Great Company Podcast with Jamie Lang – Episode Summary

Episode Title: KANE BROWN: AMERICA'S HOTTEST COUNTRY STAR OPENS UP
Host: Jamie Lang
Producer: Jemima
Guest: Kane Brown
Release Date: April 15, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Great Company, host Jamie Lang welcomes Kane Brown, one of the most prominent figures in country and western music today. Jamie and producer Jemima set the stage for an in-depth conversation, highlighting Kane's remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to global stardom.

Notable Quote:
Kane Brown (05:49): "Hey, guys. I'm Kane Brown, and I'm in great company, and I am great company. I think."

Early Life and Challenges

Kane Brown opens up about his tumultuous upbringing in Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, marked by frequent moves and instability. He attended six different elementary schools, two middle schools, and six high schools, facing bullying, racism, and physical abuse from stepparents.

Notable Quote:
Kane Brown (13:07): "Yeah, it was a tough childhood in lots of ways, but I had fun because I played sports."

Sports became Kane's sanctuary, helping him build friendships quickly and providing an outlet for his energy amidst the chaos. He shares the profound impact of his father's incarceration since 1996, which forced him to mature rapidly and take on a protective role for his younger brother.

Notable Quote:
Kane Brown (26:59): "My dad's been in prison since '96."

Music Career and Rise to Fame

Transitioning from sports to music, Kane began posting cover songs on Facebook at the age of 19. His dedication paid off when his cover of "I Don't Dance" by Lee Bryce went viral, attracting over 60,000 views and followers. This surge in popularity led to a record deal and further propelled his career.

Notable Quote:
Kane Brown (51:35): "You can't fail until you stop."

Kane attributes his success to his understanding of social media algorithms, noting that he was "six years in advance" compared to current trends on platforms like TikTok. His strategic approach to promoting his music on Facebook resulted in his song "Found" amassing 42.2 million views and significant shares, earning him platinum and diamond records.

Notable Quote:
Kane Brown (48:35): "I'm six years in advance, really, like how everybody's doing on TikTok right now with their songs."

Emotional Challenges and Coping Mechanisms

Despite his outward success, Kane struggles with emotional expression. He describes himself as emotionally numb, finding it difficult to show vulnerability or sadness—a likely protective mechanism from his harsh upbringing.

Notable Quote:
Jamie Lang (12:22): "Because emotion is like. An emotion is like. I like. You sort of feel emotion every single day. So to not kind of feel the emotion feels like it must be a protective mechanism."

Kane admits that he does feel emotions but has difficulty expressing them, especially in professional settings. He finds solace in activities like gaming and spending quality time with his children, which help him reconnect with his emotions.

Notable Quote:
Kane Brown (20:25): "I keep. I have to tell my Kids all the time. Like, man, you are so damn blessed."

Family Life

Kane discusses his deep appreciation for his family, contrasting his current life with his solitary childhood experiences. Married to Kate, they have three children, and Kane emphasizes the joy and fulfillment his family brings him.

Notable Quote:
Kane Brown (33:07): "Definitely. And I would say the big success is because I never really had that family thing."

He shares heartfelt stories about family traditions, like celebrating Christmas with his extended family, and the challenges of balancing fame with personal life. Kane expresses gratitude for the supportive environment his wife and children provide, highlighting the stark difference from his upbringing.

Dealing with Fame and Maintaining Authenticity

Fame brings its own set of challenges for Kane, particularly in maintaining genuine relationships and trust. He speaks candidly about the difficulties of distinguishing between genuine connections and those driven by ulterior motives.

Notable Quote:
Kane Brown (10:14): "You can't compete like that. Like, it's just not how it works."

Instead of comparing himself to other artists, Kane focuses on "outdoing himself," emphasizing personal growth and continuous improvement as the keys to his sustained success.

Notable Quote:
Kane Brown (45:14): "Stay true to you and just, just grind."

Advice for Aspiring Artists

Kane imparts valuable advice to aspiring musicians, stressing the importance of authenticity and perseverance. He highlights the significance of understanding social media platforms to effectively promote one's music.

Notable Quote:
Kane Brown (45:14): "I'd say stay, stay true to you. I used to kind of try and be what I felt like fans wanted me to be. And yeah, I just say stay true to you and just, just grind."

He encourages artists to consistently create and share content, leveraging algorithms to reach broader audiences, much like his successful strategy on Facebook.

Quick Fire Questions

In a lighter segment, Kane answers a series of personal questions, revealing his softer side and personal preferences:

1. What makes you smile?
   Kane Brown (53:11): "My kid's laughing."

2. Best compliment you've ever received?
   Kane Brown (53:18): "When my wife says, 'I look good,' that's the best. Tell her you look great all the time."

3. What scares you most about yourself?
   Kane Brown (53:34): "Probably the down times, like the depression."

4. When was the last time you cried?
   Kane Brown (53:41): "When I watched the movie Whale."

5. What's something you can't let go of?
   Kane Brown (54:07): "Gaming."

6. What’s your guilty pleasure?
   Kane Brown (54:16): "Listening to Screamo music."

7. What turns you off?
   Kane Brown (54:25): "Bad drivers."

8. What turns you on?
   Kane Brown (54:31): "My wife."

9. What do you like most about yourself?
   Kane Brown (54:38): "Being straightforward and genuine."

Bonus Question:
Favorite swear word?
Kane Brown (54:59): "Fuck."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Jamie and Jemima expressing their admiration for Kane's openness and the depth of the conversation. They commend Kane for his ability to swiftly open up, providing listeners with an authentic glimpse into his life.

Notable Quote:
Jamie Lang (55:05): "Kane, thank you so much for coming on."

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe to "Great Company" for more engaging and insightful conversations every Wednesday.

Key Takeaways

• Resilience: Kane's ability to overcome a challenging childhood through sports and music showcases his resilience and determination.

• Authenticity: Emphasizing staying true to oneself is pivotal for sustained success, as demonstrated by Kane's career choices.

• Emotional Awareness: Despite struggling with emotional expression, Kane finds ways to reconnect through family and personal interests.

• Family First: Kane places immense value on his family, striving to provide a loving and supportive environment contrary to his own upbringing.

• Social Media Savvy: Leveraging social media effectively was crucial in Kane's rise to fame, highlighting the importance of understanding digital platforms for modern artists.

This detailed summary captures the essence of Kane Brown's candid discussion on the Great Company podcast, providing listeners with valuable insights into his personal and professional life.