Brandon Lake’s New Boundaries Through Music
The collaboration with Jelly Roll has pushed Brandon Lake to establish new boundaries in his life, a theme resonating through his recent album, “King of Hearts.” Lake recounted an intriguing moment where Jelly Roll, after tossing his phone into a river, inspired Lake to rethink his own phone privacy — he even ended up changing his number due to unwanted access from old contacts.
Jelly Roll gained fame last December for the memorable stunt with his phone. In a chat with Lake, he learned how the success of his career led to an influx of people reaching out to him. “I want to be friends with everyone,” Lake shared, but acknowledges that with fame, his social circle feels smaller, prompting him to choose his relationships more wisely.
Lake doesn’t just aim to share his music; he aims to reflect his purpose. He described his album as a collection of songs centered around serving others and connecting with God, envisioning himself as a “shepherd” to his listeners.
While his faith is a significant theme in his work, Lake is clear about his boundaries: he won’t delve into topics like drugs. He emphasized the importance of positivity and transformation in his life and music, wanting to inspire change in others.
Recent tours have also shaped his mental health journey. Following a successful tour and a supposed family getaway to Disney World, Lake experienced intense anxiety, labeling the trip as “hell” due to his struggles. Although it seems like a dream to many, for him, it highlighted a critical moment of panic.
Lake admitted that the pressure of success led to feelings of isolation and overwhelming anxiety. Initially trying to handle everything himself, he eventually reached out to his wife and friends for support, realizing he couldn’t fix it all alone. The support he received from his circle helped, and he also began working with a health coach to manage his overall well-being.
The tranquility of rural life has been a source of healing for him. As he described, getting his hands dirty by tending to the farm, spending time with animals, and respect for nature has become therapeutic. He noted that sometimes, stepping away from the hustle and bustle of music and fame can provide a clearer mindset.
Lake’s journey reflects an underlying struggle common in many creative paths, where mental health and the pressure of success collision. Yet, despite the challenges, this newfound perspective and setting of boundaries seem to have grounded him, leading to a more fulfilling life both personally and professionally.
With “King of Hearts” now available, Lake’s journey continues to be both deeply personal and relatable, showcasing the evolution of his artistry and his commitment to his core values.
