Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with BREANNA

Breanna is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist who views music as a form of art and expression. She performs both original songs and covers, creating without limiting herself to a specific genre—her music flows naturally from what she feels.

She is also active on BandLab (@bp1102), where she had the honor of being featured as an artist. As a member of the duo W/OUT, Breanna has seen several of her songs appear on BandLab’s trending lists across pop, rock, and R&B categories.

You can discover more of her music at the link below:
https://www.bandlab.com/bp1102

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

I was introduced to music at a very early age. By at least 1 year old my dad had me rocking out (singing and dancing haha) to The Grateful Dead, Queen, Nirvana, and various 90s alternative rock bands. So I would say that I gained an appreciation for good music, and formed a connection with music early on in life. It was fun, and positive. My parents were always playing music in the house, car, etc. – so I had a decent amount of exposure to all different types of music.

How did your passion for creating music begin?

Around age 13 I got my first guitar (blue electric fender). I had no idea at that time how much of an impact music would have on my life. I taught myself how to play, and eventually turned that into performing cover songs (in my bedroom). I realized that I was able to channel/ convey my emotions through the songs i was singing and playing, and I really connected with that. I really needed that at that time in my life. I was big into writing “poetry” as a teen. I would “rap” the poetry over beats that i had found on YouTube for fun. I dabbled in songwriting, but did not take it further at that point.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

I am ALWAYS creating. I’m always writing or working on something. I try to write everyday. Around 2021 I had hit one of the most difficult parts of my life and was faced with a lot of adversity and struggle. I had lost touch with my music for quite a few years at that point, but i felt that I really wanted to rediscover that part of me that had been lost. I found the app BandLab and I started posting covers. Those gained traction, so I started writing legit original songs. I truly discovered my passion for songwriting there. I started working really hard and consistently on the platform, and recently became an official “Verified” BandLab artist. I have approximately 42k followers right now on the platform, and have had various songs selected for Bandlab’s “Trending” Playlists (in pop, rock, rnb, hiphop, and folk). I have published approximately 100+ original songs, and I continue to release predominantly original songs now on a weekly basis.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

My music definitely does not fit into one genre or category. I tend to mix things up depending on my mood/ how I’m feeling on the day I write. I do alot of indie alternative pop/rock songs. I love doing simple (not over produced) acoustic guitar/emo/ indie pop type songs (I think that style is my favorite) I also do a lot of rnb/hip hop. I blend genres and don’t limit myself based on what music “should” sound like. If im feeling it- I let it flow. I feel I have my own unique sound.

What is one thing you learned that completely changed the way you make music?

You have to do it for YOU! I think it’s so important to make music that you like, not what you think others will like. If people like my music, that’s great. I love that! But I also know that you can’t please everyone. Writing music is a very personal thing, and I always try to make sure it’s as authentic & as genuine as possible. It has to represent me. It has to truly come from within, and it does.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

Bandlab has been amazing because i can record ideas on my phone whenever and where ever. Some of my best songs have been spur of the moment ideas. Something that I felt in the moment, and was able to document the jist of it. Then later i get into my studio and lay it down for real. So my phone has been essential..my mic, guitars, various audio interfaces. I switch things up depending on the sound I’m looking for that day. And my mind/ the things that inspire my thoughts are key.. 

which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

It’s always sooo hard for me to choose favorite songs/ artists because there are so many good ones. I’ve had the song “Tower of Memories” by Ivri on repeat for a while. I also discovered the artist Ally Nicholas recently on Spotify, and i really relate to her sound.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

It’s been everything! Literally everything. I infuse everything i feel and have been through into my music. Everything I am is represented through my art; whether that is struggle, sadness, love, loss, fear, hope, etc. I think every experience that is meaningful to me, is worth writing about. I do write a lot of music that many people may consider sad- but that is real to me. I’ve been through many hard life experiences (as have many others). I know that if i’m true to myself, and can express that in my music- someone else out there may connect and think to themselves “hey, I’m not alone in feeling this way..”

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

I want people to know that it’s okay to not be okay. But that it’s also important to strive to get better/improve yourself. It’s okay to feel your emotions. Its okay to embrace your creativity. To express your true self and your true feelings. Art should be something very freeing. Discovering my passion for songwriting has been one of the most freeing experiences of my life. There’s no right. There’s no wrong. If it feels right to you, then it is right. I truly do hope that people listen to my music and feel some sort of connection to it. I like for listeners to be able to interpret my lyrics in a way that fits what they are going through.

What’s the most important lesson that music has taught you so far?

That there is hope. That there is beauty in pain. That you can take something that broke you and turn it into something truly beautiful. That’s how I view my art. I see the music i create as a beautiful reflection of something I went through in life. Sometimes I listen back and I laugh. Sometimes I listen back and legitimately cry. Sometimes I don’t know how I created what I did. In the moments i create music, I zone in- and it’s a truly deep and spiritual experience for me. I like that i can embrace my spirituality in that way.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

I think i have had actual dreams of performing at Coachella, haha! Any outdoor venue with a chill vibe would be amazing! But i think i would probably do my best in a smaller, dimly lit, intimate setting.

If you could collaborate with any artist past or present, who would it be and why?

I have to go with my girls Lana and Avril 

I grew up really admiring Avril because at that time, there was no one like her. I related to her as a young teen. She was completely herself. I definitely used to dress similar to her. I loved alt music. I skateboarded. I danced around my room with my guitar around my neck, pretending that I had a crowd listening to me. It made me feel like my interests weren’t weird, they were just different. 

I would have to say Lana is one of my biggest musical inspirations. I’ve been a fan since her early days too. I think her music is beautiful and poetic. She normalized the “sad” vibe for me. In the past i felt like i had to pretend to be happy or upbeat in my music. It kind of pushed me and showed me that i can be 100% authentic in what represents “me”.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music?

My original music can be found on all major streaming platforms

Website:

Breanna | TikTok | Linktree

Spotify:

BREANNA

BandLab:

https://www.bandlab.com/bp1102

Tiktok:

Looking towards the future, whats your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?

I really want to keep growing, and improving as an artist. I have seen such evolution through my music, and it’s been amazing to be a part of this journey. I want to keep creating and writing as much music as I can, and just see where that takes me.

I would love to get the opportunity to have my music in a show or a movie one day too 🙂

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?

That I’m a real person. With real struggles and feelings. That im integrating myself into my music and putting everything I’m capable of into this. I’m an extremely passionate person, and this is my way of conveying that.

We’re all in on this together. This world can be a truly beautiful and devastating place all at the same time. Keep following your dreams, and never give up.