Though they never let their heroes from decades past drift too far out of the rearview, one thing’s for certain: the boys of Sleep Nation have their sights set on the future of rock ‘n’ roll.
The project was conceived by lead vocalist Bran Merritt in 2010. Drummer Joey Lauretta responded to Merritt’s Facebook ad, the two clicked instantly, and the rest is history! The name “Sleep Nation” was a product of both Anne Le Dressay’s “Sleep is a Country” and Merritt and Lauretta’s habit of sleeping into the afternoon after staying up late writing songs.
Hailing from Music City, this alternative rock outfit has gone on to open for national touring acts such as Adema and Sponge. Because they always give their all for their live shows, they’ve come to be known as the “Out of Control Rock ‘N’ Roll Duo.” Though Merritt and Lauretta are the sole members of the group, Sleep Nation’s sound and presence rivals that of a full orchestra.
Getting to know Sleep Nation
If you could be a superhero, what would your superpower be and your superhero name?
Batman. Period.
What would be a good theme song for your life?
“Ride Like The Wind” By Christopher Cross
What was the last TV series you watched on TV?
Them on Amazon Prime, it’s in the Race Horror Genre.
Who would you want to play you in a movie of your life?
Christian Bale or Ryan Gosling, those dudes are my two favorites, and not because of “The Notebook.” I enjoyed Ryan’s performance in that movie just didn’t care for the script.
What makes you nostalgic?
Ernest Scared Stupid and ET, both remind me of my childhood. It’s like traveling in a time machine with those two movies.
What first got you into music?
When I was 12 years old my mother passed away from breast cancer. Music literally took over and saved my life. The guitar made its appearance in my life shortly after. This introduction just solidified my love for music, and the healing capabilities that it has. My dad took lessons when I was younger and there was an old guitar that always sat around. I picked it up and asked my dad how to structure a “G” chord so I could learn how to play “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd. I don’t know where I would be if it wasn’t for music, the guitar, and playing in a band.
Who inspired you to make music?
My grandfather, on my mother’s side, used to play drums in a band called the Be-Bops in the 60s. When I was 5, he was in a country rock band, Rattlesnake Ridge. My great-grandfather, on my dad’s side, sang in an acapella group in the 40s. So, I guess it was inevitable that I was going to play music.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
We used to joke that it was a mix between George Michael and George Strait, but we are so far from that. Well, maybe not to far from George Michael those records are great, what a wonderful artist. If U2 and Nine Inch Nails could somehow have a baby that would be us. “Nice to meet me!” That was a quote from “The Office” if you didn’t catch that.
What is your creative process like?
Joey and I like to start with a riff or drum lick, and build the song from that. I usually take what we did from there, and build the song on the computer, then I bring it back to Joey. Boom! There’s a song…
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Brian Eno, Flood, Bono, Trent Reznor, Phil Collins, Tony Banks, and The Turtleman.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
U2…
Are you finding the isolation of the pandemic conducive to your writing or is it hindering the experiences you can write about?
During the pandemic, Joey and I lost 2 members. We decided to keep it at that way and remain as a 2-piece. It’s been the best decision we’ve ever made!
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Music in its many forms is the key to making it through this journey called life.
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