Catch Of The Week: Houston Bernard
Meet Houston Bernard from Boston
The American dream is alive, well and living in the music of Houston Bernard. One listen to his song, “American Dream,” and you can practically smell apple pie. You can practically see a family sitting on a porch, with the American flag proudly waving in the wind of a summer day. You can definitely sense the pride of country, and country music in Houston’s sound and lyrics.
This veteran singer/songwriter has been entertaining audiences around New England, Nashville and beyond for quite a few years. And with each performance, each new album, his love of the genre only becomes more evident. Bernard conveys a confidence and ease, yet never loses that excitement with each song. I hear traces of Michael Ray and Dustin Lynch. Houston’s voice is strong, rich, and respectful of those who came before him. He describes his sound as “heartland country,” which is totally on point. You can hear that heartland sound in his latest release, “All We Are Is Memories,” as well,
The Ballad of Bernard
“All We Are Is Memories” is the very latest from Houston, who shared, “I wrote during the covid shutdown, when things closed down and I had time to stope and think I really got perspective. The song is about how precisous our time is together and we should really appreciate the time we have together. How we are all just memories and our loved ones live on in our memories and as we do in their memories.”
Houston recently released his official music video for “American Dream.”
Houston, We Have Answers
- Grew up in: Oklahoma, Alaska and Mass.
- Now lives in: Boston
- Current single, and or EP or Album: “All We Are Is Memories” from 4th album, Freedom
- What is your song about/how did it come to be: I wrote during the covid shutdown, when things closed down and I had time to stope and think I really got perspective. The song is about how precisous our time is together and we should really appreciate the time we have together. How we are all just memories and our loved ones live on in our memories and as we do in their memories.
- What lead you to music: I was drawn to it but everyone on my dads side of the family plays or played music.
- How old when you started: I started writing little songs when I was about 5.
- First country song you learned: Im gonna say “Heartbreak Hotel” because Elvis also played country music and sang songs from writers like Jerry Reed who also was very country.
- Instruments played: Guitar, piano, Drums, Bass, Ukulele
- How would you describe your sound: Heartland Country
- Who inspires you: Everything and everyone I come into contact with in my life ends up inspiring me in some way, but personal expereicnces and feelings lend to the songwriting process.
- Awards/accolades: I have been noiminated for Country Act of the year for multiple years in Boston and New England, Im happy to just be nominated.
- Dream duet partner: Dolly Parton
- All- time favorite country song: Sorry I cant…
- First country concert: Randy Travis
- What songs do you like now on Country 1025: Brothers Osborne usually has some great songs on your station as well as Cody Johnson
- What would you being doing, if not music: I have no idea….its all I think about.
- Most proud moment: For music, it is when I opened for Montgomery Gentry at House of Blues and Troy asked me to come hang out with him and drink moonshine with him on his bus. We had a bunch of good laughs. RIP.
- Crazy thing that happened in your music career: That people actually like and listen to my music, I spent a long time playing to empty rooms and I really appreciate how things are going right now.
- Other things you like to do: Play Basketball, Hike and Listen to other artists tell their stories.
- Fun facts: Im medically certified as a massage therapist and do that part time.
- Mantra: Life is short, live every day as your last. Appreciate what you have, it could easily be gone tomorrow.
- Upcoming gigs: January 15- Loretta’s Last Call, Boston
Follow Houston Bernard
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.
Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing Kruser at [email protected]
