Brinn
Black Interview by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International
Black Interview by Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International
Lamitschka: Music
has many new fans throughout Europe who may be hearing about you for the first
time. How would you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who has
never seen or heard you?
has many new fans throughout Europe who may be hearing about you for the first
time. How would you describe yourself and the music you play to someone who has
never seen or heard you?
Answer: Well hi
new fans! 🙂 I usually say it’s a mix between Kelly Clarkson and
Sugarland. I gravitate toward music that means something, whether it’s a
singalong anthem that makes you forget about your worries, or a gut wrenching
song that you need to wallow in on a bad day. To me, music is the most powerful
force out there besides love, and I am so grateful that I get to continue
making it for people to hear.
new fans! 🙂 I usually say it’s a mix between Kelly Clarkson and
Sugarland. I gravitate toward music that means something, whether it’s a
singalong anthem that makes you forget about your worries, or a gut wrenching
song that you need to wallow in on a bad day. To me, music is the most powerful
force out there besides love, and I am so grateful that I get to continue
making it for people to hear.
Lamitschka: How
was the last year for you? What were your highlights?
was the last year for you? What were your highlights?
Answer: The
last year was amazing on so many levels. Some of the highlights for me were
being in the studio and finishing these songs, randomly starting the book
writing process (which has been SO fun), and filming my first music video. With
my song, Daddy’s Medicine in particular, it’s been amazing to see the song come
to life this year and really start having a life of its own.
last year was amazing on so many levels. Some of the highlights for me were
being in the studio and finishing these songs, randomly starting the book
writing process (which has been SO fun), and filming my first music video. With
my song, Daddy’s Medicine in particular, it’s been amazing to see the song come
to life this year and really start having a life of its own.
Lamitschka: What
is your latest CD and how’s it doing?
is your latest CD and how’s it doing?
Answer: I’m still
working on the full cd, but my new single “Daddy’s Medicine” just came
out and I am blown away by the response from people and how they connect with
the song.
working on the full cd, but my new single “Daddy’s Medicine” just came
out and I am blown away by the response from people and how they connect with
the song.
Lamitschka: How
did you choose the title for the CD? Is there a story behind the name?
did you choose the title for the CD? Is there a story behind the name?
Answer: Like I
mentioned, I’m still working on the full CD, but the title for the single
“Daddy’s Medicine” came from a dark time in my life after my Dad’s alcoholism
had gotten out of control and he was in rehab for the first time. The song has
been a huge part of the healing for him, my family, and myself.
mentioned, I’m still working on the full CD, but the title for the single
“Daddy’s Medicine” came from a dark time in my life after my Dad’s alcoholism
had gotten out of control and he was in rehab for the first time. The song has
been a huge part of the healing for him, my family, and myself.
Lamitschka: Do you
write the songs yourself? If not, how do you go about finding songs?
write the songs yourself? If not, how do you go about finding songs?
Answer: I do
write my own songs both by myself and with friends of mine that I cowrite with.
write my own songs both by myself and with friends of mine that I cowrite with.
Lamitschka: What
is the difference between your last CD and your current one?
is the difference between your last CD and your current one?
Answer: This new
CD will be more diverse musically and personally than my last one. I am
co-producing most of the songs which is a new first for me, and has been really
fun. I am really proud of my last album, and I owe my career to it, but this time
I hope people can say “wow that album is so Brinn” when they hear it.
CD will be more diverse musically and personally than my last one. I am
co-producing most of the songs which is a new first for me, and has been really
fun. I am really proud of my last album, and I owe my career to it, but this time
I hope people can say “wow that album is so Brinn” when they hear it.
Lamitschka: Your
current single is being played by radio. What do you feel is special about this
song that makes people want to hear it?
current single is being played by radio. What do you feel is special about this
song that makes people want to hear it?
Answer: I think
people want to hear “Daddy’s Medicine” because they can say “Me Too” to it.
Alot of people have said the song allows them to talk about their own family’s
struggles for the first time in their life.
people want to hear “Daddy’s Medicine” because they can say “Me Too” to it.
Alot of people have said the song allows them to talk about their own family’s
struggles for the first time in their life.
Lamitschka: What
will your next single be?
will your next single be?
Answer: We have a
couple on deck to choose from and I’m playing them at shows to see which one
the crowds seem to love more, so stay tuned!
couple on deck to choose from and I’m playing them at shows to see which one
the crowds seem to love more, so stay tuned!
