At 17-years-old, Brynn Cartelli is the ultimate inspiration to fellow singer-songwriters around the world. Through the lively tone and powerful depth to her singing, Brynn's catchy lyrics truly emanate the best vibes that bring euphoric energy to the dance floor.
Most popularly known from her title of being the youngest contestant to ever win NBC's competition series, "The Voice" as the season 14 winner, Brynn has delivered top-notch performances and music like her single, "Last Night's Mascara" that accentuate her show stopping vocal range and upbeat rhythm.
photo by Weiss Eubanks @weisseubanks
Through her many experiences so far, she has had opportunities from providing support on tours with Kelly Clarkson (her coach on "The Voice") and Maroon 5, to contributing to NBC's "TODAY," "Radio Disney Music Awards," "Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade," and so much more.
Along with rising popularity for her songs, she has done it once again with her most recent release "Long Way Home," which has already gathered positive buzz.
The Teen Magazine had the special opportunity to interview Brynn on anything and everything about her music career and what's to come in the future.
@kellyclarksonshow
Finding Her Passion
How did you begin your journey as a singer-songwriter? When was the moment that you knew what you wanted to do?
I've been super into music for as long as I can remember. And it's really hard to like nail down an exact time but I think it was at the end of elementary school when I started getting ready to go to middle school and I started performing in front of people.
And at first, that big reaction— I think it was at a talent show and I was like, "Oh maybe I can do this," and you know it was kind of the validation from anybody. And inside I think I knew I've always wanted to do it but it definitely helped to get people on board.
Behind the Scenes: "Long Way Home"
What was the inspiration and process behind your newest single, "Long Way Home?"
Well, as all of my songs are kind of based on true stories, I think that [Long Way Home] definitely hits home with it. It's a wink to the rush of young love in a small town.
I grew up in a small town and there's not a lot of things we can do. So, sometimes the most fun thing ever is to just drive and so "Long Way Home" was kind of birthed from that.
We just wanted to have a lot of fun. I wrote it in Nashville with Nathan Chapman and he's so great and such a talented guy so we were kind of fumbling along with a lot of ideas at the time and all of a sudden, "Long Way Home" kind of fell out. So, it's just one of those special moments.
On Being the Season 14 Winner of "The Voice"
As the Season 14 winner of "The Voice," how did that take part in your career? What was that experience like?
It was truly insane, the whole thing. I was a freshman in high school so I look back on it and I'm like, "Oh that's baby Brynn!" and I guess I'm still baby Brynn but that's totally what that era was.
And, you know that experience gave me that relationship with Kelly who you know, Kelly took me out on tour with her and we played all over the country. And that was how I met my label [Elektra Records], and that was when everything was sort of like a waterfall effect.
But, you know, I'm really grateful that it brought me to her because she has really advocated for me and has been super supportive and such a great mentor to have. But overall, I can't believe that [The Voice] was three years ago, or something crazy like that.
Mentors and Collaborations
Working with Kelly Clarkson as a mentor and being able to collaborate with so many other talented artists, how has that experience been?
It's so fun! And it's really cool to meet people that love the same thing that I love. Especially you know, where I come from a lot of my friends over here are athletes and they do other things but it wasn't until I was able to get out and meet new people that I had realized I'm not the only person out there that wants to pursue this dream.
Photo by Samuel Mitchell
Being able to kind of step away from my phone and fully immerse myself in the experience of meeting people, and you know, it's kind of speed dating what I was doing. It was like you go in, and somebody writes a song and you see if you like them and you want to write again, and it was just like such a machine.
But truly, art happens in mysterious ways so that's probably one of my favorite parts of it all.
On Facing and Overcoming Challenges
What are the biggest challenges that you face as a music artist and how do you overcome them?
Well, obviously right now not being able to tour and play shows is really hard but overall, I would say like the comparisons.
photo by Weiss Eubanks @weisseubanks
I think that there are a lot of people, that especially with women, to compare and that's really not fun for anybody on either side. And you know, just kind of being determined to stay in your own lane, and love what you do, and respect other people.
