
Outpost Drive – photo by Saskia Jo
Artist Name: Outpost Drive
Hometown: Mobile, Alabama and Hay-On-Wye, England
What project(s) are you currently working on?
Willow: The last two years have been entirely occupied by recording our debut album in the isolation of the English Countryside. For both of us this is the greatest artistic statement we’ve ever created.
Mary Bragg: Tell me why we’re literally demoing and tracklisting our 2nd and 3rd albums before the debut album has even come out haha we’re insane – just so many songs we want out in the world!!! We’re always songwriting and so much happens between a song being written to the actual release so the songs just keep mounting up (thank God and long may that continue!). It’s a good problem to have haha
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
Willow: When I was a kid my parents encouraged me to learn guitar. I started out playing classical and almost gave up as I was obsessed with rock music. Right at the point of losing interest I was luckily given an electric guitar and amp for my 11th birthday…from that moment on I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life.
Mary Bragg: I don’t remember a time when this wasn’t the only thing I actually cared about and wanted to do in my life. I tried to run away from pursuing a music career for a few years due to low confidence and thinking I needed to pursue something more “realistic” but there is nothing more real than listening to your gut and following the dream… surrendering to that draw no matter what it takes (& damn it takes a lot!). Music is the greatest thing in the world – it’s all I’ve ever wanted & it is a privilege to get to do this. I’ll never stop pinching myself that it’s actually happening
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
Willow: Honestly I have no plan B, so it’s difficult imagining an alternative. Maybe something equally hard like being a painter, writer or running an apple farm.
Mary Bragg: I’m only just barely qualified to be a barista so I really need this music thing to work out or y’all will have to come see me at my coffee cart when I’m 85. Become obsessed with Outpost Drive okay? Okay brainwashing routine complete
What is your favorite downtime activity?
Willow: Can’t beat a classic movie to let the mind unwind. But I’m more of an active rester and like doing adventurous things like hiking in nature, exploring beautiful old buildings and towns, or going to a great restaurant. Anything old and beautiful intrigues me.
Mary Bragg: I love to paint!! It immediately calms me down & it’s a real passion of mine. I also love to read 🙂 As an anxious girl, I look for things that can distract me from the tornado in my mind. OOH also I love to play Tiny Wings on my phone haha I’ve loved that game since middle school I’m pretty sure – so fun & it’s something non-work related to do on my phone which I need sometimes
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
Willow: my wife.
Mary Bragg: ^^ trained him right! Willow’s is actually Candice Swanepoel and.. same
Who is your favorite sports team(s)?
Willow: I don’t really watch sports except for sometimes the English football and rugby team when they’re playing the world cup.
Mary Bragg: I’ve never been a big sports girl, but I am an Alabama football fan by birth & I do love a tailgate.
What is the last movie that you watched?
Willow: Prometheus.
Mary Bragg: Meet the Robinson’s (a classic and Willow had never seen it which is a criminal offense as a literal Robinson).
What is the last album you listened to?
Willow: I’ve been obsessed with Djo’s latest album ‘The Crux’, Leif Vollebekk’s ‘Revelation’ and Charlie Crockett’s ‘$10 Cowboy’.
Mary Bragg: Clouds by Joni Mitchell.
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Willow: Sticky Fingers by The Rolling Stones.
Mary Bragg: Use Your Illusion I & II by Guns N’ Roses 100000000%.
What is the greatest country song of all time?
Mary Bragg: Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’ by Charley Pride.
Willow: Shake The Frost by Tyler Childers.
What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?
Willow: We’ve been to so many great places so it’s hard to choose, but I’d have to go for York in the UK. It’s a city of medieval beauty up there with the best.
Mary Bragg: Damn it Willow!!!!! Yeah I was gonna say York, but we also spent a week up in Scotland last year and that whole country is a GEM. I love everywhere we went up there!
What is your favorite meal?
Willow: anything my mum cooks.
Mary Bragg: Willow’s mom makes this insane carrot lentil dahl & it’s my faveeeeee – she is a chef extraordinaire.
Who is your dream duet partner?
Willow: my wife
Mary Bragg: Willow is kissing the wedding ringggg today okay I’m here for it right back at ya.
Who would you like to go on tour with?
Willow: The Rolling Stones, Zach Bryan, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Red Clay Strays.
Mary Bragg: In no particular order: Sierra Ferrell, The Red Clay Strays, Alabama Shakes, Noah Kahan, Tyler Childers, The War & Treaty, Taylor Swift, Leif Vollebekk, Carter Faith, Lizzy McAlpine, Gracie Abrams, Paramore, Phoebe Briders, Florence & The Machine, AURORA, Sam Fender – I could go on for hours – luckily for us, our music is quite genre-bending so I could see our music slotting in well with almost all the artists I love.
What is your ultimate career goal(s)?
Willow: I have three venues that are my metrics for having ‘made it’. Headline shows at The Royal Albert Hall, Madison Square Garden and The Hollywood Bowl.
Mary Bragg: Travel the world playing shows and hearing people singing the lyrics back! Being on stage is the happiest place in the world to me. Ultimately, I leave it all up to God – he always has ways of surprising me with something better than I could ever imagine. Our aspirations are as high as they get, and I know he’s got some big plans for us. I’m excited to keep watching them unfold 🙂
How can fans connect with you on Social Media?
Outpost Drive on everything! Come and say hi!
@outpostdrive