Brantley Gilbert’s GOLD–certified third studio album Just As I Am notched the third–highest Country debut of 2014 and landed in the Top 5 Best Selling Country Albums of 2014. The project also scored Favorite Country Album at the American Music Awards, producing 2X PLATINUM #1 smash “Bottoms Up,” GOLD–certified “Small Town Throwdown” and emboldened “One Hell Of An Amen.”
Exactly one year after Just As I Am was released, Brantley continued the momentum by releasing Just As I Am Platinum Edition. Just As I Am Platinum Edition features all of the same tracks from Just As I Am that we know and love in addition to five unreleased tracks. Just As I Am Platinum Edition also includes a remix of the chart–topping “Bottoms Up” featuring rapper T.I. Did we mention how awesome this remix is? Hello new summer anthem!
One thing that makes Brantley one of our favorite country artists is the passion he has for his music and his fans. “It’s been a wild ride with this album. I put pen to paper and let the blood, sweat and tears of the last few years create these stories,” said Brantley. “A huge thanks goes out to the BG Nation for all the support. I’m excited to bring this new music to the fans and my friends.”
CelebSecrets4U caught up with the rebel-rousing hit singer/songwriter recently to talk all things country! In our interview, Brantley talks about the inspiration behind re-releasing Just As I Am, how he chose the five un-released songs to make the record and his writing process. Brantley also told us how the collaboration with rapper T.I. came about for the remix of “Bottoms Up” and what he’s looking forward to most on tour this summer. Make sure to read the full Q&A below!
Brantley Gilbert is currently on tour with Kenny Chesney for The Big Revival Tour. For ticket information and tour dates, visit Brantley’s official website at BrantleyGilbert.com.
CS4U: Just As I Am Platinum Edition is a follow-up to your gold-certified album Just As I Am. What inspired you to re-release the record?
Brantley Gilbert: “I gotta make sure I’ve written the right song and covered everything for every record.
We take a little more time between records…no rhyme or reason to it other than they’re the chapter of my life. I had some more to share.”
CS4U: You have 5 unreleased songs on the record. How did you go about choosing which ones would make the Platinum Edition?
Brantley Gilbert: “Every song on the Platinum Edition tied up some loose ends and brought the story full-circle. I saved the title track [“Just As I Am”] as one of the added songs and wanted it to be the last song on the project, #19. We put twice as many tracks on this record than most folks – it’s just the way we like to do things.”
CS4U: Every song on Just As I Am Platinum Edition was either written or co-written by you. Can you take our readers through your writing process?
Brantley Gilbert: “That’s always been something that’s been really important to me, that I write my own stuff. I was able to co-write with some of the best writers the business has to offer on this record and I love the opportunity. Seeing what someone else can bring to the table, it expands your mind a little on the subject and lets you go without boundaries. It’s one of my favorite parts about writing.”
CS4U: You also have a remix of your hit “Bottoms Up” on the record featuring T.I. How did that collaboration come about?
Brantley Gilbert: “He’s from Georgia and I’m a fan. It was that simple and it turned out great. The way it worked out was awesome, I got to talk to him about what we were looking for and he went for it. We got a good one there.”
CS4U: You’ll be hitting the road with Kenny Chesney this summer — is there something you’re looking forward to most while on tour?
Brantley Gilbert: “I’ve been to Kenny shows as a fan. Now, I get to watch his show from behind the scenes – see the things he’s doing onstage. And offstage with his crew, I want to really find out how the next level conducts themselves, learn from someone who has done it successfully the way he has. He’s so uplifting and it’s got me really excited. I’m just thankful to learn from somebody like him and the opportunity.”
