Interview: Get to Know Bryce Fabian
What first got you into music?
Music has been part of my life since childhood. I started singing traditional round dance songs when I was around seven or eight years old. Growing up in Fort McKay First Nation, music was about more than entertainment. It was about culture, community, storytelling, and connection. Those early experiences around the drum planted the foundation for everything I'm doing today.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?
I'd describe my music as contemporary country with honest storytelling, emotional depth, and a little edge. My influences range from Jelly Roll and Morgan Wallen to Luke Combs and Post Malone. I write about real experiences, including heartbreak, resilience, family, personal struggles, and chasing dreams. I want people to hear something familiar but also recognize that I bring my own identity and perspective to country music.
Was there a defining moment when you realized music was your calling?
Music has always been part of who I am. I started singing traditional round dance songs around seven or eight years old in Fort McKay First Nation, Alberta. Over the years, my musical journey has taken many different directions, but I've always found my way back to singing. Recently, connecting with music industry professionals in Nashville has given me a renewed sense of purpose. Having people in Music City recognize the potential in my sound, story, and identity reminded me why I've continued pursuing this dream.
Where do you find inspiration for your lyrics or melodies?
Most of my inspiration comes from personal experiences. I've experienced setbacks, successes, heartbreak, and moments where I've questioned my direction in life. Being a father, husband, and Indigenous man from northern Alberta gives me plenty of stories to tell. Sometimes an idea comes while I'm driving, and other times it comes from sitting alone and reflecting on life. I believe the best songs come from genuine emotions.
How do you balance personal expression and creating something your audience will love?
I believe authenticity comes first. I never want to write something simply because I think it will be popular. At the same time, I understand the importance of creating memorable melodies and songs people can connect with. My goal is to find that balance between meaningful storytelling and music people genuinely enjoy listening to.
What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?
Winning the Indigenous Music Award at the Wood Buffalo Excellence Awards was an incredible moment for me. Being recognized for something I've dedicated so much time and energy to meant a lot. I've also surpassed 500,000 streams, with my music reaching listeners in more than 60 countries. Coming from a small northern Alberta community, knowing my songs are reaching people around the world is something I never take for granted.
Are there any specific milestones you’re working toward in your career?
One of my biggest goals is to establish myself in Nashville's country music industry. I've recently connected with Jay Brunswick and PG Banker, and those conversations have opened my eyes to opportunities beyond northern Alberta. My goals include working with established Nashville songwriters and producers, performing at major country music festivals, securing publishing opportunities, and eventually signing with a record label that believes in my vision. I want to become a recognized Indigenous country artist on an international level while proudly representing Fort McKay First Nation.
How do you prepare for a show or tour?
Preparation starts with knowing my material and understanding how I want the audience to experience the performance. I rehearse my vocals, work on my guitar playing, and think about the emotional flow of the setlist. I'm also developing a performance concept that incorporates traditional Indigenous round dance singing and drumming. My vision is to eventually open and close my country performances by honouring the musical traditions that started my journey.
What’s the most unusual or memorable thing that’s happened to you on stage?
One of the most meaningful aspects of performing is simply recognizing how far I've come. I started as a young boy singing around a traditional drum in Fort McKay, and now I'm pursuing a career as a country artist. Every opportunity to step onto a stage reminds me of that journey. I hope that one day, young Indigenous musicians will see me performing and realize that their dreams are possible too.
Can you tell us about your latest project or release?
My latest single, "It Best Be," was released on October 2, 2026. It's a contemporary country song built around a simple message: if we only get one life, it best be one worth living. The song reflects my belief in making the most of our time, pursuing our passions, and appreciating the people and experiences that matter. It's also part of a new chapter in my career as I continue developing my sound and releasing music under the name Bryce Fabian.
Are there any collaborations in the works you’re excited about?
I'm currently exploring opportunities in Nashville after having conversations with Jay Brunswick and PG Banker. They've provided encouraging feedback about my music, image, and personal story. I'm particularly interested in collaborating with Nashville songwriters and producers who can help develop my contemporary country sound while preserving my authenticity. It's still early in the process, but I'm excited about the connections I'm building and where they could lead.
What message or emotion do you hope people take away from your music?
I want people to know they're not alone in whatever they're experiencing. Whether someone is dealing with heartbreak, chasing a dream, raising a family, or struggling to find their place in the world, I want my music to give them something they can connect with. If one of my songs helps someone get through a difficult day or inspires them to keep going, then I've accomplished something meaningful.
Who are you listening to right now?
Jelly Roll has been one of my biggest influences because of his honesty, storytelling, and ability to connect with people through music. I also enjoy Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Bailey Zimmerman, Kane Brown, and Post Malone. I appreciate artists who aren't afraid to explore different sounds while staying true to their identity.
How do you see your music evolving in the next few years?
I see my music evolving into a stronger, more polished Nashville-inspired contemporary country sound while maintaining the storytelling and cultural identity that make me different. I'm working on improving my songwriting, acoustic guitar playing, and live performances. I want to create songs that can stand alongside today's major country releases without losing the honesty and emotion behind my music. Another part of my vision is incorporating traditional Indigenous round dance singing and drumming into my performances. I believe there's an opportunity to introduce Nashville audiences to something deeply personal and culturally meaningful.
How do you handle the balance between commercial success and artistic integrity?
Commercial success is something I aspire to, but I never want to sacrifice who I am to achieve it. I understand that the music industry is a business, and I'm willing to learn, collaborate, and grow. However, my experiences, upbringing, and identity are what make my music personal. I want to build a career where I can reach a larger audience without losing the authenticity that brought me into music.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, tours, or surprises?
Nashville is becoming an important part of my next chapter. Following recent conversations with music industry professionals, I'm exploring opportunities for artist development, songwriting, recording, and networking in Music City. My latest single, "It Best Be," was released October 2, 2026, and I have additional music in development, including "Letter to Myself" and "Whiskey Don't Miss." I'm also working toward expanding my presence at country music festivals and showcases throughout Canada and eventually the United States. My long-term vision is to build a career that connects northern Alberta to Nashville and introduces my music to audiences around the world.
Anything You'd Like Your Fans to Know.
I'm an Indigenous country artist from Fort McKay First Nation, a small community in northern Alberta, Canada. My musical journey started around a traditional drum when I was a young boy. Today, that same passion has taken me toward opportunities and conversations in Nashville, Tennessee, the heart of country music. I've spent years independently recording, releasing, and promoting my music. I've experienced rejection, disappointment, and moments when I questioned whether this dream was worth pursuing. But something keeps bringing me back. Having my music reach more than 60 countries and surpass 500,000 streams has shown me that my story can connect with people far beyond my hometown. My dream isn't simply to make it to Nashville. It's to build a lasting career, represent my people, and show young Indigenous artists that their voices belong on the biggest stages in country music.
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