But also, sticking to your own thing is very hard usually when there are so many talented people out there that are trying to do different things as well. That's been a little challenging, but I think I've done a pretty good job so far and I hope to stay on that track.
On Fans and Supporters
What is it like to have such a big and supportive fan-base?
It's so awesome! They're like best friends to me and especially because it's been a lot of time where we've had to separate myself from the show and establish who I want to be as a song-writer and person in the studio, it's been really interesting and they have been so patient, and so loving, and still so supportive.
They are absolutely the best and I am so excited that we get to extend our family. And there's still you know, some "OGs" from like 2018 who are still around so really, it's like an honor that I have them and I'm just so grateful.
A Piece of Advice
For aspiring singers and song-writers, what advice would you give to them?
To anybody that's wanting to do what I'm doing right now, I would say to really put yourself out there.
I think it's a matter of you know, getting people to know you and feel like they are a part of your journey. Whether that is you know social media on any platform, and just continuing to stay true to who you are and being proud of that. And when you put it on, somebody's going to dig what you're doing.
And on the song-writer side, I would just say to write all the time— that's the best thing even if it's not songs. I'm always writing something so it's the best thing for you.
Quick Q's
What other past-time activities/hobbies do you enjoy?
I am constantly creating, and reading and painting, sculpting really bad clay— like I'm really bad at it but it's really fun!
You know, I really love getting outside and like I said going on long drives and adventures. But, anything that keeps me moving and keeps me excited.
Who are your biggest influences?
I would say my biggest influences are Coldplay, Florence + The Machine, probably Taylor Swift, and Lorde.
What is a unique talent you have that others don't know about?
I can, you know this is really stupid but it's the first thing that comes to mind—this is like, so dumb!
I, you know, like when people can click their tongues? I don't want to bust the speakers but I mean I can do it really loudly and my friends always think it's so weird, but that's like my one secret talent that my close friends love to talk about. It's so random, but that's the only thing I could think of!
What is the best advice that you have been given?
The best advice I have ever been given is to trust myself. You know, Kelly has told me that so many times.
Especially being a young girl in the industry you kind of get scared that, oh man once you hear something that seems to be impressive or you know has had billions of streams or has made a lot of money, you're like, oh, I should definitely listen to every single word that they say.
But the thing is, that it's not going to work if it doesn't resonate with you and what you want to do. That's kind of what has stayed with me so that I can make this music the most honest as possible. So, I'm really grateful for that piece of advice.
Do you have a dream travel destination?
Right now, I really want to go to Italy just because I've never been and I'm very Italian so just anywhere in Italy. I don't even care, just plot me down and I'm gonna explore it!
But also this summer because it might be easier to go there since it's not out of the country, I really want to go to Yosemite.
@brynncartelli
Recently, astrology has been a trending topic. What is your zodiac sign or your "big three?"
Yes, I'm very into that. I grew up where my mom had a lot of friends and they're all like little witchy women and where I'm from it's very big too.
I am an Aries sun, Libra moon, and a Pisces rising.
Do you think that your astrology placings are true for you?
It completely aligns with me through and through.
I mean, I'm like that annoying person whenever I see anybody I'm like, "Hey, wanna give me your birth time, birth date...?" you know everything, and I'm like let me just go calculate it and over-analyze everybody!
But, I have totally seen it reflect my life.
What is currently on your bucket list?
Some part of me just really wants to fly and somehow get to Australia. That's kind of on my bucket list even though I don't think it's going to happen.
But, go to Australia so that I can go to a live show and feel fulfilled again— which the next time I go to a live show, I will be sobbing and I guess that's just another bucket list thing of mine.
Keep Up With Brynn
Brynn can be found @brynncartelli on Instagram and Twitter where you can stay tuned for updates!
Additionally, follow her on Spotify for amazing music to jam out to.
