BLUE JEAN CRAZY: Laura Bryna on Her New Hit, Small-Town Life & Living Loud

Photo Credit: NOX Media

We are honored at Mekka Magazine to have superstar country singer Laura Bryna feature on our digital cover for the month of June. Laura, welcome to Mekka Magazine!

Laura, before we dive into your recent successes, could you share a little bit about your journey into music? What sparked your passion and how did you first get your start in the industry?

“Oh wow—where do I begin?” Laura laughs, her warmth instantly filling the room. “Honestly, my love for music started way back in my parents’ basement in Maryland. My sisters and I used to put on little concerts using the old jukebox down there. We’d pick our favorite songs, choreograph routines, and then charge our parents a whole 25 cents a show to come watch us perform. It was pure joy—and probably the first time I realized how powerful it felt to tell a story through music and movement.”

But the playful origins soon deepened into something profound. “When my brother had a brain aneurysm as a teenager, everything changed,” she recounts, her voice softening. “My mom and I would make this long drive every day into Washington, D.C. to be with him in the hospital. We spent so many hours in that car, and country radio became our lifeline. I fell in love with the way those songs told the truth—how they held space for heartbreak, hope, and healing all at once. That’s when I knew I didn’t just want to sing—I wanted to tell stories that connected with people on a real, honest level. From those early basement shows to the hardest moments of my life, music has always been there. It’s not just what I do—it’s who I am.”

Your song “Blue Jean Crazy” paints a vivid picture of small-town life with characters like Charlie at the liquor store and Gerald who owns a Texaco. How did you draw inspiration for these characters, and what do they represent in the song?

“These characters are straight out of the kind of towns I grew up around—where everybody knows your name, your business, and your birthday week,” Laura explains, a knowing smile playing on her lips. “Charlie, Gerald, Bonnie, Dylan… they’re all bits and pieces of real people I’ve met over the years, or stories I’ve heard sitting at diners and truck stops. They’re the fabric of small-town life—quirky, lovable, and unapologetically themselves.”

She continues, “What they represent in ‘Blue Jean Crazy’ is that unshakable spirit you find in everyday folks—the ones who show up, hustle hard, laugh loud, and don’t take life too seriously. It’s about celebrating freedom—not just in the flag-waving sense, but in the way we live, love, and dance under neon lights on a Saturday night. These characters are reminders that there’s beauty in the ordinary, and sometimes, the weirdest stories make the best ones.”

The song blends freedom, love, and a carefree spirit with phrases like “We’re all hopped up on freedom baby.” What do you want listeners to take away from the song, especially those who may resonate with its theme of living in the moment?

“Blue Jean Crazy’ is all about that untamed, unapologetic love for who you are and where you come from,” Laura affirms passionately. “That line—‘We’re all hopped up on freedom, baby’—isn’t just about waving a flag. It’s about the personal kind of freedom: the kind that lets you dance like a fool, fall hard, laugh loud, and take pride in the simple things that make you you. Whether it’s your accent, your hometown, your favorite dive bar, or the folks who raised you—you wear that with pride, like a great pair of worn-in jeans.”

“I want listeners to feel that this song is their anthem. It’s a reminder to live big, love deep, and never shrink yourself to fit in. Embrace the crazy, the loud, the real—and never be afraid to stand tall in your story. That’s what this song is all about.”

The lyrics mention moments like “a little kiss on a Saturday night” and “we’re some glow bugs dancin’ in a neon light.” How do these nostalgic elements shape the overall vibe of the song, and what kind of emotional connection do you hope to create with your audience?

“Those lines are the heartbeat of ‘Blue Jean Crazy,’” Laura says, a thoughtful expression on her face. “They’re the kind of little moments that might seem simple on the surface, but they carry so much weight—because they’re real. Whether it’s that first kiss you never forgot, or a night with your friends dancing under some busted neon sign in the middle of nowhere… those are the moments that stay with you.”

“I wanted this song to feel like a memory you’ve lived—even if you’ve never been to a Texaco in your life. It’s that universal feeling of being young, wild, and completely in the moment. My hope is that when people hear it, they’re smiling, maybe tearing up a little, and thinking, ‘Yeah… I’ve been there.’ That’s what country music does best—it brings people back to who they are, and who they’ve loved along the way.”

Laura, 2025 has already been a whirlwind with the release of Painkiller and the feel-good Lil’ Bit Of Jesus, Lil’ Bit Of Hank, followed by a busy SXSW and other shows. How do you maintain such creative momentum, and how do these recent tracks represent the current evolution of your country-rock sound?

“It’s definitely been a wild ride so far—and I wouldn’t have it any other way!” she exclaims. “Honestly, staying creative for me comes down to staying curious. I’m always listening, observing, writing things down on a yellow sticky note at 2 AM—because inspiration hits when you least expect it. And I’ve been really lucky to work with an amazing group of writers and producers who keep pushing me to explore new sounds without losing what makes me me. That keeps the fire burning.”

Regarding her recent releases, Laura elaborates, “With Painkiller, I got to lean into something moodier and more intimate—this dreamy, country-bedroom-pop lane that opened up a whole new emotional space for me. And then Lil’ Bit Of Jesus, Lil’ Bit Of Hank! That one’s just pure joy. It’s playful, it’s honest, and it totally embraces my love for both faith and honky-tonk fun. I think together, these songs really show the range of where I’m heading—not boxed into one sound, but grounded in storytelling, heart, and a little bit of grit. This evolution is about expanding my lane—not changing who I am, just turning the volume up in every direction.”

Your powerful rendition of Joan Jett’s “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” filmed in the iconic Neon Boneyard, showcased a fierce energy. What inspired you to cover this classic, and how did you put your own signature country-rock stamp on it?

