Stars & Guitars
MEET ADRIAN BRANNAN
Our Interview: ‘BUCKAROOGIRL’ wants to ‘MAKE AMERICA COWBOY AGAIN,’ Give 110% every day
Florida Country Magazine writer Katey McClenny interviewed singer-songwriter Adrian “Buckaroogirl” Brannan. A bubbly blond woman known for her infectious laugh and “Dear Cowgirl” social media posts, Brannan is a singer-songwriter, author, speaker, brand creator and former bronc rider who draws inspiration for her songs from her ranching roots.
Brannan’s startlingly beautiful voice is full of power, raw emotion, soul and grit. She has been touring since age 14, completing her schooling on the road from hotel rooms and the back of a truck. Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she was typically traveling at least 200 days out of the year.
“I started off making music for cowboys, ranchers and people in agriculture,” she explains. Brannan would play at rodeos, Cattlemen’s Association meetings and Cowboy Poetry events. “I did it because I loved the people,” she continues. Brannan doesn’t just sing about cowboying—she’s lived it.
BEFORE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC HIT, BRANNAN WAS TYPICALLY TRAVELING AT LEAST 200 DAYS OUT OF THE YEAR.
SHE WOULD PLAY AT RODEOS, CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION MEETINGS AND COWBOY POETRY EVENTS.
Originally from the deserts of California, her father was a saddle maker and she cowboyed on ranches in Nevada with her family. Brannan has a strong passion for agriculture and ranching and a desire to share that heritage through her music. California is very similar to Florida in that many people are unaware of the enormous agricultural presence in the state.
“When people think of California, they think of Hollywood and LA. When I think of California, I think of the bull sale and cattle,” she says, laughing.
Brannan has relocated to Texas and is currently working on her fifth album and second book. Her most recent album, “Desert Dwelling Mama,” won the Western Heritage Award from the National Cowboy Museum, and it hit the Top 5 on iTunes and Top 10 on the Billboard charts. “I was blown away,” she says, “But I think my next album is going to surprise people!”
Brannan has become known for her “Dear Cowgirl” blog posts at buckaroogirl.com, on Instagram and on other social media. The posts led to her first book, also titled Dear Cowgirl. A survivor of domestic abuse, Brannan has chosen to boldly speak out about that and other tough subjects, and has given such talks throughout the nation.
Brannan’s “Dear Cowgirl” posts, which feature a cowgirl photograph with a few sentences of encouragement and inspiration, were inspired by her coming out about being abused. She explains that people began to message her—asking for advice and help in similar situations—so she then felt compelled to share her encouragement with the world.
“This thing called life is difficult and we only get one of them. I almost lost that chance and I do not take it for granted,” Brannan says firmly. “I want anyone who feels alone to know they have someone who gets it. I really just don’t want anyone to ever feel like they’re alone,” she continues.
Her second book will be similar to the first. It will feature poems, resources and hotline information. Brannan has also created the trademarked “Make America Cowboy Again” brand, and her website shop often quickly sells out of the hats, T-shirts, stickers and more.
“I want to give 110 percent every single day. My goal is to go to bed at night as exhausted as possible because I have used every ounce of energy that God has given me,” she states.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, her 2021 tour dates have not yet been scheduled. But Brannan hopes to get back on the road again soon—speaking, singing, and sharing her voice with the world.
