On the heels of her latest single “Son of a Gun” launching her into her next chapter, we had the awesome opportunity to sit down with Becca Bowen in Nashville during this past month’s CMA Fest and talk with her about her CMA Fest experience, her debut album Like You’ve Never Been Loved, how “Son of a Gun” was the part one set up for her upcoming single “If I’m Being Honest,” how her appearance on Outdoor Channel’s popular show For Love or Likes earned her country cred, and much much more!

(Interview by: Jeffrey Kurtis)

1) The 50th CMA Fest is here and you’ll be all around town during it. What are you looking forward to most about being part of this milestone event?

This is the first year that I get to experience being a part of it as an artist. I feel blessed and excited! I look forward to meeting my fans and performing live. It feels like a dream come true to be able to connect with my audience here at the CMA fest.

2) One of the shows you’ve already announced being part of is on June 10th with Undiscovered Nashville’s “Pre-Famous” at The Clubhouse at Sonny’s at 7:30PM. What can they expect from it?

They can expect a high energy showcase,  stories behind the songs I have written, and a meet and greet. This will be a chance for me to meet the fans in a more intimate venue.

3) Beside that specific performance, what other events throughout CMA Fest weekend will you be taking part in? Autograph sessions? Etc.

I will be doing a concert for The Nash News at Assembly food hall as well. This will be a fantastic time. I will also be doing interviews most of the week and meet and greets after my showcases here in Nashville. It’s going to be a very busy week for me.

4) Switching to your past year…and it’s been an incredible one. Talk a little bit about your debut album Like You’ve Never Been Loved.

My debut album was a project that I wanted to be more vulnerable with. I wanted the album to take listeners through a journey of love, loss, heartbreak, and empowerment. I am very proud of this album, and I knew that people would relate to it. 

5) You released several singles from the album – “Like You’ve Never Been Loved,” “Who I’m Not,” “Glitter,” “How It All Went Down” – What was it about these four songs that you felt really gave the full definition of the overall feel of the album most?

“Like You’ve Never Been Loved” and “How It All Went Down” were the story of this album. Two people fell in love, but circumstances caused them to end the relationship. “How It All Went Down”  is a very powerful duet and the album would not be the same without this power ballad.

“Glitter” and “Who I’m Not” were a must for this album as well because that’s when the person finds themselves again after heartbreak. They become a strong person who knows who they are and finds self-worth.

6) You gave us our first taste of your next chapter with “Son of a Gun” earlier this year; a vastly different look at what you bring to the table. Is this song a stand-alone release right now or is it part of a bigger project coming soon.

It’s definitely the first chapter of the next song I will release. As a songwriter I love telling a story. This song just happened to be true. I was writing a lot in these sessions and what I was experiencing was definitely being transferred on paper. The next chapter to “Son of a Gun” will be released on July 21st. It’s called “If I’m Being Honest.”

7) The best songs come from real life….and you’ve said that’s exactly where this spitfire anthem came from. What’s the story behind “Son of a Gun?”

I was dating this guy. He happened to show up where I was singing the National Anthem with another girl. I’m guessing he did not know I was going to be there, but I happened to look in the audience and to my surprise he was with another woman. This song definitely came from the anger and hurt I was feeling. It’s a country strong tune and I’m so glad I recorded it.

8) The accompanying music video really does show that story, presumably with intention. Were you expecting the video to gain as much traction as it has so far, and why do you think it (along with the song) has resonated so much with the listener?

I think the story was just compelling. We hear of cheating stories but not someone showing up to your performance with another woman. The fact that he and I remain friends after the dust settled is shocking to people. I think it’s just a relatable song and video. Listeners love to hear an upbeat you’ve done me wrong song.

9) Going back a bit…you are the champion of the Outdoor Channel’s popular show For Love or Likes. In what ways do you feel that being a part of the show ultimately showcased your country credibility and helped your music strike the right chords with the country music fans?

I think this show exposed me to many new fans. It showed that I really do love the outdoors, family, and music. Viewers had the chance to see the real me. Not the Instagram/ FB version but the real down home country girl. I think people sometimes perceive me differently until they get to know me. This allowed the viewers at home to get to know me on a personal level.

10) We always end with this one, but what one piece of advice can you offer to someone who is just starting out and trying to break into the music industry?

It can be a tough business to be in. My advice is to take things with a grain of salt. You will be told No numerous times before you are told yes. Don’t take it to heart. Just keep developing yourself as an artist and I promise in the end you will start hearing the yes more than the no!

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