Kane Brown: On “The High Road,” Fatherhood, and Finding Peace
Country superstar Kane Brown recently sat down for a candid interview, opening up about his new album, “The High Road,” navigating parenthood, and the personal struggles that have shaped his journey. His raw honesty resonated with fans, offering a glimpse into the man behind the hit songs.
“The High Road”: A Personal Reflection
Brown’s latest album, aptly titled “The High Road,” shares a name with Kelly Clarkson’s ranch, a coincidence that sparked a laugh. For Brown, the album’s title carries deep personal meaning. While a song explicitly about “being a better person” didn’t make the final cut (because, as he jokingly admitted, it wasn’t “done yet to its potential”), the sentiment behind taking “the high road” clearly permeates the record.
He revealed that the album has become an unexpected source of self-reflection. “The High Road” serves as a reminder of his own family’s struggles with depression—a challenge he’s finding himself resonating with more deeply since its creation. This newfound connection is partly due to his New Year’s resolution, a commitment he’s actually sticking to this year. One major step has been quitting nicotine.
Brown shared the surprising realization that nicotine “suppresses emotions,” explaining why people often reach for a cigarette or a Zyn when upset. While the past month has been tough, he’s found a breakthrough in the last few days, feeling a profound connection to the songs on his album as he navigates this new emotional landscape.
Balancing Tour Life and Family
Despite the personal challenges, Brown is enthusiastic about his upcoming tour. He loves touring, especially as a “weekend warrior” who can return home between shows. However, the first leg of this tour will be a 28-day stretch with his three children and a nanny on the bus—all while being nicotine-free. He joked about going through “toothpicks,” acknowledging the need for a substitute as he tackles this demanding schedule.
A Heartbreaking Fan Encounter and a Powerful Personal Story
During the interview, Brown recounted a recent, profoundly moving moment with a fan. He admitted to a habit of wearing Meta sunglasses on stage to record performances, which unfortunately obscured his vision. During one show, he felt a small person beside him, quickly snapped a picture, and kept walking. Later, fans told him how “sweet” the interaction was. Confused, he looked at the picture and read the fan’s sign: “Bullied for the color of my skin. I just want a hug.”
Overwhelmed with regret for not fully engaging with the child in that moment, Brown shared his own experience with racial identity. Growing up with his white family after his father went to prison in 1996, he was initially unaware of his biracial heritage. He candidly admitted, “I just thought you hung out in the sun longer than I did,” laughing at his own innocence. It took his younger brother to explain that he was biracial, and soon after, he encountered painful, derogatory words from other children.
Kelly Clarkson praised Brown for using his platform to address such a crucial issue, noting how powerful it is for that little boy, and others like him, to see someone like Kane Brown embracing his identity. It was a beautiful, emotional moment that highlighted the profound impact artists can have beyond their music.
Kane Brown’s new album, “The High Road,” is available wherever music is sold, and he kicks off his tour next month.