Brittneyann, a multi-instrumentalist performer, songwriter, and musician hailing from New Jersey, just returned with “Friends Lovers Enemies”. We caught up with her to learn more about her artistry, latest release and aspirations.
– Can you tell us a bit about your musical background and how you got started in music?
Music has been a part of me since birth. My moms family is very musical, but with them being in Belize, she kept the traditions alive by making sure we grew up in a musical home. There was always something playing on the radio, and she played a vast array of genres. There’s a home video of me trying to sing the words to “Still the One”- Shania Twain at 1.5 years old. When I was 6, my mom taught me 4 chords she knew on piano C,G,Am,F, as well as the song “Blue Bayou” on guitar, which follows a very beautiful and simple pattern. From there began a domino effect, and I was entranced by all facets of music and sound, and obsessed with learning how to create it.
– Who are some of your biggest musical influences, both past and present?
I find incredible value in studying the OG’s first, and then moving to present artists. I take great performance inspiration from Etta James, Janis Joplin, Prince, and Bob Marley. The way they exposed their soul onstage everytime, and nothing less is what I strive for. It’s the most vulnerable place to create from. Lady Gaga, Yebba, Deftones, and Stout are some present artists I take influence from.
– Have you faced any challenges or obstacles as a female musician, and if so, how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I’m facing is this expectation that I will tolerate disrespect towards me or my band members, and not do anything about it because “I’m desperate for work”. Misogyny is still very present in this industry, and the stigma around artists, and that we’re desperate for work, is intensified because I’m a woman. I will speak up if there is any mistreatment towards me or my team because this is my life profession. I’m not afraid to walk away from opportunities if it comes to that. I’m in this for the long run, and work hard so I can show up for God’s timing.
– What’s the story behind your latest track “Friends Lovers Enemies”?
This song is about coming to the realization that I was in love with my best friend. Last year I was performing in a show in Oregon, and the house we stayed in had a beautiful view of the mountainside. It was the perfect place to clear my head and think. One night, they called me at 2 am just to catch up, because that’s what we do, and told me they had gotten into a relationship. I was devastated. Maybe being 3,000 miles away added to the dramatics of it all, but an ocean of emotions flooded my heart at once. I knew we had always felt something for each other but the timing never lined up. I felt like the window was closing for me to say how I felt, and I grappled with the deep friend love I’ve always felt for this person, with the pain of knowing that it would be best to keep my feelings unspoken. Totally dramatic, I know. But I began to hear the chorus repeat in my head “friends to lovers to enemies”, and the song was born from there.
– Any memorable moment or achievement you’d like to share with us?
I am so honored to announce that I will be playing the NJ Pride Festival in Asbury Park this year! As a member of the lgbtq+ community, I have been attending the festival every year since high school, and imagined being up on that stage. So this has been a dream of mine for a long time. It’s June 2nd, and we go on at 1 pm. I believe everything happens the way it’s supposed to, and I’m so grateful to be playing this year!
– How do you hope your music will resonate with your audience, especially with other aspiring female musicians?
This might be a hot take, but I’m creating something to be consumed by others, therefore I don’t feel it’s my place to say. However, I hope they know that whatever they’re listening to has come from a real, authentic place. The second I stopped holding back, incredible things began to happen for me. I was afraid to go to that deep place in my mind to create, out of fear of being judged or misunderstood. But the more personal my lyrics became, the more relatable they became in a strange way, or at least that’s been the reaction. And it’s brought about an intense healing, and reassurance.