Brandon Wayne has released a reimagining of Johnny Cash's signature classic "Folsom Prison Blues," and I think I prefer it to the original.
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I had the pleasure of sitting down and talking with Brandon Wayne over his high-energy reconstruction, where he unveiled that there is so much more than meets the eye. "Folsom Prison (F--k You Brandon Wayne)" is more than just a crazy rock cover. It's a poetic rendition that drives you round the bends of his past and his present.
I asked Brandon Wayne if "Folsom Prison Blues" has a special meaning to him, and I was not ready for the response.
"I recently went through some tough times... with substances, drinking, stuff like that. It felt like I was in a prison. And I put myself there," he shared.
He admits he wasn't in a "real prison," but "feeling like [being in prison], I relate to heavily."
Now this is what turns what would otherwise be a 'cover' into a 'reimagining' for me. Where "Folsom Prison Blues" is a simple and lowly tune about the blues of being dragged to prison, Brandon Wayne's version is exhilarating, exciting, and full of musical twists and turns.
The infectious energy is of someone who has escaped this prison while reflecting over the journey of going to prison. He's been there, done that, and is now free. This song is inherently his own.
Have a listen below and try to tell me "Folsom Prison (F--k You Brandon Wayne)" isn't awesome. This country rock reconstruction deserves a space in many playlists out there.
Brandon Wayne Imbues A Johnny Cash Classic With His Own Past And Makes It His Own
It was "exhilarating" and "freeing" to channel his personal experiences into "Folsom Prison Blues."
"Creatively, I interpreted it completely differently," he explained. "I think [the song will] understand a little bit more the polarizing opposites of how I feel most of the time. I hope the listeners really get that," he explained.
Brandon Wayne hopes that his rendition of the classic song will encourage other artists to "feel comfortable with manipulating and reimagining songs."
"You can do whatever you want to," he reflected. "Don't feel limited."
As for the listener's experience, Wayne wants to take them on a wild ride. And I'm certain he accomplished that. "I want people to be shocked every 30 seconds," he said with a smile. "I wanted to make songs where you don't see the twist ... coming ahead, and I think I did a good job with that."
With Brandon Wayne at the wheel, that trip to Folsom Prison has many more turns and rocky roads than any poor soul would be expecting. Especially if they've taken the trip with the Man in Black previously...
Make sure to stay tuned for Brandon Wayne's upcoming album. I had a brilliant time talking to him, and can't wait to see more. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be busy bumpin' to "Bad Habits" again.
