We recently connected with Brent Atwood and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Brent, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?
It used to be an uphill battle everyday. There comes a point in life where you have to learn to just be you, no matter what. There will always be those people that try to break you down because of what you do, or how you’re doing it. Usually it’s because they don’t have the drive or passion you do therefore they’re jealous of where you are. While you’re flying high, they’re still sitting on the runway out of fuel. That’s on them, not you. A great friend once told me, “Brent, what other people think of you is none of your business.” It took awhile for that to sink in, but once it did my whole outlook changed. At the end of the day you just have to remember that lions do not concern themselves with the thoughts of the sheep. So go out there and do what you know is best for you and yours, and don’t concern yourself with what the haters think. They will always hate on something or someone, it’s what they do….. Haters gonna hate….
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am blessed!!! I grew up in a small town on the SC coast called Surfside Beach. Most folks have no idea where that is, but when I say it’s about 6-7 miles south of Myrtle Beach they get it. Everyone knows Myrtle, LOL. Growing up, music was always part of life. My mom and dad loved music and passed that down to all of the kids. I remember traveling around to different churches in the southeast on Sundays. My parents, my brother and I would play and sing gospel songs for a “Love offering.” That is where it began for me. Music caught my soul and never let go. Through the years, as it does for most< life happened and I got away from performing. Then about 6 years ago once again got, “the fever!” I was so compelled to start back into playing live music that I didn’t waste any time, enough had passed. I started the search for other musicians to start a band and the Southern Country Outlaws was formed. Running a band is not all fun and games as most think…. it’s work, a lot of work! As with most endeavors with wasn’t easy and after years of fighting the fight against the odds, I finally found the group of guys that truly wanted to be part of something great. Together we have busted our butts to make it where we are. The Southern Country Outlaws!!! We are a Nashville recording group out of the Little River, SC area. Brent Atwood is an accomplished singer/songwriter and leader of the band. In 2021 he was a CCMA award winner. The band was a finalist for the 2022 CCMA – Entertainer of the Year Award and WINNER of the 2022 CCMA Vocal Group of the Year Award. Their song, “Dark Moon Rising” was also a finalist for the 2022 Josie Music Awards – Country Rock Single of the Year. For 2023 they have 4 nominations for the coveted Josie Music Awards. Those are for, “Group of the year”, “Song of the year”, Vocalist of the year” and the “Rising star award” Needless to say I am overwhelmed by what the guys and I have been able to accomplish in a short time. The last few years have blown my mind…. BLESSED!!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Man….. I’d have to say that my tenacity played a huge roll in where I am. I have never been one to give up on anything, and I damn sure wasn’t giving up on my music! At times I’ve felt like I should. I’ve felt defeated, haven’t we all at some point? hat’s when it kicks in… the never give up, never give in attitude. Another thing would be my true love and passion for what I do. Not only the music, but what the music has brought me, that keeps me going. What it has brought is the ability for me, and the band, to be able to give back. We try to do all we can for our community. We use our platform to assist local Veteran programs and have even expanded that to some national ones now as well. Locally we raise funds for the Veteran welcome home and re-entry center, commonly known as the Hutton House. We also have partnered with Alyssa Capps(Social Influencer) to support Project K9 Hero. A national 501C3 that helps retired K9 handler(owners) with the needs of the retired K9. This includes food, shelter and mostly Vet/Hospital bills that as you know if you have a animal can get very pricey, esp. for a dog that has worked his/her entire life to protect us! We are honored to be able to take part in such a great event that is happening April 6-7 2024 in Florence, SC. Be on the look out for the K9 Hero’s Music Festival! Last but not least I think my ability to talk… to anyone, about just about anything has greatly assisted me. My mom always said I talk a lot, and she was right…lol Being able to sit down and have a true conversation with someone, in most cases and venue owner or booking agent, a potential supporter/endorser or sponsor for the band or an event. Having the “gift of gab” is not a bad thing. For those just starting out, whatever your venture is, be you. Stay true to yourself always. If you don’t I assure you it will come out and whatever respect you have earned you will quickly lose, and it is VERY hard to get back. Be real, stay strong, believe in yourself…. you are worthy!!!
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
ALWAYS!! I learned that the only way you improve is to surround yourself with those better than you at the skill you wish to get better at. So, with that I am always looking for folks to get together and learn as much as I can. Weather that be the music side, or the business side of things. I can always learn. Sitting with other musicians to collaborate on writing music for a song or the lyrics is a great way to pick their brain for knowledge. Or planning an event with someone who has done far more then I is great for learning the ins and outs of the business. So, if there is anyone out there that wants to get together and do some great things, get with your boy! I’m ready to help you help me….. so let’s help each other! socooutlaws@gmail.com
brentatwoodmusic@gmail.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.southerncountryoutlaws.com
- Other: The only link you need for ALL of our content……. https://linktr.ee/socooutlaws
Image Credits
DNP Photography – Dan Acosta
