Roots Run Deep

Inside Brian and Brittney Kelley’s Passionate Pursuit of Life, Love, and a Good Ol’ Time

Interview by McKenna Mears | Photography by Ben Christensen

In a land where the open skies meet endless possibilities, Brian and Brittney Kelley embody the spirit of chasing dreams and living life to the fullest. Brian shines as a country music star with a string of hit songs that resonate deeply with fans, while Brittney weaves her creativity into the fabric of her Tribe Kelley clothing brand. Together, they are a force of nature, making a mark in their industries while staying true to their roots.

With hearts full of gratitude and a love for the life they’ve built, Brian and Brittney remind us that success isn’t just about reaching new heights—it’s about enjoying the journey and being fully present. We had the pleasure of catching up with this down-to-earth couple to catch a glimpse into their world of country music, fashion, and the joy of living and creating a life they’ve always dreamed of.

VIE: What’s been inspiring you lately, both personally and creatively?

Brittney: The shifts we experienced in 2020 opened our eyes in unexpected ways. Being at home more has inspired me to create pieces that reflect that cozy, home-oriented lifestyle. I’m excited about some upcoming designs that blend comfort with streetwear—pieces you can wear around the house but also feel stylish when you head out.

We’ve been spending time at my family’s farm in Georgia, where I’ve rediscovered my love for camo. It’s incredible how it’s made a comeback in the fashion world, even on runways, and I’ve been drawing inspiration from that. Growing up wearing camo, especially the Mossy Oak patterns, has shaped my style. Collaborating on collections incorporating those patterns has been fulfilling and ties me back to my roots. I never would have thought to explore camo when I started Tribe Kelley, but it’s become a significant part of my inspiration now!

Brian Kelley (BK): Our inspiration comes from being fully present wherever we are. Being home in Florida has genuinely ignited my creativity. The water, the sunsets, and the great outdoors constantly inspire me. Whether I’m out on a small boat, paddleboarding, or simply enjoying a day when the Gulf is as smooth as glass, I can’t help but feel grateful.

On those beautiful Saturdays when I have a break, I love to wander from my truck parked on Grayton Beach to work on a song or jot down some ideas. It all flows so naturally, without even trying.

VIE: As a couple, how do you inspire each other in your creative projects?

BK: Brittney inspires me every day with her consistency and hustle. I try to match that energy, and it reminds me of my dad. He’s one of my heroes, always working hard, whether doing yard work or managing his commercial property. Brittney brings that same level of dedication.

She’s fantastic with numbers and logistics, and her creativity blows me away, too. We feed off each other, and it’s a lot of fun. There are nights when we’re lying in bed, trying to wind down, but instead, we brainstorm ideas. Sometimes, we have to remind ourselves to take a break!

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the value of surrounding yourself with people who have already done what you want to achieve—especially those you admire and can see yourself following in their footsteps. It’s all about humbling yourself enough to ask for help. Finding mentors in the industry has been a game-changer for me.

We believe in creating our future and a happy, fun present. That’s the environment we’ve built together, and it’s such a joy to share it with my best friend and wife.

Brittney: One of the critical things in our relationship is that we don’t just say yes to each other for the sake of it. If he’s unsure about something, he’ll suggest, “What if we changed this color a bit?” or “I like that style, but what if we switched this part?” I do the same with his music.

We’re always honest with each other, and that’s such a blessing. Just saying “yes, yes, yes” isn’t helpful when trying to be creative; you need that genuine feedback to grow. Our ability to provide each other with thoughtful input is super inspiring.

VIE: Brittney, tell us about your recent Tribe Kelley VAULT and Town and Country Collections!

Brittney: With the VAULT Collection, we drew inspiration from our original line of Butter Sweats. One key factor was our approach to custom colors; we wanted to offer something beyond our core palette of black, gray, and desert tones. Limited edition colors like Seafoam and Jewel, along with patterns like the Beach Cowboy print, were meant to be special, which is a big part of what makes Tribe Kelley unique—we run limited edition pieces, so once they’re gone, they’re gone.

