When it comes to life and love, Brian Perrone prefers to focus on the long run.

The Livonia, Michigan singer-songwriter adopts that broader perspective on his latest pop-rock album, Alive.

“I try to remind myself to be present as much as possible, [but] admittedly I often forget. A lot of times it seems easy to get caught up in the daily hustle,” said Perrone, who also plays piano and drums on the album.

“Everyday rushing around can almost create white noise if you’re not careful. When writing this album, it really made me think about life and its experiences—all the ups and downs.”

As part of that mindset, Perrone searches for a balance between acceptance and gratitude, which flows throughout Alive’s eight reflective tracks.

“People are very similar in many ways. We encounter a lot of the same emotions, highs and lows, and of course, those insecurities that sometimes find a way to creep in,” he said. “Now is the time to recognize who and what is important in your life.”

On Alive, Perrone deeply conveys that sentiment through introspective lyrics, earnest vocals and spirited pop-rock and alt-rock instrumentation.

“This type of album was written from a more raw and vulnerable perspective,” he said. “I hope that these songs will resonate with the listener. Certain songs will probably hit harder than others depending on the circumstance.”

I recently spoke with Perrone about releasing two new albums this year, sharing select tracks from Alive, collaborating with Tony Hamera at the Rayburn Room and Tempermill Studio and preparing for 2024 as a solo artist and drummer for the Detroit hard-rock band Gangway.

Q: As you look back, how has 2023 been for you? What’s still left to do before the end of the year?

A: 2023 has been fantastic. It’s been a year of growth and extreme productivity. I’m planning to release a video for my first single from Alive, which happens to be the title track.

Q: You released your other new album, Brand New Day, either this year. What was it like to release two albums in the same year? How does Brand New Day help set the tone for Alive?

A: If you had told me in January that I would release two albums in 2023, I most likely would have laughed and called you crazy! It was actually a blessing and a great opportunity to grow as a songwriter and artist. The album Brand New Day allowed me to record and release a collection of songs that have a common thread throughout yet at the same time explore different styles, energies and moods. It helped me to dial in the sound and energy I wanted for the album Alive.

Q: The title track celebrates finding the right person and feeling rejuvenated in life. How did writing this track bring you a sense of fulfillment and gratitude for the love that you have in your life?

A: It felt great writing this song. Inspired by my wife, it was an easy write. Being in the now, knowing each other and continuing to discover life is key.

Q: “Between You and Me” explores the challenges of letting a past relationship go and trying to make sense of how things went wrong. How was writing this track cathartic for you? How did it help you reconcile the past and focus on the future? 

 A: This track is almost bittersweet. While we all navigate relationships in life, it seems that sooner or later we all find ourselves in that place. We’ve had enough,  and [we’re] ready to move on and stop playing those games. For all of those who have been there, this could be your anthem. It is always a good place once you arrive. Your headspace is clear again and you’re ready for the next chapter—a new chapter.

Q: “Unstoppable” is an empowering anthem about feeling confident, taking risks and embracing the future. How does this track serve as your anthem in life? How do you hope it empowers and encourages others to pursue their goals in life?

A: This track is rooted in confidence. That trait is so powerful when harnessed correctly. It’s exciting because it pushes you through some of the biggest obstacles and challenges you can face. The message I want to share and express is that anything is possible—get out there and make things happen. Every day is a gift and we all have so much potential. On top of that, it’s important to reach for our goals and stretch ourselves—that’s when we continue to grow as people.

Q: “Smile” addresses the struggle of putting on a happy face while feeling sad and lonely beneath the surface about a relationship. How does this track serve as an important reminder about dropping the façade and expressing your true feelings to another? How does it prove that putting on a “smile” doesn’t always align with how you feel inside?

A: This song is meant to be a reminder that we need to see each other more clearly and listen to each other when we talk. [We should] really try to see and receive each other more with open arms and not be judgmental. If you are unhappy, maybe reach out to someone rather than acting like everything is all right. Most people are generally good and want to help; this goes for all aspects of life.

Q: How long did you spend writing the eight tracks for Alive? When did you start recording them with Tony Hamera (guitars, bass, synth, organ, mixing/mastering) at the Rayburn Room and Tempermill Studio? How did Tony help shape the album’s overall sound?

A: Alive came together quickly. It took maybe four to five months to write, record and release. I love the writing process. Watching an idea take form in all its different configurations into the final product is sheer magic! Sometimes after a song is recorded and released, I’ll find a piece of sheet music with lyrics or an arrangement that is very different from the way it turned out. It’s very cool to compare it with [the final version of the song].

The song “Alive” came out of a simple chord progression that I played on the piano one night. It felt like a chorus and had an anthemic tone. It also seemed to pair nicely with a more subtle open chord pattern that I had been toying with for another song. While tracking, Tony captured a really deep and rich tone from the piano at Tempermill Studio and then he brought the synth and guitar into the chorus. When it drops, there’s no mistake—this is the chorus.

Alive is the second album that I have recorded with Tony. We come from similar backgrounds and struck up a friendship immediately; it’s a great partnership. When I say that he gets me as an artist, that’s no understatement. Tony has a creative side that my songwriting aligns with perfectly. He is a huge part of the sound throughout Alive and Brand New Day. If you listen to Brand New Day and then listen to Alive, you can hear the evolution of the writing, sound and mood [of the songs].

Q: What’s on the horizon for you in 2024? Any plans to write or record new material either solo or with Gangway? 

A: I’m already writing and tracking with Tony at Tempermill Studio for another solo album to be released in March. Gangway is also writing and recording with plans to release our first full-length album most likely in March as well. The band plans to do more gigging in 2024, including a Feb. 3 show at the Diesel Concert Lounge in New Baltimore with George Lynch/Lynch Mob, XYZ and AON.