Getting To Know... Brenna Erickson

After spending the last year releasing a flurry of warm and inviting alt-pop delights, US singer and songwriter Brenna Erickson is back to unveil her latest sensation 'One Hundred'.

Capturing the same broad and atmospheric tones as Kali Uchis, 'One Hundred' makes for an incredibly smooth and uplifting listen. Filled with sensual grooves, sweeping production, and her own honey-soaked vocals at the helm, this one feels like a step towards greatness for the young artist.

So with the new single available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her background and what has inspired her most over the years.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

My very first music memories are hearing jingles on TV commercials and going to the piano to pluck them out by ear. Pretty soon my parents had me in piano lessons, and it didn’t take long before I started writing songs. I took piano lessons for 11 years and the piano stayed my instrument of choice until I left Minnesota for Tennessee when I was 18. I didn’t have a keyboard, so I brought my dad’s guitar with me to my dorm room, and that’s when I started writing more with guitar. To this day, my favorite way to kick a bad mood is to sit down at the piano and forget life for a little while.

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

I am a product of the 90’s and 2000’s, and I loved the pop music of this era. I had that fold-up poster from the inside of Britney Spears’ CD taped to the inside of my locker alongside Christina Aguilera, N*Sync and Backstreet Boys. In high school, I was really into pop/punk/rock, especially Blink 182, Green Day and Paramore. I definitely also went through a major Gwen Stefani phase, she is the queen of cool. My early songwriting inspiration came from folk songwriters, especially Bob Dylan and Jewel; I love the story-telling in their songs.

What was the first album you remember owning?

My first CD was LeAnn Rimes, ‘Blue,’ given to me by my country-music-loving Grandpa. I was 8 years old, and I remember thinking how cool it was that LeAnn was only 14 years old when she released the album. Her success at such a young age was inspirational, and made me think that anything was possible. That is when my dreams of becoming a singer and songwriter really took off.

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

This is so hard, I don't know if I could pick just one. I admire and find inspiration in so many songwriters, but if I had to pick just one, the first one that comes to mind is “Invisible String” by Taylor Swift. It captures the place I’m at in life so beautifully; being in awe of all of the small decisions and events that lead me to where I am today. Little things seem inconsequential at the time, but from a hindsight perspective, it looks crafted and on purpose. Like that “invisible string tying you to me.”

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

Song ideas tend to come to me sporadically, and they come in the form of a lyrical phrase or melodic hook. Usually the timing of the ideas is inconvenient, so I’ll jot down a note in my phone or I record a quick voice memo. Later when I sit down to write, I always have to have my songwriting notebook (I’ve gone through many notebooks over the years), a specific pen that I got when I stayed in London, and of course a cup of coffee. I can’t do anything without a cup of coffee. As a producer, I often record the demo while I write the song because I love tracking all of the harmonies and adding the production elements during the songwriting process that I hear in my head.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

There are so many! Taylor Swift, #1 for all the reasons. Emily Weisband is songwriting goals for me, I just can’t get enough. I love the Scandinavian pop scene, especially Shy Martin, Astrid S, Clara Mae and Dagny; the productions are so fresh and give me a lot of inspiration. CAPPA, Rosie Darling, Bailey Bryan, and Julia Michaels are a few other dope artists in constant rotation on my playlists. Also, anything produced by FLORIO; he creates such rad tracks, with a nod to the 80’s in the best way.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

100% Taylor Swift. She has such an amazing relationship with her fans, and I would love to experience a tiny part of that magic.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

Songwriting is absolutely my therapy; without it, I would have a much harder time expressing myself. My songs are little time capsules, capturing the emotion of the moment they were written, and I love that those memories are safely stored. Looking back on old lyrics brings me right back to those moments in time. Probably the most rewarding part of being a musician for me is how a song can start with a just a guitar and vocal, and then take on a life of its own, evolving into something that almost feels like it came through me rather than from me. The production process is almost a state of zen; ideas flowing freely without effort. It’s magic.

And what is the most frustrating part?

I have so so so many half-songs. When I have a really killer hook, but I need another verse or bridge and the lyrics just aren’t coming to me, there is nothing more frustrating to me. With songs like that, I just put it away and patiently wait. Some songs need time; the story isn’t complete so the song can’t be completed until I’ve experienced more life. And eventually, the story does come back around and I’ll remember that partial song and think, “Okay so that’s why I couldn’t finish it back then, because I didn’t even know what it was about until now.”

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

Never write songs with the goal being more streams and clout. The listener can feel that; it’s inauthentic. Always write from a place of honesty, because someone else out there is feeling what you’re feeling too. Write the words that someone out there might be unable to say out loud; that connection and community is what music should be all about.

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Brenna Erickson's new single 'One Hundred' is available to stream and download now. Have a listen to it in the player below.