1.    Hello Golden West, can you guys tell me a little bit about yourselves before you became a country duo?

Of course! We both grew up here in Southern California.

Brittany: I grew up in Palos Verdes, it’s a small horse town about 30 minutes outside of Downtown LA, if you can believe that!  Even though LA never use to be much of a country music town, it’s always been my favorite music to play and listen to.  And now I get to do that every day!  I couldn’t be more blessed!

Nash: I grew up on a farm in Temecula, CA.  My mom is actually from Alabama, so country music has always been a part of my life.  We still have family in the south, it’s always fun seeing them!

2.     How did you guys become a country group and how did you decide on your group band Golden West?

We actually met freshman year of college in San Diego.  We were in the same circle of friends but didn’t start playing music together until the end of sophomore year.

Nash: I knew Brittany played music and I had always loved writing and singing.  I wanted to show her this country song I was writing but she wouldn’t give me the time of day to listen to it haha!  I finally was able to corner her at her apartment one night when we were all hanging out.

Brittany:  Haha yes I avoided listening to it because I didn’t even know he sang!  But I assumed wrong, when he showed it to me I was blown away!  That night we finished the song and have been singing and writing together ever since

In college we played a lot of bar gigs and actually went by a different name.  After college we both went our separate ways attempting to use our degrees and do the corporate thing, but we soon realized that music was where our hearts were.  We started singing together about a year after we graduated and that is when Golden West was born.

3.     Who are some of your musical icons?

The Eagles are our biggest influence hands down.  Johnny Cash, Fleetwood Mac, The Killers, Shania Twain, Sheryl Crow, Brooks & Dunn, Creedence Clearwater are a few other huge inspirations for us and our music

4.     Where do you guys see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years in your music careers?

Hopefully in 10 years we have a shelf full of awards and lots of great stories to tell haha!  Honestly though, all we want is to be able to do what we love and make a comfortable living doing it.  People dream of being able to pursue their passion and, if we get to do that every day for the rest of our lives, thats the best award we could ever receive! 

5.     If you were not country musicians what do you think your careers would be?

Brittany: oh man, I hope that isn’t a question I actually have to deal with some day haha.  But if that was the case, I would be in marketing and event planning.  I really do enjoy that and was doing it for a while after college.  Nothing can take the place of music though!

Nash: I would be a professional Jack Daniels drinker.  Oh wait, I already am that haha.  In all seriousness though, I probably would have been a lawyer. I was suppose to go to law school right after college, and the week before classes started I backed out.  Glad I did now, otherwise Golden West wouldn’t exist!

6.     If you could sing a duet with a famous singer or group who would it be and why?

Hands down we’d want to do a collaboration with The Eagles.  We are bummed we never got the chance (RIP Glen), but that would have been the ultimate dream.  

Brittany: I would die and go to heaven if I could do a duet with Shania Twain, Dolly Parton, or Katy Perry!! 

Nash: Jim Morrison! 

7.     Is there anything new coming up with your music? 2016? 2017?

We are constantly working on new songs in the studio for the fans, so be on the lookout for that in 2017.  We will be on the road a lot more as well, which will be fun!  We love traveling and making new friends everywhere we go.

8.     What are some of your guys biggest accomplishments that you are most proud of so far in your music careers?

Last year we built our own recording studio and that has been a dream of ours to do. The fact that we were able to make that dream happen sooner than later has been a huge blessing.  Now we can write and record anytime we want, it’s great!  It’s a safe haven for other artists to come write and hang out as well, which has been really fun. We’ve had some really talented artists come through and we are grateful to be associated with them.

Opening for national acts like Joe Nichols, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Loving Mary Band have been huge accomplishments as well.  Sharing the stage with such talent is the biggest honor of all!

9.     If you guys had to give advice to an up and coming singer or group what would you tell them?

Don’t get down if things don’t happen overnight.  Every door that closes means there’s another one open somewhere else!  Just keep honing in your craft and stay focused on what you love.  And most importantly, HAVE FUN!!!

10. What are some of your favorite quotes?

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift.  That is why we call it the present.” -unknown

“Perfect practice makes perfect.” – John Wooden

“If you ain’t first you’re last” – Ricky Bobby