After listening to our customers’ feedback, we noticed a strong demand for the return of specific colors and patterns, especially the Beach Cowboy print. So, we had a big internal meeting and decided to create the VAULT collection. The idea was to metaphorically “go into the vault” and bring back those beloved pieces we had initially set aside.

We researched for months to find an actual old vault for our photoshoot. I envisioned a place that felt like we had gone underground to unlock these pieces. We found a historic vault in Memphis, Tennessee, that dates back hundreds of years, and they allowed us to set up our shoot there.

Our newest collection—the Town and Country Collection—features colors like Camo, Spice, greens, and grays. It’s inspired by our ongoing collaboration with Mossy Oak and diving into vintage catalogs from brands we love, looking back forty to fifty years to see what was popular. Fall is a big season for us, and we are thrilled to share these new pieces with everyone!

Brian and Brittney Kelley embody the spirit of chasing dreams and living life to the fullest. Brian shines as a country music star with a string of hit songs that resonate deeply with fans, while Brittney weaves her creativity into the fabric of her Tribe Kelley clothing brand.

VIE: Brittney, looking back on your journey with Tribe Kelley, what have been some of the highs and lows? How have those experiences shaped the brand?

Brittney: Manufacturing is a huge undertaking, especially since it’s just me and Megan, my operations manager. Initially, we worked with several manufacturers—one for our athletics, another for our western wear, and another for our traveler bras. It felt like juggling a lot of moving parts. Many assume that BK and I have a big team handling everything, but we’re deeply involved in every aspect of our music and fashion. We’re hands-on every day, which was particularly tough a decade ago when I was still learning the ropes.

Back then, we sourced everything down to our thread and fabric, moving pieces between various locations. Fast-forward to today, and I’m thrilled to say we’ve brought most of that process under one roof right here in the United States. I’m now sourcing my fabric and thread, cutting, sewing, finishing, and fulfilling everything in-house. Figuring it all out has shaped the brand and my growth as a business owner.

VIE: How was this year’s Tribe Kelley Honky Tonk in Nashville?

Brittney: This year’s Tribe Kelley Honky Tonk was an incredible event! It was an exclusive, invite-only party celebrating our top customers. We invited our top one hundred customers from the past year, and they got to enjoy a fantastic evening with us. They experienced a night filled with food, drinks, and the chance to shop our collection before it launched to the public. Plus, as a special treat, BK performed a free concert!

We recognize customers who genuinely care about what we do, which feels special. While brands often invest heavily in influencers, the actual customers who buy the products don’t always receive the same acknowledgment. We wanted to create a unique experience for those who genuinely support the brand!

VIE: Tell us more about Papa Surf Burger Bar. What excited you about the future of Papa Surf?

BK: Owning Papa Surf Burger Bar alongside Jason and Brittany Aldean and Tom and Christine Glavine has been an incredible experience. The backyard patio around our massive magnolia tree creates a beautiful setting. It’s the kind of place Brittney and I would love to discover if we were visiting the 30-A area. This time of year is especially perfect for outdoor dining, with playoff baseball and NFL games adding to the vibe.

The renovation and design are exceptional, thanks to Courtney Bishop from South Carolina and local architect Geoff Chick. You can feel the thought and attention that went into creating this space, which resonates with our guests.

Sure, it could maybe use more parking, but that’s part of its charm—great spots often take some effort to find. We’ve put a lot of thought into the food and are proud of its quality. Partnering with the Glavine and Aldean families has been a rewarding journey, allowing us to build something special from the ground up. We’re not just putting our names on it and walking away; we’re genuinely invested.

Brittney: The Glavines live nearby and always check in, which adds a great family dynamic. Their son is our manager, so we’re in constant communication. Working with the Glavines and the Aldeans has been fantastic—we’ve created a family-friendly, fun atmosphere. It’s exciting to be part of a business that feels so family-oriented and welcoming!

Our staff is amazing and elevates the experience. We’re grateful for our local support—shout out to our loyal customers!

