Today we’d like to introduce you to Summer Brennan
Hi Summer, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. At thirteen years old, I attended two songwriting camps that changed the trajectory of my musical aspirations. My life was abruptly interrupted by Covid just before I turned fourteen. The pandemic was frightening, so I turned to my music for comfort. In isolation, I used my time to start writing songs and learning the Logic Pro software. Through this pursuit, I wrote and produced my first released original, Boy. The creation of my song Boy introduced me to the world of being an independent artist. After releasing this song, I submitted it to various competitions, won the John Lennon weekly contest, and advanced to the Song Academy UK songwriting competition finals. This positive feedback reinforced my confidence and fueled my passion for pursuing production and songwriting as a career. In 2021, I began attending Orange County School of the Arts within the Popular Music Conservatory, where I continue to learn and grow as an independent artist. This past summer, I attended the four-week NYU Clive Davis Recorded Music Intensive, where we focused on collaboration and prepared a launch plan for a newly created song. I continue to apply what I learn from these opportunities and propel my career to new heights.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There is no such thing as an easy road. Anyone trying to achieve anything, whether it be a career in the music industry or not, will have to encounter trial and error at some point. As a young, aspiring independent artist, I struggled with being vulnerable with my original songs on stage. I am very anxious, which is another reason I gravitate towards music; it allows me to express myself freely. However, when it came down to performing my material live initially, I would get very nervous. I am considered a classic over-thinker, which has been a significant obstacle in all facets of my life. I have recently started to overcome this challenge by establishing new habits that encourage a positive mindset. Before performing live, I like to give myself uplifting affirmations and practice intuitive breathing. I usually listen to one song to get my energy levels high; recently, it’s been HOT TO GO! by Chappell Roan.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My artistic venture is to continue writing and releasing my original music and create an encouraging atmosphere that uplifts women in the music industry.
This past year, I released an original called Billboard City, which is about not apologizing anymore for being authentic and not caring about others’ opinions of oneself. I am most proud of this project because it is one of my most vulnerable songs, and it was gratifying to see that it was well-received by my target demographic. In addition, I was thrilled to see that my business plan for social media promotion and playlisting was successful.
I plan to finish my first EP this upcoming year. The EP encapsulates my frustrations as a teenage girl. My songs surround relationships, insecurity, and how global insecurities have affected me. This project will draw inspiration from records like Paint My Bedroom Black and Supernova. The songs on this project showcase how I have developed as a songwriter and contain some of my favorite songs I have ever written.
In the future, I plan to use my musical platform to initiate a youth organization of resources and female collaborators for an annual conference inviting those in all facets of the music industry to share their experiences and ideas for women’s career advancement in music. I want to reach young women who are getting started in the industry and desire to make connections. By targeting this young female demographic, I will aid in developing promising young women as creatives and executives. I am teaching students this summer about songwriting and music theory, which is one step closer to my goals surrounding supporting young creatives.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Taking a risk means putting oneself in a vulnerable position. Songwriters constantly take risks by emoting and sharing their writing with others. The risk and danger of being exposed to people’s examination is also the thrill that comes with music; it’s an adrenaline high. Every time I step on stage and sing an original, I am taking a risk because there is no hiding once one is up on that platform under the spotlight. Taking a risk might seem intimidating, but I interpret it as motivation because I would rather take a risk and be an independent artist than dwell on lost potential from not diving into my career head-on.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.summerbrennanmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/summerbrennanmusic?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/summerbrennanmusic?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRSbRlF-siP8hz83j_pUaHA
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sweet_heroine_11?lang=en
Image Credits
@donaldsoncreativehouse
@k.murph.photography