Lamitschka: What
kind of songs do you like to record the most?
kind of songs do you like to record the most?
Answer: I mean,
I’m a big loud singer, so anything I can belt, especially the dramatic songs
are my favorites to record and are my guilty pleasures. On stage I like singing
the fun uptempos more though.
I’m a big loud singer, so anything I can belt, especially the dramatic songs
are my favorites to record and are my guilty pleasures. On stage I like singing
the fun uptempos more though.
Lamitschka: What
is your favorite song among all the songs you have recorded?
is your favorite song among all the songs you have recorded?
Answer: Daddy’s
Medicine is my favorite song so far that I have recorded. Mainly because it was
a lifetime in the making.
Medicine is my favorite song so far that I have recorded. Mainly because it was
a lifetime in the making.
Lamitschka: How
much creative control do you have over your music?
much creative control do you have over your music?
Answer: 100% thank
the Lord!
the Lord!
Lamitschka: Do you
have any interesting stories about how fans have been affected by your music?
have any interesting stories about how fans have been affected by your music?
Answer:
Lamitschka: Who
inspires you musically and how deep do your musical roots run?
inspires you musically and how deep do your musical roots run?
Answer:
I get inspired
from artists from the Indigo Girls to Barbara Streisand and Garth Brooks to the
Backstreet Boys. Mostly I connect with artists who are unapologetically 100%
themselves, and that continues to inspire me to do the same.
from artists from the Indigo Girls to Barbara Streisand and Garth Brooks to the
Backstreet Boys. Mostly I connect with artists who are unapologetically 100%
themselves, and that continues to inspire me to do the same.
Lamitschka: What
do you think about today’s music scene versus its psst and where do you see it
going in the future?
do you think about today’s music scene versus its psst and where do you see it
going in the future?
Answer: I think
today’s music scene is like the wild wild west in the very best way. As an
artist, it is up to us to be the capitan’s of our ships and create our own
paths in the music world, and that’s super exciting to me. I hope in the future
we will see less divide between genres and just let music be music. I think
people like music of all genres, so continuing to keep all of them
compartmentalized seems like more work than it might be if we just all
worked together.
today’s music scene is like the wild wild west in the very best way. As an
artist, it is up to us to be the capitan’s of our ships and create our own
paths in the music world, and that’s super exciting to me. I hope in the future
we will see less divide between genres and just let music be music. I think
people like music of all genres, so continuing to keep all of them
compartmentalized seems like more work than it might be if we just all
worked together.
Lamitschka: As an
artist, you so many tasks such as recording, touring, interviews. What do you
like best, what’s your favorite activity?
artist, you so many tasks such as recording, touring, interviews. What do you
like best, what’s your favorite activity?
Answer:
Being on stage for sure! It is what made me want to be an artist and
follow this dream, and still continues to do so.
Being on stage for sure! It is what made me want to be an artist and
follow this dream, and still continues to do so.
Lamitschka: Are
you doing anything to take music beyond its current borders or are you happy
where it is?
you doing anything to take music beyond its current borders or are you happy
where it is?
Answer: Last year,
I launched a non-profit called The MusicPreneur Storehouse which invests
in emerging artists and entrepreneurs in the Music Industry via financial and
mentorship support, and also uses the time and talents of people in the music
industry to serve other charitable organizations.
I launched a non-profit called The MusicPreneur Storehouse which invests
in emerging artists and entrepreneurs in the Music Industry via financial and
mentorship support, and also uses the time and talents of people in the music
industry to serve other charitable organizations.
Lamitschka: What
was your big break that got you into the music business?
was your big break that got you into the music business?
Answer: I dont
know that I’ve had one big break, but I moved to Nashville at 18 and never
looked back. For me, I think alot of hard work leads to some small
breaks which has gotten me where I am today.
know that I’ve had one big break, but I moved to Nashville at 18 and never
looked back. For me, I think alot of hard work leads to some small
breaks which has gotten me where I am today.
Lamitschka: Before
you became a star, were your friends and family supportive or was it a
struggle?
you became a star, were your friends and family supportive or was it a
struggle?
Answer: My friends
and family have always been 100% supportive. I owe them everything.
and family have always been 100% supportive. I owe them everything.
Lamitschka: What
inspired you to become an artist?
inspired you to become an artist?