VIE: BK, you’ve brought back the Surf Post Sessions this fall—what inspired you to continue these events? What have been some of your favorite moments from this season’s Surf Post Sessions?

BK: Oh man, they’re just so dang fun! The Tribe Kelley Surf Post is such a historic spot in Grayton. I like to think of it as a “pin drop” location—it’s one of my favorite places. We’ve created this incredible atmosphere where folks can come eat, drink, and make new friends. I play songs from my albums, unreleased tracks, and fun new creations, which is an absolute blast! Anything goes back there, and it just feels like pure joy.

Plus, we love the hospitality aspect! We’re serving Papa Surf burgers, mingling our brands, and connecting with our fans. The architecture and design of the Surf Post—how it looks and feels—make it an unforgettable setting. My studio is upstairs, where I’ve written and recorded many songs, so it’s a meaningful place for us. Each night has its vibe—some are rowdy, some are laid-back, and you just never know what to expect. This year, we even had karaoke! Fans got to hop up on stage and sing their hearts out, and let me tell you, it was a good time.

I always wanted to do more after our first round in 2022, so I took a break in ’23 to focus on getting more music out and creating a fresh experience. But don’t worry, we’ll kick things back up for a few weeks during spring break!

VIE: BK, tell us about your new album, Ed and Mary Margaret’s Son!

BK: This record caught me off guard! I was doing my usual thing—setting aside time to get creative, jotting down song ideas, and writing chunks of songs. That’s been my process for a lot of my career. After I dropped Tennessee Truth, I started writing again and got curious about finishing songs on my own. I wrote half a verse and a chorus and thought, “What if I just complete it myself?” I did that with a few more songs, and suddenly, I was having so much fun!

It was a challenge I didn’t anticipate tackling so early in my solo career, but it felt right. All these songs were written from mid-June to the end of August, right after my last record. I had a creative surge—a bit of a heart spill, if you will. It felt like I had already lived these songs; I needed to piece them together.

Every record tells a story, a snapshot of a season in life, and I believe this is my most authentic record yet, especially since I wrote it all by myself. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to put this out so quickly, and I couldn’t have done it without my talented team of producers and musicians who helped push this into overdrive!

VIE: How did you write your song “If I Go First”?

BK: That song came from another I was working on during this process. I was in the second verse of that other song when I stumbled upon a line that felt like it belonged in a different context. I thought, “Oh my gosh, that’s a whole song!” So I started fresh and wrote “If I Go First.”

It’s crazy to think about my relationship with Brittney—we’re going on eleven years this December! I just watched my parents celebrate their fifty-first anniversary in August, and it’s amazing how much you grow together over the years. You think you love someone when you marry them, but after five years, you realize just how much deeper that love goes.

This song touches on those deep feelings; it’s bittersweet and my saddest song yet. It’s tough to think about, but it’s honest, and that’s what country music is all about—real emotions laid bare. It just flowed out of me without too much overthinking.

VIE: Brittney, what was it like when you first heard the song?

Brittney: Oh my gosh, I can hardly listen to it! It’s so sad. I started spiraling, thinking, “I don’t want you to go!” It’s such a sweet sentiment, but it also makes me feel sick and sad at the same time. It’s a beautiful mix of emotions—feeling so loved but scared to lose it. That’s the essence of country music—honesty and realness.

VIE: BK, please share what it was like to have your single “Make America Great Again” go viral and to perform at the RNC convention. Did you experience support or backlash? And bravo to you for standing your ground!

BK: Thanks! I wrote “Make America Great Again” about a week before the failed assassination attempt on former President Trump. When that happened, I felt compelled to use my voice as a concerned American. I knew there were millions out there who shared my feelings and thoughts.

Releasing this song and letting go of any doubts felt liberating. I grew up in a small political environment—my dad was a commissioner, then mayor, and later county chair until 2020. I watched him work with people from all sides to get things done, and that’s how I approach my business and life with Brittney. We lead with love and aim to enjoy life regardless of differing beliefs.

