Mojo Bone Makes His PBR Camping World Teams Series Debut at Duluth, Georgia
Written by Matt Corirossi
Renowned Canadian-American motivational speaker and self-development author Brian Tracy was once quoted as “Learn something new. Try something different. Convince yourself that you have no limits.” This encouraging declaration underlines the importance of individuals having the courage to take a chance. It is normal for human beings to express doubts about being able to enter a new situation and thrive. Often, individuals think of all the disadvantages and scenarios that could go wrong if they decide to take a leap of faith. This leads to analysis paralysis where the anxiety or fear of making a misstep force someone to remain stagnant. The reality is that mistakes and unforeseen circumstances happen. Even the most promising solution can result in an error. Instead, an individual should be aware of every step in the journey. Through this focus, a person can anticipate roadblocks and move towards the goal. Attempting new endeavors has a host of benefits regarding an individual’s overall physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. A person will sharpen their pre-existing skills while gaining new ones. In addition, when uncomfortable, an individual is forced to interact and learn from different groups of people that they previously would have ignored or delayed until later. Lastly, achieving milestones in a strange environment builds an inner sense confidence and calmness. The more chances someone takes, the more numerous the advantages as they can overlap and be stacked.
Jefferson, Georgia-born and raised country rock singer Brantley Gilbert is not afraid of taking chances with his instincts and his beloved BG Nation as his guiding force. As with every artist, Gilbert had to figure out who he was going to present to the world. Most country music artists are driven to pick the safest, most refined version of themselves that fits within the pop-country, acoustic-folk country, or traditional country subgenres. His answer differed as he knew the redeeming value of going bold. Gilbert summarized his approach as, “I’ve realized that life can be very short, and everyone should take advantage of it. If you’re gonna live, do something with it. Make it great.” He does not see any reason for being anyone else but himself and does not apologize for who he is. Gilbert’s viewpoint is that being genuine creates the ideal audience. The evidence of this belief is his legion of dedicated fans, who affectionately claim membership in his fan base BG Nation. Gilbert further explains the fervor of his fans to the newspaper The Tennessean as, “I have a die-hard grass-roots fanbase that likes having something based on things on which they consistently agree."
Gilbert represents the small-town, working-class experience in his lyrics as that relates to his background in Jefferson. While other artists chase a widespread demographic, he is content with being the mouthpiece for that specific audience. His fan base receives high-energy songs that straddles the line between rock and country. Gilbert weaves in his artistry his firm beliefs in patriotism, faith, family, farmers, the military, and embracing his flaws. Lastly, he is a biker who immerses himself in biker culture. His audience embraces all these elements. The respect is reciprocated by Gilbert as he mentions to newspaper The Tennessean, "When you're a lower-middle-class earning music fan, you're working until the sun goes down or the job is done -- the money they're giving me for my music is to deliver something to get them through the rest of some tough days." Gilbert is ready to give his audience more for their money with his next move. He was announced as the co-owner of a PBR (Professional Bull Rider, Inc.) bull Mojo Bone who made his PBR Team Camping World Series debut on July 27th at the PBR Teams: Duluth event at Gas South Arena in Duluth, Georgia.
Gilbert grew up knowing that he wanted to be a country music musician. He recollects an early memory where his mom would watch his first performances. Gilbert would hold a plastic guitar and stand on a chest of drawers in front of a mirror and practice his skills. These performances led him to learn to play the guitar and begin his songwriting. Originally, he would write about any topic that came to his mind. However, his musical style would quickly be defined. His melodies have a pronounced rock aesthetic but his lyrics of authentic testimonies of heartache, trials, triumph, and success leans country. Gilbert shares his steadfast lyrical point of view with The Entertainer! Magazine as, “All I know is small-town life. That’s all I’ve been around. I don’t write songs about things I haven’t experienced. It is always country music. I’ve always known where our place was when it comes to our genre, which was outside the box. These days, we’re letting songs be what they want to be.”
Gilbert worked towards his career the old-fashioned way, through performing at venues in his hometown. His dedication was rewarded as he started seeing repeat fans at his shows. His shows were first designed as acoustic presentations. However, he realized that the crowd was craving louder rock and country. Gilbert met that desire by mapping out the high-energy show that fans have come to expect from him today. He gained traction quickly which led him to signing a songwriting deal in 2009. Gilbert signed a record deal in 2009 with Nashville-based independent music record label Average Joes Entertainment. With the record label’s help, he released his debut album A Modern Day Prodigal Son and follow up album Halfway to Heaven. Both albums charted on Billboard and led to Gilbert signing a record deal with label Valory Music Co. in February 2011.
Under Valory Music Co.’s roster, Gilbert achieved numerous career highlights including 8.3 billion career streams and back-to-back platinum albums for Halfway to Heaven and Just as I Am. He has 7 Number 1 hits including “Bottoms Up”, “Country Music Be Country Wide”, “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do”, “One Hell of an Amen”, and “What Happens in a Small Town” with fellow country artist Lindsey Ell. He is the winner of 2 ACM (Academy of Country Music) Awards, 1 CMA (Country Music Association) Award, and 1 AMA (American Music Awards) Award. Currently, he is balancing multiple projects as he is on road with his nationwide headlining Off The Rails Tour. He is preparing for the release of his seventh studio album Tattoos on September 13th via Valory Music Co. The album is available for pre-save on his social media accounts. His latest single release is “Me and My House” featuring Struggle Jennings and Demun Jones. The album’s lead single “Over When We’re Sober” featuring emerging country artist Ashley Cooke is climbing the country radio charts after becoming the most added song during its debut week.
Gilbert put his appreciation for farmers and agriculture into action with a partnership with the Farmers Veteran Coalition (FVC). The FVC is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans – and those currently serving – of the armed forces begin their path within the agricultural industry. With over 30,000 members, the group provides veterans with an opportunity to serve the country again, by providing a crucial food supply. Chief among the benefits is the Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund, which is a grant to veterans to assist in their initial stages of farming or ranching. Gilbert was instrumental in Kubota Tractor Corporation’s 2020 “Geared to Give” program in association with the FVC. Gilbert honored five veteran recipients by inviting them to his farm to distribute Kubota equipment.
Gilbert furthered his appreciation for the Western way of life by jumping into a brand-new venture, co-owning a bucking bull in the PBR named Mojo Bone with 2-time PBR Stock Contractor of the Year Blake Sharp. Mojo Bone made his co-owner proud in his PBR Camping World Team Series debut as he bucked off the Arizona Ridge Riders-affiliated rider Keyshawn Whitehorse in 3.36 seconds. Cameras were present to capture Gilbert’s elation at being part of the experience. As he watched his bull’s out, he mentioned that he had conversations with Sharp and he is glad that he took the plunge. Gilbert highlighted his love of Western sports and stays involved by receiving pictures and videos of his bull’s performances. In a subsequent interview video with the Voice of the PBR Matt West, Gilbert reiterated his appreciation for the strength of Mojo Bone and the toughness of the cowboys who attempt to ride him. Both videos were posted on the PBR’s and Gilbert’s social media. The PBR video can be found below:
The interview with Matt West video can be found below:
Those looking to stay updated on Gilbert’s music can follow him online at brantleygilbert.com.
Gilbert has achieved monumental success in his music career by not being afraid to take giant leaps when they align with his defined audience. Being the representative within the country music industry who illustrates small-town life and the struggles of the working-class has garnered him a committed base of fans. As a product of this support, he earned a further appreciation of farmers, agriculture, and the Western way of life. This affinity culminated in co-ownership of a promising PBR bull Mojo Bone, who like Gilbert, is sure to make his mark in his chosen industry.