Meet this week’s Artist of the Week, Heather Brave! Influenced by Britney Spears and fueled by kombucha, Brave is definitely one to watch in 2018. Read our Q&A below.
1. Can you introduce yourself to those who may not know you?
Hi! I’m Heather Brave. I’m a singer and I’ve been releasing so much music in the past few months (some anthems, some intimate stories). I grew up in NJ and live in NYC, my favorite gritty city, where I write songs about going for it and listening to what I want to do and what I believe, regardless of expectation.
2. How would you describe your music to people who have never heard it before?
Regina Spektor is in a writing session with Britney Spears and they write something that makes everyone feel good, but it is also a little off kilter in a satisfying way. That’s me. I am a lyric person at the core and I want to tell stories in a way other people haven’t. I love novels and how they create a world that completely brings you in. That’s a priority for me when I’m writing.
3. What are you looking forward to most in 2018?
Getting out and performing more for sure. I’ve played some really cool spots so far like The Standard and SoFar sounds, and every space gives the songs life in a new way. They feel different every time and that’s enchanting in a way. Also, because I have so many songs bursting, waiting to be released, I can’t wait to actually get more out there and complete the big picture of who I am. With every song, I only show more and get closer.
4. Who are your musical influences?
I grew up listening to Britney Spears and super mainstream pop, which feels good, but when I started middle school, I discovered artists like Lily Allen, Regina Spektor, Ingrid Michaelson, and Vampire Weekend. I was so enthralled with how unconventional and specific they were. I wanted to bring that, with pop music, to create something that totally encapsulated who I am.
5. What about nonmusical influences?
I don’t know if this counts…. but Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. I can relate to the itch to get over the rainbow and look for more. I’ve always wanted to go deeper.
6. If you could collaborate with any musician, who would it be and why?
Jon Bellion is a big one for me. The way he creates a world with his production and lyrics is beyond nuanced, which I love. Also, Lianne La Havas is incredible. I listen to her cover of Say a Little Prayer nearly everyday. They both seem honest and real. I can feel them in their music and I really respect that.
7. What do you hope fans get from your music?
There’s a constant theme that courses through my music which I only noticed in retrospect. Every song is a story about honoring what I want/feel/need even in times when I was scared/nervous/uncertain. In these situations, I always decided to go for it and just do what I need to do, and that’s empowering. I hope that people listen to my music and feel cool and strong.
8. Tell us a little bit about your new song, “Spinning”
I was moving back to New York and going through a lot of change. I felt this overwhelming feeling of spinning out of control, but eventually realized that I could, and I would, get through whatever I was dealing with and that made me feel powerful. The song came out of this and it tells the story of feeling lost, but gaining a sense of invaluable strength out of that disarray, finding an irreplaceable friend in yourself.
9. What is a song you wish you wrote and why?
“If We Were a Movie” by Hannah Montana (those lyrics though…) and/or “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High” by the Arctic Monkeys (that bass!!!). These are songs that have been stuck in my head endlessly.
10. Coffee or Tea?
Can I say kombucha?
11. Current obsession song?
“Aye” by John Splithoff. It’s so smooth.
12. Favorite TV Show?
Law & Order: SVU. Fun fact, I was on it in 5th grade. And Olivia Benson inspires me!!!
13. Ocean or Pool?
Ocean. (Like a Wave! we need those big waves).
14. Favorite movie?
Across The Universe (I sing along to all of The Beatles songs reimagined so well).
Connect with Heather on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo Credit: Meredith Traux
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