Answer: I dont
know if it was an inspiration or a calling. Maybe a little of both. I just knew
it in my heart from a young age that being an artist is who I am.
know if it was an inspiration or a calling. Maybe a little of both. I just knew
it in my heart from a young age that being an artist is who I am.
Lamitschka: What
inspired you to become a songwriter?
inspired you to become a songwriter?
Answer: After a
few months of being in Nashville, a couple of my friends encouraged me to try
to write songs since they always saw me writing in my journal. Within a week I
had met a couple of new friends who were songwriters and were looking to
write with other people. After our first writing session I was obsessed, and
now it is something I have to do or I will internally combust. Hah! Its
definitely the best form of therapy.
few months of being in Nashville, a couple of my friends encouraged me to try
to write songs since they always saw me writing in my journal. Within a week I
had met a couple of new friends who were songwriters and were looking to
write with other people. After our first writing session I was obsessed, and
now it is something I have to do or I will internally combust. Hah! Its
definitely the best form of therapy.
Lamitschka: What
drives you?
drives you?
Answer: That same
“calling” Ive always had. Also, Not having a plan B.
“calling” Ive always had. Also, Not having a plan B.
Lamitschka: What’s
unique about you that will differentiate you from other artists?
unique about you that will differentiate you from other artists?
Answer: I think
just the fact that I’m me, and I hope that shows in my music. Of course there
will always be similarities, with looks, sound etc, but at the end of the day I
just want to sound like myself.
just the fact that I’m me, and I hope that shows in my music. Of course there
will always be similarities, with looks, sound etc, but at the end of the day I
just want to sound like myself.
Lamitschka: What
has been your greatest challenge in music business?
has been your greatest challenge in music business?
Answer: Keeping my
dreams and career going when life is kicking my butt.
dreams and career going when life is kicking my butt.
Lamitschka: What
moments in your career stand out in your memory as highlights and achievements
which you are proud of?
moments in your career stand out in your memory as highlights and achievements
which you are proud of?
Answer: Im really
proud of the team I have around me. It took a long time to see myself as worthy
of having these incredible music business mavens on my team, so to be at
a place where we are all working together and kicking butt feels amazing. Also,
playing the Ryman is at the top of my list!
proud of the team I have around me. It took a long time to see myself as worthy
of having these incredible music business mavens on my team, so to be at
a place where we are all working together and kicking butt feels amazing. Also,
playing the Ryman is at the top of my list!
Lamitschka: Any
thoughts of retirement ahead?
thoughts of retirement ahead?
Answer: Only
if they kick me out, and that might not even be enough to get me to get off
this train. I love music and the music industry too much.
if they kick me out, and that might not even be enough to get me to get off
this train. I love music and the music industry too much.
Lamitschka: Who is
your biggest critic, yourself or others?
your biggest critic, yourself or others?
Answer: Definitely
me. I am a perfectionist to a huge fault, but I’m learning how to use it for my
good now.
me. I am a perfectionist to a huge fault, but I’m learning how to use it for my
good now.
Lamitschka: When
you get time off, how do you like to relax?
you get time off, how do you like to relax?
Answer: I love
traveling, hanging out with my dog, reading, and watching movies. Im super
normal.
traveling, hanging out with my dog, reading, and watching movies. Im super
normal.
Lamitschka: Is
there anything in your life that you would change if you could?
there anything in your life that you would change if you could?
Answer: Not really. I
think everything that has got me here was for a purpose even if I don’t agree
with the purpose, and I wouldn’t trade where I am in my life right now for
anything in the world.
think everything that has got me here was for a purpose even if I don’t agree
with the purpose, and I wouldn’t trade where I am in my life right now for
anything in the world.
Lamitschka: What
hopes and desires do you have?
hopes and desires do you have?
Answer: I want to
finish my album and spend my life performing for people. It’s that smple
for me.
finish my album and spend my life performing for people. It’s that smple
for me.
Lamitschka: What
has been the biggest disappointment in your life?
has been the biggest disappointment in your life?
Answer: My fiancee
died a few years ago and it wrecked me. Not only did it wreck me, but the
grieving process has rebuilt me in a way that I never imagined, and even though
I still have hard days when It feels like it just happened, I feel more myself
than I ever have before.
died a few years ago and it wrecked me. Not only did it wreck me, but the
grieving process has rebuilt me in a way that I never imagined, and even though
I still have hard days when It feels like it just happened, I feel more myself
than I ever have before.
