Tucson’s music scene is filled with talented storytellers, and few embody that spirit more than singer-songwriter Brian Fate. Formerly known as Brian Berggoetz, he recently embraced a new name that better reflects the themes at the heart of his music: fate, truth, and the universal connections that tie us all together. With a career spanning decades in the Southwest, Brian has opened for iconic acts like Reverend Horton Heat and Charlie Sexton, while carving out his own unique sound—somewhere between folk honesty, rock roots, and cinematic depth.
His latest single, a moving reinterpretation of Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel”, strips away the swagger of the original and rebuilds it with quiet intensity and heartfelt intimacy. We sat down with Brian to talk about the name change, the inspiration behind his acoustic “original cover,” and what’s next on his musical journey.
You recently changed your professional name from Brian Berggoetz to Brian Fate. What inspired the change, and how has it affected how fans connect with your music?
I received a lot of support for it. It has kind of stirred up more buzz. I have always been a little annoyed with my original name and it was freedom when I jumped in and did it. Professionals all said the same thing, it was about time. The fans took right to it as well. I received a lot of congratulations. It also separated my music into one project and not two, which was confusing people with similar band names.
Does the name “Fate” hold a personal meaning or story for you?
It does. Fate is one of the biggest topics I write about. I try to write about the big picture in life. The universal truths that connect us all. A very smart man once told me the reason we are here is to become masters of our own fate. I have always held on to that. In a sense, I hope I can do for my listeners what music did for me when I was growing up, that is for the listener to find their fate and the light that hides within.
Why did you choose Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel” for your latest release?
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It was a song I used to play with my rock band but I recently picked it up and when I played it acoustic style it felt great. I changed it to a quiet song. It didn’t take long to wrap it up and give it to my producer, Duncan Stitt.
Your version strips it down to an intimate, acoustic style. What was your vision when reimagining such a classic?
I wanted to go in the opposite direction from the classic. From swagger to pure honesty. That’s kind of my wheelhouse when it comes to songwriting. I change it to where it feels like my song. I am really proud of this one, it came out great. I call these types of rewrites original covers. I have a few and people really like them.
To keep up with Brian’s music, check out his ReverbNation page, follow him on Facebook and Instagram, and stream his latest songs on Spotify.
Was there a particular moment or experience that inspired the emotional direction you took with this cover?
Yes there was. I have been getting over losing someone special for a while and when I put myself into the song it told me it was ok to feel bad. When I felt that it made me feel better and get through the thing that had been dragging me down. It definitely worked and I hope it helps my listeners.
You’ve been part of the Southwest music scene for years and even opened for Reverend Horton Heat and Charlie Sexton. What have been some highlights or turning points in your career so far?
It was focusing on one band. For a while I was showcasing two bands and it was too much and then there was confusion between the two. One day I realized this is the music that moves my heart and that this is the music I want to make moving forward. It was liberating to know that and be able to just follow my muse.
You’re known for performing both with a classic rock setup and with a cinematic string ensemble. How do you decide which style to lean into for a project?
I have dropped the rock band for shows and recordings, though there are recordings on streaming platforms from the past few years. I love this new music and I just love what these musicians bring to my music. Alison Wahl on vocals, Duncan Stitt on keys and production and Frank Filipo on guitar. You know the violin stirs my heart but the cello stirs my soul.
Fans of Roy Orbison, James Taylor, and Chris Isaak are said to connect with your sound. Who are the artists—past or present—who have shaped your musical voice?
The start was Bruce Springsteen. Born to Run explained all those feelings I had growing up and it inspired me to pick up the guitar and start writing songs. These days there are so many great writers. My favorites are John Mayer, Dave Mathews, Ryan Adams and Chris Stapleton. I think I am trying to do what they do, write great songs and play them well. That being said I am also trying to write the songs that I want to hear but I’m not hearing. That is my biggest challenge as a songwriter. It really is fun to experience that moment when I know the song I have been working on is finally done.
What was the recording process like for this single? Any memorable behind-the-scenes moments?
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Well, I like to use unique chords sometimes. It helps to give me my unique sound in my songwriting. This song has a lot of these unique chords and at first the guys couldn’t figure out what to play because they didn’t understand the chords as well as the changes. These are guys that know everything and are so skilled and talented. It was kind of nice to know I could still find a challenge for them. It was even better to see them not only figure it out but then they were absolutely brilliant on the final track. I am so proud of them and what they did on this track.
Are you working on more reimagined classics, or will your next project be original music?
We have just released a new EP with six original songs. It is called The End. I think it is my best songwriting yet and I am very proud of this one that way. Along with five of my originals there is one that Alison Wahl wrote and I am excited to share her talent with the world. We are scheduled for an Album Release party at Monterey Court Tuesday, October 7th.
What’s your favorite venue to play in Tucson?
Monterey Court has been our home over the years. We have played so many great shows there and Greg does a great job with the sound. It’s like our second home. That being said there are venues we have not played and hope to in the near future.
If you could share the stage with any musician, living or gone, who would it be?
Bruce Springsteen. Born to Run changed my life and changed my fate. He is the prototype for any performer or songwriter. Just a master of everything in music.
When you’re not making music, how do you spend your time in Tucson?
I do work a lot. I enjoy my work so I work plenty of six day weeks. Basically, my free time is spent with songwriting and family. I have a nephew with Autism that needs constant supervision and I am at the Sunday BBQ with him and family every week. It’s fun, I try to take him a treat that he likes of some kind to make his day. Sometimes life isn’t complicated, my job in life is the same as in music, making everyone’s job or life around me a little easier and better.
What’s on the horizon for Brian Fate—upcoming performances, albums, or collaborations you’d like fans to know about?
Definitely stay tuned for some new singles coming out soon. I should be working with Bekka Bramlett on three singles. She is unbelievable and I am super excited to work with someone so special.
For Tucson fans who want to support you, what’s the best way they can follow and connect with your work?
https://www.reverbnation.com/brianfate is my website and I am on all the streaming platforms. I am also on Facebook and Instagram.
Brian Fate continues to prove that music can be both personal and universal, offering listeners a chance to connect through stories of love, loss, and resilience. With a brand-new EP titled The End, an upcoming album release show at Monterey Court on Tuesday, October 7th, and collaborations on the horizon with artists like Bekka Bramlett, Brian shows no signs of slowing down.
To keep up with Brian’s music, check out his ReverbNation page, follow him on Facebook and Instagram, and stream his latest songs on Spotify.
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