EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW : Tyler Braden Opens Up About devil and a prayer, His Powerful Debut Album

We recently caught up with Warner Music Nashville artist Tyler Braden, and the timing couldn’t have been better. His debut album devil and a prayer is finally out in the world, and one of its standout tracks “GOD & GUNS N’ ROSES” just hit #1. After years of hard work, relentless touring, and building a loyal fanbase, Tyler is having a moment, and we were lucky enough to sit down with him to talk all about it. From how firefighting shaped his music to how he sequenced the album like a live show, Tyler opened up about the stories behind the songs and where he’s headed next.

When we asked Tyler what it felt like to finally release a full-length album, he didn’t hold back. “It’s surreal,” he said. “I’ve been working toward this for so long writing, recording, playing shows nonstop. To finally have this full story out there, start to finish, feels like a milestone I’ve dreamed of forever.”

And devil and a prayer isn’t just a collection of songs it’s carefully crafted to take the listener on a journey. “I realized I was sequencing it like a setlist,” Tyler told us. “The album opens with big, high-energy moments like ‘ME OR THE DAWN,’ then dips into this more acoustic, emotional stretch in the middle, and ramps up again by the end. It mirrors the highs and lows of a live show. I wanted fans to feel that arc, even if they’re just listening at home or in the car.”

That emotional core really comes through in tracks like “CALL ME FIRST,” where Tyler explores the pressure of always being the strong one. “That one’s personal,” he admitted. “It came out of a conversation about how we all sometimes struggle, even when we try to act like we’re fine. I hope it reminds people that they don’t have to carry everything alone.”

Another standout moment is “MIGHT BE DANGEROUS,” his powerful duet with Kaitlin Butts. “That song had been around for a while, but I always heard it as a duet in my head,” he said. “I’ve always admired Kaitlin’s voice and her writing, so when she said yes, it was a no brainer. She brought a whole new perspective to the track it really became something special.”

We asked Tyler about the recent success of “GOD & GUNS N’ ROSES,” which earned him his very first #1. “Man, I still can’t believe it,” he said, smiling. “It started with just the phrase we weren’t trying to chase a hit, just wanted to write something cool and honest. The fact that it connected with people the way it has? That’s the dream.”

When it comes to influences, Tyler’s taste is as wide as his sound. “Garth Brooks and Alan Jackson were huge for me growing up, but so were Nirvana and Foo Fighters. I was in rock bands long before I was playing country shows. So now, I just let all of it come through.”

Of course, we couldn’t talk about his journey without bringing up his past as a firefighter. That experience, he said, is still very present in how he approaches music and life. “It taught me discipline, teamwork, and perspective. You see so much, and you learn to appreciate the little things. That mindset really helped when we started hitting the road hard I already knew how to live in tight quarters and run on no sleep.”

So, what’s next for Tyler? He’s already thinking about the next chapter. “I’m still writing. There were some great songs that didn’t quite fit the flow of this album, but I’m holding onto them. I’m always working on new ideas. And I can’t wait to get back out on tour and play these songs live.”

Before we wrapped, we asked what he hopes fans take away from devil and a prayer. His answer was simple but powerful: “I just want them to feel something. Whether it’s heartbreak, hope, nostalgia, whatever I want it to hit them in a real way. That’s what music’s always done for me, and that’s what I hope this album does for them.”

It is clear that devil and a prayer is more than just a debut album. From high-energy anthems to raw acoustic moments, every song reflects a part of Tyler’s journey—from his firefighting past to his love of rock and country—with honest, real storytelling.

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