Marking a bold new chapter, “Legendary” sees Brownlee step into a bigger, more high-impact sound—blending his country roots with a powerful rock-driven edge. Inspired by his past as a professional hockey player, the track is an adrenaline-fueled anthem built for the arena, capturing the energy, intensity, and pressure of moments where greatness is on the line.
Co-written with country music heavyweights Jason Blaine (Chris Janson, Parmalee) and Grammy-winning producer Ben Glover (Lee Brice, Trace Adkins, Backstreet Boys), the single channels the thrill of competition and the pursuit of something bigger. It’s a high-octane call to action for athletes, fans, and anyone chasing their own version of “legendary.”
Q) Legendary” feels like a bold new direction—what inspired you to lean into a bigger, more rock-driven sound for this track?
A) The idea and premise of the song lends itself to that high-octane rock. Whether it’s in the hockey dressing room before a game, or part of a montage on Hockey Night in Canada, I want the listener to feel inspired and full of confidence! Heavy electrics and big drums just get you to that place!
Q) The song captures the intensity of high-pressure moments—how much of that energy comes from your experience as a professional hockey player?
A) When I played hockey, music was always a big part of my pre-game ritual; activating the appropriate emotions to elevate my mindset and focus. Not many things have the power to move us or motivate us, like music does. So, the intensity that Legendary brings is drawn from the intensity I possessed as a player.
I asked myself, “If I were still lacing up the skates at the pro level, what would I want to hear right before stepping out onto the ice?” That’s the fabric of where Legendary came from.
Q) You co-wrote “Legendary” with Jason Blaine and Ben Glover—what did each of them bring to the creative process?
A) Those are two of the best around in my opinion. Both incredible guitar players, singers, and lyricists. I’ve been working with Ben for 16 years, and he has been a major part of my sound in both the writing department and production throughout my career. Jason is one of the most creative and proficient writers I know. If we get stumped on an idea, he tends to find a way to dig us out and point us in another direction. Most often leading to really good stuff! I can’t say enough about what these two legends bring to the table!
Q) There’s a strong “arena anthem” feel to the song—did you envision it being played in sports settings or live shows while you were writing it?
A) Almost every single song I write, I envision what it would be like performing it on stage. If I can picture it, then I’m probably on the right track. And that’s all I can picture with Legendary. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t think about playing it in an NHL rink thousands of times!
Q) The track speaks to chasing greatness—what does being “legendary” mean to you personally at this stage of your career?
A) It means reaching places few have ever gone. Achieving something extraordinary that expands what we thought possible. One who pushes through adversity to attain authentic achievement in any given field, inspiring others in the process.
Q) You’ve had an incredible journey from being a Vancouver Canucks draft pick to a successful country artist—how has that transition shaped your identity as a performer?
A) I definitely wouldn’t be the artist/performer I am today if you took away the experience I had as a hockey player. I learned a lot about myself through the game as I was forged through injuries, the pressure to perform, and the physical/mental trials and triumphs that come with the athlete’s journey.
A lot of training and sacrifice go into preparing for a game. While the same goes for music, you must practice and rehearse in preparation for a show or tour. Hockey taught me the personal investment necessary to be successful at something. And to simply keep moving forward, even if you get knocked flat on your back. Success is just getting up each time we fall. Hockey taught me that almost daily.
Q) With over 115 million global streams and multiple certified hits like “Forever’s Gotta Start Somewhere,” how do you continue to push yourself creatively?
A) For me, I’m constantly surveying life around me and my experience with it. Waiting for a song idea or title to fall on my head like a perfectly timed raindrop. It will happen when I’m walking my dogs. Talking to a friend. Watching a movie. Standing in the shower. At the grocery store or driving in my truck (thanks to voice notes). So it’s not so much pushing myself as it is remaining open to listening to what life is telling me and then translating it through lyric and melody.
I also think it’s important to remain a fan of music and listen to artists and bands that you love. Most of our original ideas stand on the backs of those that came before us. Whether conscious or unconscious. So when I’m home, I spin a lot of Vinyl. It inspires me all the time!
Q) You’re hitting the road this summer, including a show opening for Lee Brice—what can fans expect from your live performance in this new era?
A) I’m not a flashy performer with big lights and pyro, but the boys and I still love to bring a high-energy show. I’ve got a couple of new songs in the set that bring even more of a rock edge to the mix, so there will be another level of energy that some people may not have seen yet. Can’t wait to get back out there and see everyone!
