a performer too.”

Even though Littrell was eliminated early in the competition he wasn’t too disappointed. “I was mad at myself for my previous vocal performances because I got nervous and I got shaky. And I was like man this is not you. You don’t do this.” There were high pressure stakes which his family has always told him he shines in. For some reason with everything to lose he tells us he seems to do better. When things are going too well that’s when he usually self-sabotages. “This time it was a classic case of trying not to crumble under pressure. The fear was something I’d never experienced before, stage fright. So, it was weird. That’s why I was super mad at myself in the end because I thought man if you weren’t so afraid I think you could have gone on longer.”

At just 22 years old Baylee has learned a lot during his time in the music industry. “My biggest advice I’ve always heard my whole life is don’t meet your heroes because they let you down or they are jerks. But I always say meet your heroes because they can surprise you. Sometimes you’ll meet someone or talk to someone, and they can change your life just by being nice to you. And it’s the same with people being mean. You get the experience like if I’m ever in this position I don’t want to do this to someone.” He thinks it is important to stay humble no matter where you are, because we’re all just people with different jobs and positions. He finds it especially tough in Nashville when artists have been put through the ring. Some musicians have kids coming up to them asking advice, but don’t want to give them the time of day.” It happened to Baylee and it was discouraging. “I wanted to break the chain. If you ever have that day in the sun set them up for success and set them up to be kind to people.” Luckily there have been a handful of artists that have made a difference in Baylee’s life. The earliest one was Randy Travis, who we’re told was super inspiring and encouraging. During his first year in Nashville Keith Urban gave him some great advice. He just met Post Malone a week ago, and we’re told he was great to talk to as well. Treated him like he’d known him forever. “It’s moments like that that help rejuvenate you. It’s inspiring and leaves artists inspired. I went home and wrote a couple of songs after that. It helped me push forward and believe in what I was doing.”

When asked if he faces extra pressure being Brian’s son the answer is a resounding yes. “I used to say no a lot but it’s kind of the weight ends up being on your shoulders because of what are people going to say online. Or being called a nepo baby.” When Idol came out a lot of people were saying that he was only on the show because of his family connections.  “The pressure is definitely from the outside world and not from family. That’s sometimes hard to swallow.” His family has been nothing but supportive of his college plans and music career. “Even with American Idol afterwards you fear not being able to escape the monopolization of your family and that’s what scares me.”

I just had to ask his thoughts on the Backstreet Boys residency at the Sphere. “I’ve been telling people this past week the Backstreet Boys and Las Vegas sphere were made for each other. It’s the best show I’ve ever seen the guys put on and it’s the best show I’ve ever seen at the sphere.”  He adds “I told my dad you thought that after Millenium that was the pinnacle of your career. And I said look at you now and you’re playing the Sphere. You’ve been together 32 years as a group and you’re still at the top of your game.” He is proud of all of them and feels like they can truly step back and soak it on with their families. “I think this is the happiest that I’ve seen my dad in his career and it’s so fulfilling to see that.”

His final message to those reading is this: “I’m excited for people to hear this music. To all the people that support you through my career thank you for supporting. Even for the doubters give it a chance. Listen to this new record see what you think.”

Tour Dates

August 27^th Nashville, TN (Eastside Bowl)
August 28^th Decatur, GA (Eddie’s Attic)
August 30^th Charlotte, NC (The Evening Muse)
September 26^th Easley, SC (with Treaty Oak Revival)
November 7^th & 8^th Panama City, FL (Panama City Songwriters Festival)

For more information visit www.bayleelittrell.com and follow him on socials!