Getting to Know Bryson Lawrence
A singer/songwriter who will blow your mind when you least expect it
On Memorial Weekend I stopped into the pub to check out a gig by Sarchotic, a fun Wichita Falls party rock band, and I got a little something extra: my first experience seeing Bryson Lawrence in action.
Opening acts are usually very low key, but Bryson caught me by surprise and blew my mind a couple of songs into his set.
It was an acoustic opening gig, and Bryson came out with his Yamaha 6-string and began playing what I would characterize as “coffeehouse music.” You know, the kind of thing you hear at quiet coffeeshops and wine cellars and boutiques in the midst of a grand opening. It’s beautiful and soothing and great for conversation.
I didn’t know he was just getting warmed up.
I think I was saying something to a server when Bryson, having launched into a more uptempo number, let loose with a powerful, raspy vocal that rattled the fixtures and my head snapped around like “Whut?”
There were a couple of whoops from audience members who appreciated the sudden ratcheting-up of intensity and I was like “Do that again.”
And he did. I wish I could tell you what the song was but I neglected to make a note of it at the moment. I just remember thinking Bryson Lawrence is more than a soft-spoken coffeehouse singer, and I need to see him again.
Of course, that’s news to mostly nobody, because Bryson is well-known on the music scene in Wichita Falls and beyond, and he’s as likely to bust out a kickass, haunting version of Alice in Chains’ “Rooster” as he is a country or Americana song selection.
I’m just getting to know him, though. So, if you’re new to his music, too, hitch a ride with me as we catch up.
Q: Bryson, for anyone who isn’t familiar, tell us about you... where are you from, what do you do, and where did your musical gifts come from?
BL: I was born and raised in Vernon, TX. After high school I ended up settling in Wichita Falls and graduating from Midwestern University with a Mechanical Engineering degree. For the past 10 years I have worked at TxDOT (Highway Department) in the Design Office. I am currently the Design Supervisor there so I have a team of about 8 designers I manage. I have a son that is 16 now and goes to Holliday Highschool so I enjoy attending his sporting events like basketball and baseball. My mom also lives in town and she is the one that really gave me most of my musical talents. She sings and plays in church and that is where I really got my start like many people playing in our praise band.
Q: You are a busy dude, musically. Not only are you organizing, promoting and collaborating with other artists, you have two bands, aside from your solo gigs. Tell us about them.
BL: Yes, I am very busy. I really started playing more out around town after graduating from College. I started all that at the Open Mics at The Iron Horse Pub and even hosted for a long time which was a lot of fun. Around 2015 I started my first full band which would eventually be Blank Labels. We play a mix of originals and alternative rock covers. I have always enjoyed playing songs I like so I have tried to pick songs that are not your traditional covers. The current lineup has changed since taking a break during covid but I am excited to play some new songs full band. This year I got on board with a mutual friend Micheal Clark and formed an Alice in Chains Tribute band called Dirt. It is my first band that I have solely just been a vocalist on so it has been fun for sure. We have played 3 awesome shows this year so just like Blank Labels we are looking to branch out to Dallas and the surrounding area.
Q: Are there any fun stories you can share from your time on the music scene in Wichita Falls?
BL: I will say that I have really enjoyed being on stage especially with my family. My mom has come on stage before and sang with me and my cousin Jake Novak has always made every show he has been apart of a gig to remember. It really is the funnest thing just to be on stage and bearing your heart to the audience through music.
Q: Anything you want to plug? Gigs, a record?
BL: I have a double header concert at Iron Horse Pub this Friday starting at 9:30pm. It is also a birthday party for our Blank Labels drummer Mike Hardison! I will play with Blank Labels first then Dirt will play after to finish the night. Tickets are on sale online for $7 and it will be $10 at the door that night. I also have an acoustic gig at Karat just down the street from 7-9pm Saturday for anyone looking for a good date night spot. We have mentioned cutting a record sometime but that might be something we hit hard in 2024 since we just added a new lead player. Stay tuned for more updates!
I’m told you can catch Bryson’s electric version of the aforementioned “Rooster” if you catch him playing with Dirt, and I bet that’s worth the price of admission alone.
Follow Bryson Lawrence: Facebook / Instagram
Follow Dirt: Facebook
Follow Blank Labels: Instagram
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All photos by the author, © FallstownFUSE.com
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