Exclusive Video Premiere: Brian Ramsay’s “Highway 106”

Arkansas native Brian Ramsay takes the beat of R&B, the catchiness of pop, and the truthful storytelling of country music to create his own sound that is enjoyable to ears across each genre and beyond. His most recent single – “Highway 106” – centers around the storytelling characteristic of country music as he shares an intimate story about his childhood. The single was released on all streaming platforms on July 9th and today Brian is exclusively premiering the music video with The Country Note.

We spoke with Brian about how that trilogy of genres has influenced his music, the personal story behind “Highway 106” and more.

CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

BR: I was born and raised in south Arkansas near a town called Fordyce and grew up listening to my dad’s vinyl records, mostly Alabama, John Anderson, and George Jones. I got my first guitar at age 17 and began trying to write songs and find my way in music, and by the time I graduated high school I was a huge fan of the Seattle grunge scene but equally a fan of 90’s New Jack Swing and R&B. I’ve played in several bands in my career and have dabbled in the comedic realm as one half of the raucous pop comedy group Han Duo.

CN: George Strait, Prince and Beastie Boys are three artists that have influenced your craft – each as different as the next. How do you apply their influence to your music, which consists of adult contemporary, country, Americana & rock genres?

BR: I have always loved George Strait’s music, because, while it’s definitely Country, it borrows some musical elements from R&B in a really nice way. I love R&B and any music that has a lot of harmonic movement. Regarding Beastie Boys, I just love the sense of humor and fun persona that they brought. In my career, I have had several side projects, but my favorite has been Han Duo, which is a mix of music and comedy, top 40 mashups and comedy bits that I perform with musical comedian Jesse Fenwick. As far as Prince, there’s not much to say that hasn’t been said before, Prince was the man! I think he’s my favorite songwriter.

CN: You just released your single “Highway 106,” a song that is very personal to you and your family. Can you share the story behind it?

BR: Highway 106 was inspired by my childhood home, which was sold in 2020 after my father passed. My mom moved and sold the family home where we were raised in southern Arkansas. The song pays tribute and paints a picture of this rural home and the lifetime of memories it witnessed.

CN: Mary Ann Daugherty co-wrote this song with you. How did you two approach it? 

BR: I had the idea I wanted to write about the house and I had originally written a first draft of the song and titled it “Not For Sale”, but I was not satisfied with it. I approached Mary Ann about re-writing it from the house’s perspective and I believe we were able to transform it into something truly special.

CN: “Highway 106” finished in 1st place in the NSAI Central Arkansas Chapter’s Anthem songwriting challenge. Congratulations! How much does this recognition mean to you?

BR: It really meant a lot to me. There are some really great writers in Arkansas and to get their seal of approval felt really good and inspires me to keep writing.

CN: As personal as this song is to you, what do you hope listeners will take from it?

BR: Through this song, I hope listeners are reminded of their own fond memories of the place where they grew up and for younger listeners not to take for granted the time spent with family at home. Time moves so fast.

Watch the exclusive music video premiere of “Highway 106” below:

CN: While “Highway 106” is very intimate, your previous single also touches upon an important and emotional theme. With “Summerland” you helped spread awareness for the challenges soldiers face with PTSD, and through the song you helped fundraise for Guitars For Vets.

BR: “Summerland” is another co-write with Mary Ann Daugherty. Mary Ann had the chorus lyrics tucked away in her notebook for years when she approached me about trying to write it. The subject matter spoke to me, as my dad was a veteran, and I was intrigued about writing about such an important and often hidden issue. The song is meant to spread awareness of the challenges facing soldiers with PTSD. We were very fortunate to partner with an organization called Guitars For Vets on the song’s release and promotion and to increase donations across their social channels.

CN: “Highway 106” is the first of five single releases set to release prior to your 2022 debut EP. When can we expect the next single?

BR: My next single “Summer’s Almost Over” comes out on Friday August 6th and is an upbeat summer jam that will be a nice contrast to “Highway 106”.

CN: Where can fans catch you on the road or online?

BR: You can keep up with me at https://brianramsaymusic.com and look for me playing around Arkansas and Southeast Oklahoma in the fall with more dates coming in 2022.