- Author:Faith-Ann Young
- Posted on:Wednesday December 14, 2011 at 9:00 PM
- Filed under:photos, bren, tennman records, debut, vocalizeu, rollingstone lounge
Tennman Artist and New York-born, Florida-based singer Bren made her highly anticipated Los Angeles debut at the Rollingstone Lounge in Hollywood this past weekend, Saturday December 10th. part of the VocalizeU Release party, Bren was introduced by host Natasha Bedingfield before performing a cover by Chaka Khan and then 4 original tracks.
For you aspiring singers out there, VocalizeU is a virtual voice lesson app that enables anyone anywhere to train their pipes. Pretty rad concept! Bren actually contributed to the app herself, helping program the piano for all the vocal examples and providing the female vocal examples for all the ranges. However, it was that night onstage when Bren instantly proved her own vocal prowess, getting the jam-packed room grooving to her R & B-infused, soulful vibrato. we are positive you will be hearing much more of Bren in the months to come but till then, here is a peek at what makes Bren tick:
JT.com: How would you describe your music to someone?
Bren: It’s really soulful. I write pretty much straight from my heart. I just want to show everybody what I can do and just be honest about it.
JT.com: How old were you when you first wrote a song?
Bren: I was 14 years old. I actually remember the name of it. It was called “a Dreamer’s Love.” (laugh) It was really corny. I think it’s somewhere at my mom’s house in a notebook…..and actually I jacked an ‘N Sync melody – how ironic!?
JT.com: When did you start playing the piano?
Bren: When I was 5. instead of trying to read and do all the exercises, I would play with the TV on – and I would try to learn the Doogie Howser Theme song or something. I prefer to play by ear.
JT.com: How did Justin find you?
Bren: It’s a crazy story. I am adopted so I have a long lost sister, who just magically sings and is two years younger than me. She entered the my Grammy Moment contest, told me about it, and encouraged me to enter as well.
I made this video for “I want to dance With Somebody,” which made it to the final 3. I was 22 at the time. I didn’t win the contest but afterwards, Justin called me and signed me to his label, Tennman Records.
JT.com: What songs are you debuting for us and what were their inspiration?
Bren: The first song is a Chaka Khan cover, “I know you, I live you.” I really love the song and it took me three years to find out what it was. I remembered this drum beat….and then tom fills….it reminds me of the ‘80s.
The second is called, “I’m Your ex,” which I wrote with [Timbaland producer] Jim Beanz. Basically, in the song, I’m a women scorned and I talk about putting Nair in my ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend’s shampoo and stuff. all the girls will love it it!
“White Flag” is a song that I wrote in New York about my relationship about my current boyfriend. We’ve known each other for 16 years and we were 10 years old when we met. It started with puppy love and then it evolved into an adult relationship. but it wasn’t always easy. in between relationships, I was going to throw in the towel, and the song is about that feeling.
“It Ain’t You” is a really sad song. It’s about the same dude but he ended up having a child with this girl – when we weren’t together. It’s also about time and distance – he lived in Florida and I lived in New York – that painful experience of when your loved one isn’t with you.
We end the set on the song called “dear Nameless.” in between relationships, I fell for this guy who is an artist. I will NEVER say whom it is about. The guy’s a jerk. but it’s a fun song.
JT.com: 3 bands you would tour with right now?
Bren: Animal collective, Hot Chip, and LCD Soundsystem if they could get back together.
JT.com: who is your icon?
Bren: Old school Mariah Carey. Or Prince. if Prince were a chick, I would want to be him because he’s so damn smooth and you can’t deny a talent like that.
JT.com: Go-to late night snack?
Bren: Everything bagel with sour cream and Sriracha.
JT.com: Favorite food?
Bren: Sushi.
JT.com: 3 things you would bring with you if your house was burning down……?
Bren: My laptop, my drives, and my keyboards.
JT.com: How many tattoos do you have?
Bren: 3 – my first was one in my lower back of “Om” but it’s missing a tail. That’s what happens when you are drunk at 18 in the West Village at 2 in the morning!
JT.com: Favorite film?
Bren: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
JT.com: Favorite Soundtracks?
Bren: Tron. It’s bad-ass. I love Daft Punk.
JT.com: Idea of perfect happiness?
Bren: Me on a beach with a nice house, a studio, overlooking the beach, where I could make music and no one would yell at me for playing too loud.
JT.com: Lastly, what’s your favorite Justin Timberlake or ‘N Sync song?
Bren: “oh holy night” the Acapella version…because it is the season!
Natasha Bedingfield introduces Bren
A member of the band, 1500 Or Nothin, which accompanied Bren
Studio 54 was in the house…
(Photos: Faith-Ann Young)
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