We were lucky to catch up with Bran Merritt recently and have shared our conversation below.

Bran, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

In 2018, my longtime friend and artistic collaborator, Brandon Hillis, approached me about doing a comic book series for my band, Sleep Nation. Brandon and I were in kindergarten together, attended art class together, discussed music constantly, and he sold me my first electric guitar. We lost touch with each other in our college years, but rekindled our friendship when Brandon offered to do my band Sleep Nation’s debut album cover.

Brandon and I spent countless hours talking about where we could take this comic book series, plot, storylines, and artwork. Brandon is one of the best artists I have ever known, but he told me directly that he just wanted to write the script and let someone else do the artwork. The conversation of the comic book was in the workshop days for a couple of years until one day Brandon sent the link for the script in its entirety. I was absolutely floored! My lifelong friend who I’ve known since I was 5 years old had captured my voice and our vision onto a script in black and white.

Unfortunately, my dear friend passed away on Aug 16, 2021. He never got to see the final finished product of the comic book, but if it wasn’t for his creative genius and original idea there wouldn’t be a Sleep Nation comic book. We dedicated the book in his honor, and it will always say in the book “Created By: Brandon Hillis and Bran Merritt.”

Brandon was one of the most encouraging and uplifting humans I’ve ever known. He encouraged me to repackage the band into a 2-piece when I was so reluctant to do so. Whenever and whatever you needed to talk about anything Brandon was always just a phone call away. I’m so thankful to have known him, and to have had the privilege to call him my friend.

Bran, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Growing up, I’ve always been a creative type. I used to draw Batman when I was in kindergarten when I should have been listening. I always wanted to be a cartoonist throughout elementary school, but my focus changed after turning 12 years old. My mother passed away after battling breast cancer for a little less than 2 years. I was what you considered a “momma’s boy.” We were very close. She made it a point to make sure I knew that I was her world. Unfortunately, the great bond was severed by the evil that cancer is. The pain that I had to carry around for essentially the rest of my life had to be dealt with. I didn’t know what to do or how to act. I will never forget the dread of having to go back to school a week after my mother’s passing. No one can prepare you for loss. I don’t believe it is something you can prepare yourself for. Nevertheless, I kept searching for something to deal with the pain that I was having to face daily.

Cue my love for music. I started to really take a deep dive in all things music. My aunt, my mother’s sister, got me into Pink Floyd and Rush. I believe my introduction to Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here” was quintessential to my road to dealing with the loss of my mother. Listening to music is a cherished pastime, but I started thinking about creating music. My dad took guitar lessons for a little while. He got pretty good and practiced for a couple of years. We always had a Alvarez acoustic setting around. One day I picked it up and set out a goal to learn that song “Wish You Were Here.” I went to my dad to learn how to chord a “G” on guitar, and then it was off to the races learning and practicing this song. Once I got quite a few songs under my belt. I started thinking that I could write my own material. I worked on my own material and notable compositions everyday after school.

I can’t be grateful enough for the power of music that helped me deal with the depression and loss that I was feeling on a daily basis. The mother that I confided in and leaned on everyday was no longer around, but with the help of learning, writing, and playing music it made each day a bit brighter. So, I guess this is the sole reason why I pursued a creative career because it literally brought me out of the trenches.

In college, the drummer and I formed Sleep Nation, we were a 3-piece that kept looking for a singer. We kept trying people out for awhile, and for some reason or another it just never worked out. I believe the drummer suggested that I should just sing. It took quite a bit of convincing, but after we played an entirely instrumental show. Evidently, this was enough to nudge me in the right direction. I’ve been doing all the vocal work in Sleep Nation ever since then. Now, when Covid first hit that presented some new challenges for Sleep Nation. Not only were we not able to play shows, but we lost 2 members during that time. Joey Lauretta, the drummer, and I were left wondering what to do. How we were going to bounce back from this? Replacing members has to be one of the worst parts of playing music. Joey and I decided to continue Sleep Nation as a 2-piece. Just as the singing issue took some convincing this was not any different, but after we did it’s been the best decision we’ve made.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I cannot stress this enough. Original venues are shutting down right and left. It’s happening in Nashville every single day. If you have friends that play music. Please don’t just be an armchair fan! Go out and support them during a live show.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Prior to 2018, Sleep Nation in its history as a band has been through a revolving door of drummers. Thankfully, the night one of those individuals who told us that they were leaving. I posted on Facebook and Joey Lauretta answered the call. Joey has been a constant in the world of Sleep Nation. I’m so thankful that he is the other half of the “Rock N Roll Dynamic Duo” that is known as Sleep Nation.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.slpntn.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sleepnationtv
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/sleepnation
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/sleepnationband
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/sleepnationband
• Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sleepnationtv

Image Credits
First Photo Cred: Kailey Adams Photography Band Photos: Waylon Nihipali – Flash of Nash Photography