Brandyn Burnette – Made of Dreams

By starrymag | November 11, 2015

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I’d describe my sound as progressive soul.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I grew up, for the most part, in St. Louis. So, I was exposed to a lot of different music. My dad was a recording artist in the 80’s and penned the theme song to “Soul Train.” I remember hearing his old albums with Capital and just being in awe. He’s definitely one of the first artists that I got into. My older sister exposed me to pop at a young age because she was obsessed with boy bands. My first concert was NSYNC, believe it or not. In my teenage years, I got more into singer songwriter acts like John Mayer and Gavin Degraw who helped me explore the more soulful side of my roots. I remember discovering “The Scientist” by Coldplay at age fifteen and it changed my life as a songwriter. In college, my roommate exposed me to Kanye West and that’s when I began exploring more artists that were also heavily involved in production aspects of their art…Artists like Sam Cooke, Citizen Hope, Sublime and Aqualung were all heavily influencers on my artistry.

Q) Your new song is “Nothing At All.” Talk about the concept behind it.

A) “Nothing At All” was the final song I wrote for my EP. It’s really just about the crippling process of being a person fueled by passion. Often times we just want to feel something…even if it’s pain more than nothing at all. I tried my best to describe just where I’m at in my life and my music.

Q) What is it about the song that you think fans are connecting to?

A) I think fans are connecting to this one because it’s a side of me they’ve never heard before. I decided not to hold back my emotions. From the opening line to the last note of the guitar in the record, there’s a rawness to it I think is refreshing for my current fans as well as new fans that discover me through this song. I wanted to give people my voice in the simplest form with a sound that’s digestible and current, but still my own. As a budding producer myself, I think this was a perfect meeting of track and artist. I’ve got to give it up to Lewis Hughes, one of my favorite new producers because he’s pushed me to not over think my work so much, which causes it to be more authentic simply because I’m not trying.

Q) What is your process like for writing music? Do you need music before you can write the lyrics?

A) My process for writing music changes daily. I’ve played piano by ear since I was seven years old and picked up the guitar a few years ago to be able to travel and write. I’m in my rarest form when I’m sitting in front of an instrument. But I love jumping up behind a microphone and seeing what comes out. Usually, if a track inspires me I feel like there is a song already inside of them that just need to be uncovered. Other times, it’s an extremely personal process where I need to shut the door or leave the room with my phone in case I need to record a melody or a line. Sometimes I come up with a line or thought and won’t develop it for weeks. I believe in writing at the right  moment. You have to live a little to fill your inspiration. Sometimes the well is dry. That’s usually when I’ve created a lot of music and need to put it out or play shows. It varies.

Q) Where do you get the inspiration for your lyrics?

A) I get lyrical inspirations from a very strange place. It’s the closest I feel to God, to be honest. Sometimes I feel like I’m the vessel for a message or a thought that my subconscious is trying to get out. I think people usually have the same basic emotions. I’d like to think that I’m not alone in my struggles so when I’m writing I’m unafraid to give all of my emotions. I think lyrics are more important than a lot of people think nowadays, but I’ve always written a lot of bad songs that should never be heard by anyone. So, my only rule now is to be conversational, descriptive and personal.

Q) What is the feel and vibe for your upcoming EP Made of Dreams?

A) Made of Dreams is a lo-fi rollercoaster. Low moments. High moments. Everything about the process of making this EP was organic from the writing to the sound around it. I wanted people to experience a cohesive piece of music, something that connects now or even years down the line for somebody. I’m fascinated by sleep and dreams. In a way, I feel like the EP has a dream state vibe to it. I wanted these six songs to be a top to bottom listen that has the anger, passion, love, sadness and triumph that we all face when chasing our dreams.

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) I co-produce on mostly everything. I worked closely with Ryan Spraker and Lewis Hughes on this project. My next EP is almost entirely self produced.

Q) What made you want to share a stripped down version of “Lost?”

A) “Lost” was written almost a year ago for a couple of my fans who lost a friend in school. They were so young when it happened and I was one of the only people there to help them through it. I felt burdened to write it. Again, it was one of those moments where I felt as if I’m a vessel for something greater. Once I write it, I told them about it, but never released it. I knew it had to be released in the purest form so that it can at least be discovered by people when they need it. Some songs are just urgent and their purpose is for the people that can’t wait to hear it. In this case, I felt like a year was long enough. “Lost” was one of the factors driving me to put out a full project.

Q) How do you plan to celebrate the release of Made of Dreams?

A) I’m looking to book a show in LA to invite some friends and family who have supported me. Nothing big. Maybe I’ll go to Six Flags with my girlfriend. Her EP (which I’ve also been working heavily on) comes out the following month. So, pending it all goes well, we’ll both have something to celebrate!

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) Probably Banks. If I could get her to hear one of my tracks or songs, I think we could do some crazy music together. She collaborates with some of my favorite newer producers like Sohn and Chet Faker. I’d also love to collaborate with Max Martin because he’s such a great creator that I think I’d learn a lot of valuable stuff from.

Q) What can fans do to help promote your music?

A) Fans can join SoundCloud, follow on Spotify and create Hype Machine accounts so that they can help these songs get as much traction and buzz as they can. I’ve noticed some fans tweeting, blogging and writing local radio stations, which is brilliant. The power of people can never be denied so I encourage all of my fans to really help spread the word if they love the music and want to see me on tour in their city one day. The only way that happens is by building a relationship with them throughout the process.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) Social media is extremely important because fans just want connection. It’s a lot to ask of someone to support an artist that they barely know or interact with. Without radio or major support, I think fan bases have the potential to put an artist on the map simply because today’s world is so internet DIY driven. At the same time, I think it’s important to take care of and establish a solid brand. A lot of people abuse social media and I think it matters what you put out into the world, including your content. I try to make sure that my fans know that I’m accessible (by answering messages, calling and Skyping frequently) because those close relationships are seeds that plant long lasting career supporters.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your music?

A) To everyone supporting, thank you so  much for sharing my music. Thank you for continuing to grow with me. Thank you for encouraging me to keep going even when I had nothing going on. Thank you for being patient while I put together a project that I felt represents where I am at. I hope I continue to make great music that helps you like it’s helped me.