Bradley Gaskin will be the first to profess his love for sad country songs. In fact, a few years ago, he introduced himself to the country music world with “Mr. Bartender,” a stone-cold heartbreaker dripping with steel guitar and heartbreak.
Today, Gaskin has delivered another top-shelf addition to his sad song catalog with “Dyin’ Proof.” Co-written with producer Keith Stegall, “Dyin’ Proof” is sure to catch the ears of sad song clingers from the opening line. Gaskin’s voice sounds better than ever, and a decade and a half later, “Dyin’ Proof” proves that Gaskin is still at the top of his game.
We chatted with Gaskin all about “Dyin’ Proof,” as well as his recent streaming successes, his favorite sad country songs and more!
Pro Country: The last time we talked, you were preparing to record with legendary record producer, Keith Stegall. Now that you have several sessions with Keith under your belt, what has it been like to work and collaborate with someone of Keith’s caliber in the studio?
Bradley Gaskin: I have absolutely loved working with Keith Stegall. He is country music. He’s a hitmaker as a producer and a songwriter. He’s super talented with a kind and gentle heart. He cares about who he works with and makes sure that the artists feel comfortable about what their vision is and what they are trying to put out. He cares, and that means a lot.
I highly value writing and making music with him, and calling him my friend. Keith is a true treasure who is highly respected in the music industry. I’m grateful for his friendship, and I’m better as an artist and writer for knowing and working with him.
PC: Thirteen years after releasing your debut EP, you released your debut album, Unfinished Business, last year. What did it mean to you to finally have a full-length project released?
BG: Releasing a full album was something I never got to do in the past. I had a full album ready to be released in 2012, which never happened. I never really thought I’d ever put a full-length album out after that.
In 2021, I made a return to music with an independent label, 30a Life Records. I titled the album Unfinished Business because I have more to sing about, and I’m not finished.
PC: Your second single release this year, “Alabama Rain,” is quickly becoming your most-streamed song on Spotify. How encouraging has the response been in just a few months since its release?
BG: “Alabama Rain” has had a great response. I love country music, and that’s what this song is entirely. The lyric, melody and production are so good to me.
I co-wrote it with Keith Stegall and Michael White. The streaming numbers on Spotify for “Alabama Rain” tell me that ears & hearts still wanna hear real country music!
PC: You co-wrote your new single, “Dyin’ Proof,” with Keith Stegall. Can you take us in the room and talk about how the song came together?
BG: The day Keith & I wrote “Dyin’ Proof,” we were kickin’ around ideas that we both had, but nothing was hitting us. So, after a couple of Krispy Krème donuts and cups of black coffee later, Keith said “Dyin’ Proof.” After he said it, our focus was on no other thought but trying to tell the story of what “Dyin’ Proof” needed to say. When it comes to country music and sad songs, there is not a better person to have in the room with you than Keith Stegall.
PC: On social media, you mentioned your love of sad song ballads. With “Dyin’ Proof” being a top-tier sad country ballad, can you tell us a few of your favorite sad country songs?
BG: It’s hard to name them all. There’s so many great sad country songs that I listen to regularly, But here’s a few:
“He Stopped Loving Her Today” is a top sad song for me. It was co-written by my old friend and co-writing buddy, Curly Putman. I always loved hearing him tell me about the song and how it became country music’s top tier sad song. A great lyric sung by the iconic George Jones is the perfect mixture for a sad one!!
“A Good Year for The Roses” by George Jones is another one that rips at me. What a song!
“She Never Got Me Over You” that Mark Chesnutt recorded. This song was co-written by the legendary Keith Whitley, along with hitmakers Dean Dillon and Hank Cochran.
There’s so many to name; the list never ends.
PC: You’ve been busy with releases so far this year. What information, if any, can you share about what will follow “Dyin’ Proof”? What can listeners expect to hear?
BG: Well, I’ll be releasing more original songs that I’ve been a writer on. I have also recorded a song that I didn’t write that is one of my new favorite songs right now. I’m a singer of the sad, but this one I’ve mentioned is a bit different; more on the “love” side than the heartbreak style and songs I’m known for. I think my fans will love the message of this new one. I can’t wait for it to be released before the end of the year.
PC: Along with the potential for new releases, what else do you have planned for the rest of 2026?
BG: From now until the end of the year, I’ll be releasing more music to all music platforms. I’ll also be performing at the Bluebird Cafe coming up on September 9, and I’ll record more music with Keith Stegall.
PC: Is there anything you’d like to add?
BG: Make sure to follow me on all social media! Listen, stream and download my music on all platforms!
*Read our first interview with Bradley here*
Pro Country 
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