Honestly, I felt more love than anything else throughout this experience. It felt like a family reunion at the RNC—a special moment for me. I was honored to perform “American Spirit” alongside an incredible choir that brought the energy. Their voices were powerful and made the moment unforgettable. Overall, it was a great experience!

VIE: As country music royalty with your career skyrocketing as part of Florida Georgia Line, how do you feel emerging as a solo artist and penning many of your new tunes? It looks like you’re having the time of your life.

BK: Absolutely! Starting fresh is always a journey. I’m incredibly proud of everything I accomplished with Florida Georgia Line. I can hang my hat on that success and am deeply thankful for the fans who changed our lives. Now, I’m so grateful that music is leading my life. It brings me immense joy to see people connecting with my songs—whether it’s “Hold On, Cowboy,” “Beach Cowboy,” or “Make America Great Again.” Brittney and I are thoroughly embracing our creativity, and I have more music and projects in the pipeline. My goal is to let the songs lead the way—I think of myself as a song hunter, always looking for what’s next!

VIE: What key lessons have you both learned from your industry experiences that you’d want to share with aspiring artists and entrepreneurs?

Brittney: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the value of surrounding yourself with people who have already done what you want to achieve—especially those you admire and can see yourself following in their footsteps. It’s all about humbling yourself enough to ask for help. Finding mentors in the industry has been a game-changer for me. I love saying, “Hey, can I take you to lunch to pick your brain?”

When people ask how to get started, I always say it’s about doing your research. Create a solid business plan, and don’t hesitate to connect with mentors who can guide you.

BK: The key is always to be a student and strive to improve. Looking back, I remember my college days and my strange jobs, including putting up bathroom stalls. Despite being exhausted, I always made time to work on my songs—getting up early and staying up late.

My advice is to do the work, even when you’re tired or not feeling your best. If you want something in life, you’ve got to carve out time for it. Sometimes, I sit down to write, feeling uninspired and with no ideas in mind, but I still show up. Often, I leave with something I love, or at least it sparks more creativity for the next day.

And on the business side, this might be obvious, but if you’re signing any contract it’s crucial to review it yourself, not just rely on your lawyer or team. You need to know exactly what you’re getting into, so read through it multiple times and understand what it means.

VIE: Is there a dream collaboration—musical or otherwise—that you’d love to pursue?

BK: Hank Jr. is at the top of my list for dream collaborations—that would be amazing! But honestly, I’m pretty open-minded. If someone reaches out, whether they’re a big name or just starting, and they have a song that resonates with me, I’m all in. I like to let the songs lead. If it moves me, I trust it will resonate with others, too. If it feels good and sounds good, I’m open to it!

Brittney: Mossy Oak was a dream collaboration that took a lot of effort. I spent countless hours in meetings and worked hard to make it happen, and I honestly wasn’t sure if it would come together. But now that we have another new Mossy Oak pattern with the Town and Country Collection, I feel like I’ve landed my dream collaborator!

VIE: Looking ahead, what’s one goal you both hope to achieve next year?

Brittney: Lately, we’ve been talking a lot about what our ideal life looks like. For the past ten years of marriage, it felt like we were flying by the seat of our pants. We spent so many years living on a tour bus, hardly ever home, and then COVID hit, which turned everything upside down. I see next year as a huge opportunity for us to take control of our schedules and lives, even if it’s as simple as having two weeks at home to cook dinner and watch the sunset. Thinking about setting up our perfect days, weeks, and months is exciting. That’s been a big goal for us since we got married—gaining more control over our time.

BK: It all ties back to gratitude for what we’ve built together. We’ve got some fantastic projects, like Tribe Kelly Surf Post and Papa Surf Burger Bar—two unique spaces that reflect our story. We aim to keep these places thriving, where people come to make memories and enjoy what we’re doing.

VIE: Thank you!

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To connect with Brian and Brittney Kelley, follow along on social media @briankelley, @brittneykelley, @tribekelley, @tribekelleysurfpost, and @papasurfburgerbar. Listen to Brian Kelley’s new album at OfficialBrianKelley.com and shop Tribe Kelley at TribeKelley.com.