Interview by Danielle Boise Photos by Chuck Holloway
Growing up in a musical family, it was no surprise the Brynn Marie decided that life, either out on the road or in the recording studio would be the life for this country sweetheart. Brynn Marie took a little time out of her hectic schedule to talk with Target Audience Magazine about her musical aspirations, life on the road and what it means to be an independent artist in the mecca of country, Music City.
What inspired you to enter the music industry?
My love for music and performing. I was raised in a musical family. I started playing the violin at a very young age and by the time I was 18, I was playing in a band all around my hometown. A few years later, with words of advice from my Gram, I decided to move to Nashville to pursue my dreams.
There is a bit of grit and no-nonsense in your music, like with “Just Like That,” the sass of “Bandaid on a Bullet Hole, while “Hung on the Line” (with Ford Thurston) has such a sexy, earthy quality to the song – it shows the diversity in your work. Can you in your own words describe the sound of your music and where you want to go with it?
I connect to songs and write songs that I can relate to first and foremost. I love incorporating the rock-ish grit of a guitar, but I do love the traditional country elements like a banjo, steel and fiddle in my music. That truly defines me. It takes a piece of everything that I grew to love and turns it into my own.
How is it working in Nashville while being an independent artist?
It can be tough. There are many talented people that have moved to Nashville to reach for the same goals. It’s great to be surrounded by all kinds of talented musicians, it pushes you harder, but you do need to stand out, be true to yourself and be original.
How is it being an independent artist and trying to get your music out to the masses? What have you found to be the platform that works best for you to connect with your fans and have your voice heard?
I think it’s somewhat easier to get your music out there as an independent artist. There are so many ways to do it, the only problem to that is everyone is doing the same thing. I’ve been lucky enough to tour a lot and travel. I feel like you can only go so far pushing your music online. It’s being on the road that has helped me a ton. I’ve been able to travel all over the country and meet the fans, talk with the fans and play my music for them.
You’ve already have logged an impressive amount of live performances; how was it being on tour with the likes of Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo? What did you take away from that experience?
2013 really was a fun year. I traveled everywhere! I think it was almost 90 shows, which is a lot for an independent artist. Touring with Pat & Neil was a learning experience that I will never forget. It was an education that you can’t buy. I mean I got to watch Pat & Neil do their thing every night from the side of the stage after my performance and I learned so much by just watching them connect with the fans through their live show. It taught me how fans become dedicated to an artist and how important it is for an artist to embrace that.
What is your favorite song to sing live?
My favorite song to sing live is “I’m Sorry.” I get lost when I sing that song. It’s a moment in my show where it seems everything just goes away in my mind. I get so focused in on that song vocally and emotionally and it shows in my performance.
When will you head into studio to work on new material?
I’ve been writing a ton of new songs. I’ve been lucky enough to start writing with some of the great writers in Nashville. There have been a few songs I’ve been playing out live for over a year that hasn’t been recorded yet. I love testing new material on a crowd first, before I record it. I wanna make sure the fans connect with the music and lyric.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned so far?
Stay true to yourself and always work hard.
What do you foresee for 2014?
A lot of touring and traveling. I wanna do more than last year. I’d love to get new music out to the fans this year as well. It’s an open road ahead and I’m excited for it.
Photos of Brynn Marie from an intimate performance at Smith’s Olde Bar on January 26 by Chuck Holloway.
