Afghanistan combat veteran Bree Jaxson recently released “Country Heart City Roots” that can easily be the anthem for all of us who live in the city, but also embody the country state of mind.
Jaxson talked to us about her career path, her influences, and even opened up about her struggles with eating disorders.
1. First of all, thank you for your service! You started in the military by building bombs, rockets, and missiles. Can you talk about what brought you down that path?
I always knew that I wanted to serve our country and do my part to keep America the “Land of the Free”, but it was not until High School JROTC that I truly felt this was something I had to do. I had the most amazing mentors who taught me about the true sacrifice that had been made to keep us all safe and the true core values that these individuals live by daily, and I wanted to be part of something greater than myself. It is crazy to think what an elite group of people can actually say they have served in the worlds greatest Air Force and I am so honored to have met and fought along some of the bravest people in the world.
2. How did you get started in country music (and in music in general)?
Music was always a big part of my household. My parents were “deadheads” and so rock and roll was always playing on the speakers. We would wake up to Ozzy Osbourne and go to sleep to Pink Floyd but, From the time I was little, I knew that I wanted to be a country singer. I would listen to Martina McBride and Shania Twain and would imagine myself on stage doing that one day too. (preferably in a leopard leotard with black high heels).
3. I read that you’re influenced by various genres of music, like rock, pop, and jazz. Which artists influence your style the most?
I would have to say that I was influenced by so many amazing artists in the past, anyone from Christina Aguilera to Aretha franklin and Janis Joplin, but today my inspiration comes a lot from the amazing women of country music. Some of my favorite that I truly admire are Lindsey Ell, Lauren Alaina and Lainey Wilson. I feel that they each have their own unique style and are not afraid to be unapologetically them in their music.
4. Your latest single “Country Heart, City Roots” resonated with me because I come from a similar situation. What was the most important point you wanted to make with this song?
Besides just having a fun song to listen to, I really wanted to get the point across that people aren’t always boxed into what you think they are. Just because I grew up in the city, doesn’t make me any less country at heart and vice versa. I will go to that black tie affair with you and then come home and go mudding out back.
5. Can you describe what it was like to grow up in Baltimore and then break into the country scene being a city girl?
Growing up in Baltimore had its ups and downs. Initially where I spend the first half of my childhood was not the best area and it taught me a lot about life and the real world at an early age. But, I will say that the people I have grown up with and way that those people really have your back is something I have never found from people anywhere else.
I think it was a little difficult honestly breaking into the country scene coming from such a predominant city. I was afraid that people would think I was being fake or betraying my roots, but I have found that it has been the opposite. All of my family and friends back home have been nothing but supportive and my biggest cheerleaders throughout this journey.
6. The quote on your website states “When you are happy, you enjoy the music, when you’re sad, you understand it.” Can you give an example of a time when you’ve felt both ways about a song?
So growing up I was obsessed with Christina Aguilera and particularly her Stripped Album really helped me through some good/bad times. I remember the first time I listened to ‘Voice Within” and I thought it was a good song, but then I was having a really hard day and struggling with feeling like I belonged somewhere (You know that teenager phase that everyone goes through) and I just cried. It really hit me differently that day and I could feel everything she was saying and every word hit me in my soul.
7. What’s next for you in 2021?
I have some more music and surprises for everyone coming in 2021 and I will be dropping my full E.P by the end of the year! My first FULL E.P! I am so excited for everyone to hear all the amazing music we have on it!
8. Is there anything else you would like people to know?
This is something I have never shared with anyone except my closest friends who helped me through, but with Mental Health Awareness month I felt inclined to discuss it with you.
When I was 14, I started my lifelong battle with eating disorders. I went from not eating some days to then advancing to bulimia. This struggle was something that I kept private for a very long time and it took a very hard toll on my mental health. I think some things that people don’t realize about eating disorders are that they do not always stem from weight an appearance but are a lot of times about instability and lack of control.
With the way I see social media today and the expectations it sets on our younger generation, I can imagine the pressure these girls and boys are under today. I want to let them know that there is help out there if you need it and it is nothing to be embarrassed about.
Eventually, my mom found out and took me to get the help I needed. I will say that it is still a constant battle mentally for me, but I now have a supportive circle and resources if I ever feel I need it and I want to be that olive branch to all those other people struggling with the same thing.
Bree Jaxson’s Songs
Connect with Bree Jaxson
For more information on Bree Jaxson, visit her website at https://breejaxson.com/.