It’s exciting to see one of our New Englander singer/songwriters not only survive for a lengthy flight, but soar. That’s exactly what Houston Bernard from Boston, my Local Catch of the Week, is doing. The veteran performer recently dropped his sixth album, and if the rest of it is anything like his new single, we’ll have to buckle up.

Bernard’s album Ditch This Town was released in January. Imagine the amount of time, work, money and emotion that goes into a full collection of art. Bernard is not afraid of hard work and investing in himself. The efforts have paid off, as this is some of his best yet. “Pretend,” the new single, is simply infectious. All the right ingredients went into making this tasty number. It rocks but stays true to Houston’s brand of “heartland country.” His voice sounds better than ever, the instrumentation illuminates, and I honestly can’t get this melody out of my head. It just all feels right.

Houston Bernard has been an in-demand live performer in the area for quite some time. With time comes some polish, as we know, but he never over does it. His music and performance always remain true, never too slick or without real passion. This artist has been at the game, professionally, since he was in middle school. Obviously, he understands that with country music, there needs to be an honesty in the lyrics and delivery. I feel like country audiences can spot a phony a mile away.

Listen to Houston’s new song, below, and get to know him. You’ll find links to follow him on social media and a list of his upcoming gigs, so you can check him out for yourself. Supporting our local artists is extremely important. How can they make it to the next step without the support of their own people? I know you will like his music and find his story interesting.

The Music
Houston Bernard says latest release is about “how funny it is how sometimes we pretend not to like someone just to get their attention. Its funny the games we play.” Listen now to “Pretend” from Houston, off his new album, Ditch This Town
The Story
Grew up in: Oklahoma, Alaska and Massachusetts

Now lives in: Massachusetts / Oklahoma

Current single: “Pretend” off the new album “Ditch this Town” LINK TO ALBUM: https://ffm.to/vynq88p

What lead you to music: I have always been drawn to music, writing and performing since I can remember. I started writing my first jingles at 5 yo and starting writing full songs and recording when I was 12. I have explored many genres of music but country music is my home. I’m very excited that I have just released my 6th country album

How long have you been performing: Professionally (getting paid) since I was 12 yo.

First country song you learned: Does “Heartbreak Hotel” count? I grew up a huge Elvis fan

How would you describe your sound: Heartland Country

Who inspires you: Other artists, hardworking people

If you are a band, how did you get your name: I’m a solo artist and my name is a family name, I was named after my uncle who died on the farm in Oklahoma when he was 2. I wrote a song called, “In My blood” and it talks about my family.

Awards/accolades: I have been nominated a lot for country artist of the year in New England a lot. I haven’t won, but a lot of my friends have. I’m most proud of making music that I have written or that speaks to me

Dream duet partner: Dolly Parton, Miranda, Kacey Musgraves, Autumn Ragland

All- time favorite country song: So many but here are a few of my favorites this week…

Once or Twice – Corey Kent

Raisin Hell and Slingin Gravel – Dallas Moore

Loser Mentality – Austin Meade

First country concert: Sleepy LaBeef at Indian Ranch (my dad and uncle were in his band – They also backed up Tanya Tucker, Wanda Jackson, Dave Dudley etc.)

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: I probably would have stayed in the Army

Day Job: I own a mobile massage company and Im medically certified in massage.

Most proud moment: Besides family events, Releasing this new album, I spent years writing and recording it and I wrote 10 of the 11 songs. Its the best work I have ever done in my life.

Crazy thing that happened in your music career: Too many to list, but I was doing a show in Miami once and I was introduced to a famous singer and he knew who I was…pretty cool

Fun Fact: I play a lot of basketball.

Mantra: Don’t worry about the small stuff, life is too short. Put the positive out in the world. Be kind.
The Shows
Don’t miss an opportunity to see Houston Bernard live on stage. He plays all over the country, but has a few New England dates coming up. Check these out!

March 26: Rivershed in Scituate 6:00pm

April 6: Off the Rails Worcester 7:30pm

June 7: Tuscan Village North in Salem, NH 7:00pm

June 29: Veteran’s Memorial Stadium in Quincy, MA 7:00pm
The Social Network
Be sure and keep up with Houston Bernard, his music, shows and life happenings. Follow him on social media by clicking on these links:
Pics and Posts

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Houston Bernard (@houstonbernardmusic)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Houston Bernard (@houstonbernardmusic)

@houstonbernardmusic
My new release, In My Blood. Its part of a full album ill release in January 2024. Here i was singing at a festival called “Sober in the sun” it took all my strength and focus not to crack my voice as i was baring my heart and aoul, getting chocked up about the challenges i have had with my family with drugs and alcohol. Lives destroyed and lost and i look out mainly in the darkness and i was overwhelmed by the silence of the audience listening and i know they were feeling the same thing. I knew they had loss and challneges and it broke my heart and it took everything in me not to break down in tears. I strummed a little harder sang with the emotions i was feeling to keep it together. Everytine i sing this song to audience especially or even just listen to the recording, i get goosebumps because to me this is real exposed life. I want them and you to know you are never alone. Stay strong, keep going and you will get through it. Get up everyday and move forward, try harder, upward and onward. Its the only option. #inmyblood #CountryMusic #OklahomaCountry #RedDirtCountry #TexasCountry #NewCountryMusic #familytradition
♬ original sound - Houston Bernard
Are YOU a Catch?
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: Carolyn.Kruse@Bbgi.Com