INTERVIEW: Brian Falduto Takes This City Back With Final Residency Show

This Friday, June 6th, Brian Falduto takes his final bow of his residency at The Green Room 42 in New York City. (Tickets here.) The "Gay Country Love Song" singer is prepping a new EP that digs deep into Falduto's personal experiences. In our interview, Falduto discusses his intent to go deeper with his music, and how his residency has helped him create a more relaxed and confident showman persona.

This Friday's show will also feature Will Leet.

You've shared an EP that's more raw than your previous releases. What made it feel like it was the right time for this kind of music?

I think it really came out of how these last couple of years have felt creatively and personally. I’ve done a lot of concept-driven work in the past—whether that’s reclaiming sounds I grew up on or building projects around big ideas—and this one I just let it be more instinctual.

A lot of it was shaped in the studio with Brett Castro. I’ve had a few recording experiences prior to working with him, but this was by far the least stressful, most open process I’d had–and intentionally so. I think that’s reflected in how awesome it sounds.

Your shows always feel like a party -- do you find yourself searching for a balance between giving the audience a good time, and giving them something to think about?

I appreciate that, thank you. I used to think those were two different goals, but I don’t really anymore. I've been doing the music thing for over a decade now so I've been viewing the shows as an opportunity to create a through line amongst past songs from my catalogue, songs by artists I'm inspired by, and the new songs that are on the way. But really, the through line is me. So, while some of the songs may be more fun and others may be more introspective, the story is mine so I find if I am earnest in what I share and how I share it, people will have a good time and also walk away with something to think about because we've all connected around something real.

Some of the more consistent feedback I've been getting from attendees is that I'm "a showman"—a title I'll take because I appreciate what it implies. I'm not just getting up there and presenting a few songs. There's been so much thought and intentionality that have gone into these shows: from what I'm wearing to what the arrangements sound like to who the guests are. It's a real production I've designed, which I think speaks to how I like to approach performing and making music in general; there was a lot of intentionality with this EP as well. The biggest lesson I've learned about being an independent artist is that if you aren't intentional with your time and energy and effort, you will get burnt out. Sustainability is so important. I wanted these shows and this music to fill me up, not wear me down. 

I recently saw Raye at Radio City Music Hall and what struck me most was seeing an independent artist move so fluidly between genres while still making the entire performance feel emotionally cohesive and deeply personal. It actually affirmed a lot of what I’ve been trying to do with these shows and this EP.

Your June 6 show is the last in a three-show residency at Green Room. How is it to be in the same space for a while?

What’s been cool about doing multiple nights in the same room is that there is an opportunity to become both grounded and playful. The routine of returning to the same space allows us to feel worn in; like a good pair of jeans. But we can also take more risks because there are more controllable factors. Shout out to Sheridan at the venue for being game to take a traditionally cabaret space and crank the country up. 

Overall, it's been a real lesson in letting the audience come to you—both literally and figuratively. They are coming to see me in a space I'm occupying but I also haven't felt this need to pull them in like I do on tour sometimes. It's like, "I'll be here telling some stories with this beautiful band. Come by anytime." 

What should fans expect at your next show?

A version of the show that’s really settled into itself at this point, but still not overly rigid. The show is about 50% fresh each night of the residency to keep returnees entertained. 

I'm also like so ready for this one. The first one was like, "Let's see how this goes..." The second one, "Ok, ok, I think we got this..." and now I'm like, "Let's freaking GO." So, I am excited for what that mentality translates to as far as energy and delivery. 

Essentially, expect a lot of good music. And probably some moments where I talk too much in between songs because I can’t help myself. 

Purchase tickets for Brian Falduto's last night at The Green Room 42 here.

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