Laura Bryna Drops Emotional New Track 'PAINKILLER,' And It’s Written All Over Her Face, Literally

Nashville-based country rocker Laura Bryna is making waves, and headlines, with her latest release, “PAINKILLER,” which dropped this morning, Friday, April 18.

Known for boot-stomping hits like “Certified” and “Over Being Under You,” Bryna is now showing fans a deeper, moodier side with this raw, pop-infused single produced by multi-platinum hitmaker CAMBO. And in true Laura Bryna fashion, she kicked off the release with a bold (fake) forehead tattoo of the song’s title.

In an exclusive interview with The Blast, Laura Bryna opened up about her musical evolution, her commitment to the moment, and why “PAINKILLER” might be her most personal song yet.

“'PAINKILLER' came from a place of emotional honesty,” Bryna told The Blast exclusively. “I wanted to capture what it feels like to lean on someone who grounds you, who doesn’t just help you escape the pain but helps you face it. It’s about that one person who becomes your calm in the chaos. Not perfect, but essential. The idea of love as both a relief and a remedy really stuck with me."

"I hope it makes people feel seen," she continued. "Whether you’ve been through heartbreak, anxiety, or just one of those tough days where everything feels heavy, this song is a reminder that it’s okay to lean on someone. It’s about the beauty in brokenness and how love, real, grounding love, can be your safe place.

While her earlier singles let her “flex that fierce, fiery energy,” this new track takes a softer, more cinematic approach.

"'PAINKILLER' is a big shift for me, and I’m really excited about it," she said. "With songs like 'Certified' and 'Over Being Under You,' I was in full-on country-rock mode. Those tracks are bold, loud, and full of attitude. They let me flex that fierce, fiery energy and show my strength after heartbreak."

"But [the new single] comes from a much more intimate place. It’s softer, moodier, more of a country-bedroom pop vibe," Bryna continued. "The production is smoother, more cinematic, and it lets the lyrics breathe in a different way. It’s about emotional connection, vulnerability, and that person who gets you through the hard stuff. So while it’s not as loud or in-your-face as my previous singles, it’s a very personal song."

The country music star concluded by expressing, "This song shows a different layer of who I am as an artist, and as a person. I love rocking out with full energy, but I also love letting people into the quiet, honest moments."

Working with CAMBO, Bryna found the perfect partner to bring her vision to life, calling it "a total dream."

“He just gets me, not only as a vocalist, but as a storyteller,” she shared. “From the moment we started working on this track, he knew exactly how to build a sound that felt intimate but powerful, raw but still polished."

She also explained how CAMBO brought in "this gorgeous, atmospheric production that let the emotion breathe, but still gave it that pop-infused edge that makes the song feel modern and fresh."

"With the right textures and tones to match the heart of a lyric," CAMBO helped Bryna step "outside the box and tap into a softer, more vulnerable side of my artistry."

"CAMBO helped bring out this moody, cinematic energy that really made 'PAINKILLER' stand out," the country star added. "I’m so proud of what we created together."

Bryna turned heads when she debuted a “PAINKILLER” tattoo across her forehead, though she quickly clarified it was part of a carefully planned stunt.

“It was totally fake, but the commitment was very real!” she laughed. “I wanted to do something wild and unexpected to kick off this release. This song hits different, and I wanted a moment that was just as bold.”

The reactions? "My team and a few close friends literally froze," she admitted. “One of my friends dropped their coffee. My mom sent a screenshot with five question marks adding, 'Please tell me this washes off.' I told her, 'Relax—it’s just a commitment to the music!'"

Though she still admits, "It was pure chaos for about five minutes.”

Still, the move worked. “It got people talking,” she added. “Pain might be temporary, but a little drama never hurt anybody.”

After four back-to-back performances at SXSW and the release of “Lil’ Bit Of Jesus, Lil’ Bit Of Hank,” Bryna says she’s found her stride in 2025.

“2025 has been wild in the best way," she said. "This year’s been about embracing every part of who I am as an artist, sass, soul, strength, and all the in-between."

“Lil’ Bit Of Jesus, Lil’ Bit Of Hank," specifically, blends two parts of Bryna's identity. "My faith and my love for old-school, rowdy country, and it really resonated with people," she explained.

And while her fans know her as “Miss Christmas,” thanks to her hit “Wishlist,” Bryna says “PAINKILLER” marks a new era.

“This new chapter is about telling stories with more nuance and emotion. It’s not about changing who I am, it’s about revealing more of who I am,” she said.

While “PAINKILLER” showcases her softer side, Bryna isn’t staying mellow for long. Her next single, “Blue Jean Crazy,” promises to bring the energy right back.

“It’s wild, patriotic, full of character, and 100% fun,” she teased. “So yes, something bigger is coming, but good luck trying to guess what it’s gonna sound like. That’s half the fun.”

When asked to sum up this chapter in one word, Bryna didn’t hesitate: Fearless. “Whether it’s a sultry ballad or a rowdy anthem, I’m not holding back,” she said. “I’m trusting my gut and not worrying about fitting into a box.”

And just for fun? If “PAINKILLER” were a cocktail, it would "definitely be smooth with a little kick."

"I’m thinking a splash of bourbon for that deep, emotional burn, a touch of honey to keep it sweet and soothing, a twist of grapefruit for that unexpected edge, and served over ice in a smoky glass, of course," she told The Blast. "It’s the kind of drink that goes down easy but leaves you feeling something, just like the song."

Laura Bryna’s “PAINKILLER” hit streaming platforms today, Friday, April 18, and if her forehead tattoo didn’t already make it clear, she’s all in.