West Of It All with Briscoe
To say 2023 has been a whirlwind of a year for Briscoe would be an understatement. Since playing their last show at HiCo Hall in December ‘22, Truett Heinzelman and Philip Lupton have graduated from college, played large festivals, opened for The Dave Matthews Band, embarked on their first headline tour and are currently awaiting the release of their debut album West Of It All this Friday, September 15th. We were able to sit down with these two busy gentlemen before their show last week to break down their past nine months and how they are processing their new normal.
“It’s been really sweet,” says Heinzelman. “I absolutely love being on the road. I think it’s so much fun. When you get into the groove of playing 4-5 shows a week, there’s nothing better.”
As Briscoe’s popularity naturally grew beyond the campus of the University of Texas, and greater Austin area, Philip and Truett decided to use their college years focussing on “getting their ducks in a row” so they could hit the ground running once they graduated. This focus, paired with the loving support of their families, has allowed them to sprint towards every new opportunity that has come their way.
“Both of our families are super supportive of what we are doing and have been from the start,” explains Lupton. “Everywhere that they can be, they are there.” Understanding that this type of support is an expectation and not the rule for most musicians, Briscoe finds confidence and stamina in their unique team who love them dearly.
“It helps you march all across the country with a smile on your face and actually get to enjoy the whole thing!” This truth is apparent when the band takes the stage. “One of our most frequent compliments is that our drummer looks like he’s the happiest man in the world,” Heinzelman shares. If you’ve experienced Briscoe live then you know that this is not lip service.
“What sets our live set apart is how much fun we have on stage,” explains Lupton. “A very genuine joy. We talk a lot about the joy of Christ that fills us. We’re not preachers or ministers of any kind, but I think that hopefully, our show can be a bit of a reflection of what we believe and how that affects us when we play live.”
In a world of ever-changing circumstances, Briscoe’s faith holds strong. No matter what new city or venue they find themselves in, band prayer has been their consistent action; stopping to take a moment in gratitude and praise before they hit the stage each night.
Philip and Truett would love to give a big THANK YOU to the city and the people of Hico. “To come to a place like HiCo Hall, sitting in probably the biggest greenroom we’ve ever been in. It’s a real treat.” Growing from a pitstop place for sweet desserts to a town of friends, Hico will always hold a very special place in their hearts. “It’s fun to come play a venue that feels more like home.”
Fun fact:
This Friday, September 15th Briscoe will perform their biggest headline show to date! Celebrating the release of their debut album West Of It All, only felt right to do in Austin.
Check out: www.briscoetheband.com to pre-order West Of It All and for all things Briscoe!
