By SARAH MICHAUD
They broke through in Nashville 11 years ago, but it’s only recently that Brothers Osborne found true harmony. With hits like “Stay a Little Longer,” which employs their rollicking brand of country rock, the Deale, Md.-bred sibling act has earned a Grammy and amassed more than 2.8 billion global streams. Through their success the band of brothers supported each other amid personal upheaval and public revelations: John, 41, contemplated quitting music when he struggled with suicidal thoughts, depression and anxiety in 2019, and TJ, 38, came out as gay in 2021. “We’re entering unknown territory for us, but it feels so exciting and so right at the same time,” says John of their new self-titled LP (out now), which sees the reigning CMA and ACM Duo of the Year embrace their roles as voices for change in the evolving country music scene. Adds TJ: “Even though this is our fourth album, it felt like the first time that everyone’s gotten to truly see us completely for who we are.”
TJ, you came out in February 2021. What was the catalyst that made you decide it was time?TJ OSBORNE I wanted to have love like anyone else—and I would never have a healthy relationship while being in the closet. When everything stopped [during the pandemic], it highlighted what needed to be addressed in the most urgent way. I realized, “I have to do this for my own sanity.”
And now you’ve been dating your boyfriend Abi Ventura for a few years.TJ I’ve been to so many award shows, and I never brought a date until I had Abi there. It was a big moment for me to be in a place where I felt comfortable not only with myself but sharing my love publicly for the first time. That has given me a lot of confidence to be myself.
John, you revealed your mental health struggles after canceling some shows in 2019. Why was it important for you to open up?JOHN OSBORNE The stigma against talking about your mental health is one of the worst things imaginable because it puts people in their own psychological closet. I wanted to have a positive influence, that people could see someone like me that has been through it, and hopefully it will inspire them to keep going on. Now I have the patience of being okay with not being okay, which is one of the hardest things in the world to do.
You've both been through a lot the past few years. Has your bond grown stronger facing it together?JOHN Certainly, When you're in full light with the people that you're closest with in your life, it brings you closer. You want there to be nothing unsaid. This industry will make you feel like it's shooting arrows at you, but to have someone there who knows you better than anybody makes it so much easier. It makes you feel invincible.
And John, you and your wife, Lucie Silvas, are new parents to 6-month old twins Arthur and Mabelle. What have the babies taught you so far?JOHN Having kids has been quite eye-opening because they only need a couple of things: food, sleep and someone to love them. When I look at them, it's the most present I will ever feel. They think I'm funny no matter what I do. There will come a time where they think I'm annoying, but until then I'm just going to keep dancing like an idiot and try my best to make them laugh.
TJ I joke that he seems sleepier—but he is certainly happier!
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: NATALIE OSBORNE; JOHN SHEARER/GETTY IMAGES; EMMA MCINTYRE/GETTY IMAGES; DENNIS MCAFEE(2)