Lamitschka: Many
European fans travel to the United States to attend the several of the music
festivals for the opportunity to see so many of their favorite artists, bands
and celebrities. Will you be participating and how will the fans be able to
find you?
European fans travel to the United States to attend the several of the music
festivals for the opportunity to see so many of their favorite artists, bands
and celebrities. Will you be participating and how will the fans be able to
find you?
Answer: yes!
I will be around CMA fest for sure. I dont have my schedule yet, but keep
checking my Facebook page and my website for those updates. I also will be
performing at the Lyrics On The Lake songwriters festival in Va as well as the
Tailgates and Tallboys festival in September. More tour dates will be added
soon as well.
I will be around CMA fest for sure. I dont have my schedule yet, but keep
checking my Facebook page and my website for those updates. I also will be
performing at the Lyrics On The Lake songwriters festival in Va as well as the
Tailgates and Tallboys festival in September. More tour dates will be added
soon as well.
Lamitschka: Is
there any place you haven’t played that you would like to?
there any place you haven’t played that you would like to?
Answer: I would
love to play the Opry! That is definitely at the top of my bucket
list.
love to play the Opry! That is definitely at the top of my bucket
list.
Lamitschka: What
can your fans expect to see when they see you in concert?
can your fans expect to see when they see you in concert?
Answer: Me and my
band having a blast on stage!
band having a blast on stage!
Lamitschka: When
you’re on tour, do you have time to play tourist?
you’re on tour, do you have time to play tourist?
Answer: Heck yea!!
Traveling is one of my favorite things to do, so being able to do it and play
music is like the best of both worlds to me.
Traveling is one of my favorite things to do, so being able to do it and play
music is like the best of both worlds to me.
Lamitschka: Many
music fans today get their information about artists online. Do you have your
own website and what will fans find there?
music fans today get their information about artists online. Do you have your
own website and what will fans find there?
Answer:
Yes! It is www.brinnblack.com
Lamitschka: What’s
the best compliment a fan has ever given you?
the best compliment a fan has ever given you?
Answer: That
seeing me follow my dream has inspired them to do the same. That’s what its all
about to me.
seeing me follow my dream has inspired them to do the same. That’s what its all
about to me.
Lamitschka: What’s
your favorite song that you wish you could have recorded?
your favorite song that you wish you could have recorded?
Answer: There are
so many of them, but Jennette Mccurdy recorded a song I almost put on my last
album called “Generation Love” and I still love that song so much!
so many of them, but Jennette Mccurdy recorded a song I almost put on my last
album called “Generation Love” and I still love that song so much!
Lamitschka: What
message would you like to send your European fans?
message would you like to send your European fans?
Answer: That I
can’t wait to meet them and give them a big hug!
can’t wait to meet them and give them a big hug!
Lamitschka: Fans
are always hungry for good road stories. Do you have one you can share with us
(come on don’t be shy)?
are always hungry for good road stories. Do you have one you can share with us
(come on don’t be shy)?
Answer: Oh gosh, I
have so many. One time we had 11 shows in a day, and had to drive back 10
hrs through the night in our packed to the brim Chevy Tahoe, so we could open
for Charlie Daniels. When we got to the festival, the sky opened up and
everyone at the festival, including the artists, were crammed into a high
school gym. The storm didn’t let out for 6 hours. It was one of the craziest 36
hrs ever!
have so many. One time we had 11 shows in a day, and had to drive back 10
hrs through the night in our packed to the brim Chevy Tahoe, so we could open
for Charlie Daniels. When we got to the festival, the sky opened up and
everyone at the festival, including the artists, were crammed into a high
school gym. The storm didn’t let out for 6 hours. It was one of the craziest 36
hrs ever!
Lamitschka:
Describe what a perfect day is like for you.
Describe what a perfect day is like for you.
Answer: For me
it’s as simple waking up and getting to continue to make music. I love that
every day is totally different for me, but as long as it incorporates music it
is a perfect day in my book.
it’s as simple waking up and getting to continue to make music. I love that
every day is totally different for me, but as long as it incorporates music it
is a perfect day in my book.
Lamitschka: Most
careers don’t last as long as yours. What’s given your career the staying
power?
careers don’t last as long as yours. What’s given your career the staying
power?
Answer: I think
the fact that I have good people around me and we all work really hard.
the fact that I have good people around me and we all work really hard.