Singer-songwriter Brittany Elise on Finding ‘Something More’

For your debut album to reach number 2 on the Australian country music charts is something most musicians can only dream of. But singer-songwriter, Brittany-Elise’s first record, Something More went one better when it scored a top 20 position on the iTunes charts overall.

With such success, it’s fair to say that 2019 is off to a great start for the up-and-coming musician, as you will find out in this interview.

Congratulations on the release of your debut album, Something More. It sounds great!  What’s your fans’ reaction been like so far?

Thank you so much! I have been absolutely humbled by the feedback I have received by those listening to the album … It has been incredible to hear other people’s stories and experiences, and how they have related to the songs (in particular, Another Day, Dorothy May and Love You.

The album debuted at number 2 on the iTunes Country Music Chart, and number 20 overall. How did that make you feel?

I was completely overwhelmed and incredibly grateful waking up to the news of Something More’s placement in the charts. Success for me is working hard and producing my own music. To then have fans being able to relate to it, buy it and share it has just been a complete dream come true.

What was the inspiration behind the album?

My debut album is the story of my journey and finding my Something More, following my passion with music. It’s about surrounding yourself with the people that make everyday worthwhile and help you make it through ‘Another Day’.

For me, the students who I teach, colleagues I work with, musicians I’ve met along the way and incredible family support I’ve had, influenced this. In particular, the influences from my grandmother ‘Dorothy May’, growing up, the love and support from my family when moving out of home, going to university and finding my feet, as well as experiences with honesty and relationships.

Is that something that usually inspires your songwriting?

This album has a diverse range of influences however the key themes of family, love and everyday experiences do inspire my song writing.

What do you want people to take away from listening to your music and Something More in particular?

The biggest thing I wanted listeners to take from the album was just relatability to the songs. Go on a musical journey with the lyrics, and be able to reflect on your own experiences, influential people and hardships.

Something More is the story of growing up with a love for music. But more importantly, working hard and never giving up on a dream even if it’s hard and seems out of reach. If the opportunities are not obvious, find and create them.

Can you talk me through the recording process?

The recording process was one of my favourite parts of producing the album.

Working with the incredible Simon Johnson at Hillbilly Hut Studios and some of the top musicians in the country to bring each song to life was such an amazing experience. What starts as ideas and simple vocal tracks, then builds to the instrumentation, vocals, and then matching it all together to create the final sound.

How long did it take overall – from writing songs to holding the finished record?

Some songs off the album such as Love You were started years ago when I moved away from home and I have just been refining it over time. I’ve had the idea of Dorothy May since 2012, however only found the lyrics and style of song I wanted to write in 2018 when working with David Carter. Other song ideas took only days or weeks to finalise.

It is amazing when and how ideas come to you.

The process of creating the albums instrumentation commenced in September, however there are a lot of elements that go into the design and creation of an album, which started months before.

Although this particular album was a long process over multiple years, it was so worth it when you hear your stories, experiences and ideas come to life and you are holding it on one CD.

 

Do you plan to tour the album soon?

I am starting a mini tour of the album at the end of March starting with a sold out show in Calliope, followed by Emerald, Gladstone, Rockhampton and Tannum Sands.

I will be performing at a range of festivals and doing an extended tour towards the back end of the year to get to the places and communities who have really embraced my debut album and continue to support my music.

 

What do you enjoy most about touring and performing live?

The best part of performing live is definitely the diverse range of people you meet. The ones who tell you their inspirations, their take on the songs and are just genuinely lovely people who share in the love for music.

 

When did you first discover your passion for music?

I have always had a passion for music. At the age of seven, I took to the stage instead of just performing to family and friends at house concerts on the back patio. It was here that I won my first encouragement award in the juvenile section.

I have followed my passion of music ever since, further adding guitar, piano and violin at the age of nine and song writing at 12.

 

You performed alongside Lee Kernaghan when you were only 12 years old but got his attention when you were nine. How did that come about?

Lee happened to see me perform on a showcase at the Tamworth Country Music Festival when I was nine and with school commitments and my age, 12 was more appropriate.

At the age of 12 I opened his Mackay show in North Queensland and again at his fundraiser in Bicentennial Park at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. This was an amazing opportunity provided by an incredible musician and supporter of up-and-coming artists.

Who inspires you musically?

Music has been a massive part of my childhood with the likes of Slim Dusty, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Dixie Chicks, Melinda Schneider and Lee Kernaghan always playing in the car. As well as many local musicians supporting and playing around me. Later additional influences include Carrie Underwood, Graeme Connors, The McClymonts and Catherine Britt.

You’ve worked with a number of other high-profile musicians over the course of your career, such as Kasey Chambers and Amber Lawrence. What did those experiences teach you about the music industry and finding your own way as an artist?

