Brandyn Burnette, a progressive pop artist, took the time to answer a few questions for The Charger Bulletin, who was previously featured as the “Artist to Watch.” Since then, Burnette has had a busy month; he has released new collaborations, including a debut single “Young” with his counterpart Molly Moore under the duo “Cosmos & Creature,” a music video for his single “Karma,” and a dance track “Plans” with Elephante. Burnette shared his advice and personal experiences about working independently in the music industry.
Q: “Karma” music video – where did the inspiration come from?
A: I was inspired by the events that keep happening between the police force and people. I’m from Saint Louis, close to Ferguson. Going back home recently really opened my eyes to the fear that’s been instilled as a result of the tragic events. I created this visual to speak on this issues.
Q: You’ve done a lot of traveling and working independently/with a label. How is the music scene different in LA versus NYC?
A: The music scene is very saturated in LA. There are a lot of artists. There are even more writers & producers. In New York, there are less people creating, but they are really good. I think there’s talent & hard workers everywhere- but for me, I feel more focused in LA because of the weather, the lifestyle & the amount of work there is. I will say that being independent has been a lot harder in LA, but ultimately more rewarding because I get to create my success every day.
Q: “Cosmos & Creature” — how did this collaboration come about? What are your plans for the future?
A: Cosmos & Creature is the natural progression of both Molly Moore & I. We performed separately, supporting each other in both solo career shows, and we had been writing so much together that the duo was the culmination of a new sound we started developing as our relationship and music bond solidified.
Q: I discovered you via Twitter. How do you use social media to increase your audience?
A: I’ve used social media for exposure. There are so many music consumers out there that I believe a lot of my audience is either waiting to discover me or waiting for me to discover them. Often times I’ll make first contact and I’ve cultivated some great relationships with my supporters that way. To me, music is about communication, and that’s an aspect I thoroughly enjoy about building my career as an artist and entertainer.
Q: Where do you find inspiration? Any specific artists?
A: I don’t listen to a ton of music when I’m in the heavy creation mode, but I do find some artists to be very inspiring in their mentality. Artist producers like Jon Bellion and Frank Ocean to Charlotte Day Wilson and J Cole. I love artists that create their vision completely from the visuals to the actual sound of the music.
Q: If you wanted our audience to listen to only one of your songs, which one/why?
A: I think the best song to listen to for my project is “Lost”. I wrote it for a couple fans who lost someone for the first time. It’s one of those songs that I feel like will live a lot longer than I will. It’s a daunting, intimidating feeling, but it’s also pretty special gift to know there’s a song of mine that I’m comfortable leaving behind as my legacy.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring music industry majors?
A: Stay true to your instinct. Never do it only for the dollar. Stick by the art you believe in. Build your own company. Study up on social media. Get familiar with the blogs. Make contacts at all the new company’s: Spotify, Sirius, Apple, etc. Make yourself an asset by playing your own game.
Follow Brandyn Burnette on:
Twitter: @brandynburnette
Youtube: /brandynburnetteVEVO
Soundcloud: brandynburnette
