There comes a time when big things cross our paths, life changing things. That happened here at Variety Beat the moment we met Kelleigh Bannen back in 2012, who has since become not only our favorite artist, but favorite person. Bannen was instantly able to connect with fans, and to this day, stays after shows to take pictures, sign autographs and most importantly, connect with others. It’s that desire to connect and stay connected that sets her apart from others.

 

 

Bannen has made it her craft to connect with her audience and view them not just as fans, but as those she can learn from and experience real life with. She’s come to realize that you can’t be authentic if you’re hiding parts of your life and bares all on her podcast This Nashville Life and her new single “Church Clothes.”

‘The Strength of The Bannenite’ – Why You Should Invest In Country Artist Kelleigh Bannen

 

Bannen recently spent some time in Austin, TX for SXSW (SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries). We have an exclusive look at Bannen’s week at SXSW and have included photos she’s shared on social media that provide even more pizazz to what looked like an incredible time!

EXCLUSIVE: WATCH KELLEIGH BANNEN’S WHIRLWIND WEEK AT SXSW

 

Fringe matters.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRrHmD8jCzk/?taken-by=kelleighbannen

 

Bannen told Variety Beat about her week at SXSW, saying:

“I had a blast in Texas for my first official SXSW.  The shows were high energy; the fans were genuinely there to discover new music. Austin was weird, wonderful, and hopelessly without national rideshare options. It was a crazy couple of days and I loved it.”

 

While there, Bannen recorded a live podcast, played various shows promoting her new single “Church Clothes” and even held a Facebook live!

 

Bannen’s single “Church Clothes” was best described by Grady Smith, who reacts to Music Video’s in real-time. He asked what the purpose of the song was since it wasn’t a breakup song or an “I love you” song and said the purpose of “Church Clothes” is for the audience; a confession from the artist and for the good of the people listening. He said it’s a real song and Country Music can always use more real (can we get an amen?)

Kelleigh Bannen Releases The Most Powerful and Honest Single of the Year “Church Clothes” – Listen

 

Here’s what other artists are saying about “Church Clothes” which was written by Liz Rose and Nicolle Gaylon.

Good stuff @kelleighbannen. https://t.co/2cXpfSb8pF

— Luke Bryan (@LukeBryanOnline) March 21, 2017

 

This. Song. By. @kelleighbannen is EVERYTHING. #truth #holyshit #tearsdownface #uglygirlcry https://t.co/nt0AZMY8mj

— Jana Kramer (@kramergirl) March 10, 2017

 

This song. This girl. This heart. @kelleighbannen congrats on releasing such a real and honest song 😩 pic.twitter.com/qumpltnqIR

— Mickey Guyton (@MickeyGuyton) March 11, 2017

 

Wow, @kelleighbannen. #ChurchClothes is incredible and honest. @LizRoseMusicPub and #NicolleGalyon, bravo. Check it out.❤😢👗

— Maggie Rose (@IAmMaggieRose) March 10, 2017

 

This. Song. It made me cry the 1st time I heard the demo over a year & a half ago. ⛪️ https://t.co/0P5QIaZhDb@kelleighbannen#ChurchClothespic.twitter.com/RM4Prfp61c

— Natalie Stovall (@NatalieStovall) March 10, 2017

WATCH THE “CHURCH CLOTHES MUSIC VIDEO”

 

Get “Church Clothes” on iTunes, amazon, google play, spotify