It is incredible how many inspiring, strong, independent artists there are in the country music Industry. The most important thing I learnt from experiences with people like Kasey Chambers and Amber Lawrence is to work hard, you get out what you put in and most importantly always be yourself, there is room for everyone.

If you could collaborate with anyone in the industry (living or dead), who would it be and why?

There are so many artists I’d absolutely love to collaborate with but it would have to be Carrie Underwood or Catherine Britt as they are incredible artists, performers and storytellers who follow their own sound. They have been some of my biggest influences as an up and coming female, country singer/songwriter, performer.

 

What are the highlights and lowlights of your career thus far?

There are so many highlights within my musical career, including opening Lee Kernaghan’s shows, pre-releasing my debut album in Nashville Tennessee, releasing my single Another Day (which debuted #3 on the Australian Country iTunes Charts and #8 on the Top 40 Australian Country Airplay charts), the creation and writing of the songs for my album with Simon Johnson and co-writing some of the tracks with Kevin Bennett, Fanny Lumsden, Kevin Sullivan and David Carter, and  Something More debuting at #2 on the country iTunes charts and #20 all genres charts.

[Also] launching my debut album to a sold-out crowd in Gladstone, Central Queensland and attending/working with some of the top artists in the country at the Senior CMAA Australian Academy of Country Music Excellence.

Lows would be working through the hardships, setbacks and put downs which come in all aspects of life.

Why does country music appeal to you so much?

The Australian country music scene has created and continues to create so many opportunities for up and coming artists – in songwriting, as performers and in the business field. There is a defined sense of community, from the artists, to the venues, radio announcers and fans. I love the stories shared, the experiences had and the incredible people you meet along the way.

You pre-launched the album in Nashville a few months ago. What was that like?

This was a dream come true, pre-launching my album and performing at the famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge, hearing travellers and local’s stories and how they related to the songs, and then being asked to perform four more times after that while I was in Nashville. Just amazing!

How does the US country music scene compare to the Australian one, in your opinion?
Being in the States opened my eyes to whole new world of live music, approach to songwriting, and an endless love for country.

It was incredible to see, experience and be a part of. However, Australian country music has been the foundation of my music career – inspiring performers, festivals and songwriting opportunities. It is producing some of the top artists in the business and continues to support up and coming artists. In both industries, the focus is on support, the musicality and the songs … this is really important.

How do you see country music in Australia evolving?

Australian country music is evolving every year with more and more strong, independent artists coming through in all aspects of the music industry. There has even been a shift in powerful, independent women shaping the ways for others to come.

When not performing or recording, what does an average day look like for you?
When I finished school, I completed my study and became a high school HPE, Science teacher. So when I’m not writing, performing or recording, I am in the classroom teaching my students, helping coach sport or school musicals. This environment with amazing students, colleagues and community helped shape my debut album.

What’s the biggest misconception regarding making a career out of music, in your opinion?

The biggest misconception is that it is all about luck and being in the right place at the right time.

In fact it’s all about hard work, determination, using setbacks as opportunities and finding your own path. The hard work is continuous, and you often feel like you are on a rollercoaster. But it is possible with a strong support team, remaining grounded and enjoying what we love: the music and the fans.

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?

Music has always been a massive part of my life and to be honest I couldn’t imagine my life without it. However, I would continue being a teacher and bring music to the students I teach through choir, band and musicals.

How does social media play a part in your success thus far, in terms of expanding your audience and connecting with fans?

Social media has allowed me to stay connected more regularly and reach broader audiences both nationally and internationally. It has been an asset.

 

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

If it’s your dream stay grounded and determine, work hard and never stop until you get there. You never know until you try. If you dream about it, it’s worth pursuing.

 

What are the best pieces of advice you’ve ever received in relation to making a career in music?

• When you get knocked down eight times, get up nine
• You’ll never know, if you don’t try
• Always be yourself, there is room for everyone
• Stay grounded, humble and kind … never give up!

What music are you listening to at the moment?

I listen to a diverse range of artists of a range of genres. Country [artists] in particular I love [are]: Carrie Underwood, Catherine Britt, Lyn Bowtell, Graeme Connors, High Valley, Morgan Evans, Luke Combs, The McClymonts, Amber Lawrence …  the list goes on.

What’s the epitome of success for you as an artist?

My dreams have already come true, but I can’t wait to continue writing more songs, collaborate with other artists, one day hopefully win a golden guitar and perform at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville Tennessee.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

The next five years will include continual hard work of writing, working with other artists, recording, producing and touring new music, as well as continually trying to meet new people, broaden my audience and hear their stories.

What are your plans for the rest of 2019?

The rest of 2019 will be busy performing my new album at gigs and festivals, touring, as well as continuing to write and prepare for the next album.