“First of all—Joan Jett is a total icon!” Laura states emphatically. “That song has always hit me with its raw emotion and unapologetic attitude, and I’ve loved it since the first time I heard it. Covering it wasn’t about trying to outdo the original—it was about paying reverence to a trailblazer while also making it my own.”

She describes her approach: “I wanted to honor that fierce, rock ‘n’ roll spirit but bring it into my world—so we added that gritty country-rock edge, played with some classic Nashville-style harmonies, and let the story unfold in a way that still felt authentic to me. That blend of swagger and vulnerability? That’s right where I live as an artist. And filming in the Neon Boneyard was just the perfect vibe—electric, bold, and a little wild. Kind of like the song itself.”

Tracks like “Over Being Under You” deliver strong messages of self-empowerment. Is this a theme we can expect to hear more of in your original music, and what drives you to connect with listeners on this level?

“Oh, 100%,” Laura confirms without hesitation. “I love writing songs that lift people up—especially when they’ve been knocked down. ‘Over Being Under You’ came from a place of taking your power back, but doing it with a little sass and a wink. I’ve always loved playing with words and double meanings, and that title was one of those moments where the phrase said so much with just a few words. It’s clever, but it’s also real—and that balance is where I live creatively.”

“Self-empowerment is definitely a thread that runs through a lot of my music, because I think we all need reminders of our strength—whether we’re healing from heartbreak, chasing a dream, or just trying to get through the day. I want people to hear my songs and feel seen, fired up, and maybe even laugh a little. Life’s messy, love’s complicated, but music gives us a way to turn that into something beautiful and bold. That’s the connection I’m always chasing.”

From the success of “Certified” and “Jawbreaker” to your holiday chart-topper “Wishlist,” you’ve demonstrated remarkable versatility. How do you navigate these distinct musical personas, and what do you enjoy most about exploring both your country-rock and “Miss Christmas” sides?

“I’ve always believed that music should reflect all the sides of who we are—not just one version,” Laura asserts. “Some days I’m full-on leather, sass, and guitar solos like in ‘Certified’ or ‘Jawbreaker,’ and other days I’m glitter, hot cocoa, and mistletoe with ‘Wishlist.’ And honestly? I love that range.”

She elaborates on her enjoyment of this duality: “For me, it’s about pushing the creative edge and not being afraid to experiment. Country-rock gives me the grit and fire to tell bold, raw stories, while my Christmas side lets me tap into the magic, nostalgia, and sparkle that people crave during the holidays. They might seem like different worlds, but they both come from the same heart—and it’s so fun to explore and surprise people along the way. I don’t ever want to be predictable. I want to keep evolving, keep playing, and keep giving fans something fresh to connect with, no matter the season.”

Beyond your vibrant music career, you are deeply involved in philanthropic causes like Musicians On Call, Homes For Our Troops, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. What motivates your commitment to these organizations, and how do you see your platform as an artist intersecting with your humanitarian work?

“Giving back has always been a part of who I am—it’s not separate from my music, it’s woven into it,” Laura shares genuinely. “My brother’s health journey early on really opened my eyes to the power of compassion, and I’ve carried that with me ever since. Whether it’s visiting hospitals with Musicians On Call, working with veterans through Homes For Our Troops, or helping make wishes come true with the Make-A-Wish Foundation—these are the moments that truly ground me.”

She adds, “As artists, we’re given a platform, and I think it’s our responsibility to use it for more than just applause. Music heals. It connects. And when I can use my voice—literally and figuratively—to bring joy, hope, or even just a smile to someone who’s struggling, that’s the real reward. It’s not just about being seen or heard—it’s about making others feel seen, too.”

Looking back at your journey, what advice would you give to a younger version of yourself just starting out in music? And what’s one crucial piece of advice you’d offer new artists trying to break into the scene today?

“I’d tell my younger self, ‘Girl, buckle up—it’s gonna be a wild ride, but trust your gut and don’t shrink to fit someone else’s mold,’” Laura advises with a knowing smile. “I think early on, I spent a little too much time worrying about being ‘too much’ or not enough—too country, too pop, too bold, too sparkly. But what I’ve learned is that your power is in what makes you different. That’s where your magic lives.”

For new artists, she offers this wisdom: “Stay true to your voice, but stay open to growth. Learn everything you can, surround yourself with people who believe in your vision, and don’t be afraid to fall flat a few times. This business is tough, but it’s also beautiful—and the connection you make through music is worth every late night and every ‘no’ you turn into a ‘yes.’ Be relentless, be kind, and most of all, be you. Because no one else can do that better.”

Looking ahead, with such a diverse and impactful career already, what are your aspirations for the rest of 2025 and beyond? What kind of impact do you hope to make on the music world and the lives of others?

“2025 has already been such a beautiful ride, and I feel like I’m just getting started,” Laura says, her eyes bright with anticipation. “I’ve got new music coming every few weeks, a tour in the works, and I’m diving deeper into writing songs that really mean something—whether they make you dance, cry, or feel seen in a way you didn’t expect. I want to keep pushing boundaries and showing people that you can be bold, emotional, funny, fierce—all of it—and still be authentically you.”

She concludes, “Beyond the music, I hope my journey inspires others to lead with heart and stay rooted in purpose. Whether it’s through my work with veterans, kids, or just someone hearing a song and feeling less alone—that’s the kind of impact I want to leave behind. I want people to feel like I stood for something bigger than myself, that I used this platform to lift others up, and that I did it all with love, grit, and a little bit of sparkle

Thank you for joining us this month, Laura, and congratulations on your new single! Stay connected with Laura on social media at @laurabryna and stream her music on all streaming platforms.