Interview: Brynn Elliot On Staying Grounded in the Business

Brynn Elliott might not be a household name quite yet, but her breakup anthem “Might Not Like Me,” which is an ode to every woman who was made to feel small in a relationship, might just make her one. “Might Not Like Me” has also been featured in recent episodes of TV Land’s hit Younger, NBC’s American Ninja Warrior and Brynn performed it live on Live with Kelly and Ryan and The Today Show. Brynn sat down with Glitter to talk about her singles, what it was like to tour with Switchfoot, and how she stays grounded in this business.

GLITTER: How would you describe your sound?

BRYNN: I would say my sound is anthemic pop with a side of tender sweet moments.

GLITTER: What does being an artist mean to you?

BRYNN: Being an artist to me means always telling the truth. That is what I am looking to do in my music – discovering and writing about what is real and true and beautiful.

GLITTER: What can you tell us about your singles, “Time of Our Lives” and “Might Not Like Me?”

BRYNN: Those are my anthems. They are songs about being true to yourself and being present in the moment.

GLITTER: Did any events inspire you to write either one of those songs?

BRYNN: Yes, “Might Not Like Me” was inspired by a break-up in college. I was dating this guy and I was very busy with music and school. I played around 260 shows during my time in college and I think the guy I was dating was intimidated by it all. And for a moment I questioned myself and thought maybe no one would date me if I was so driven and focused on my music and school -But I ended up reaching a breaking point where I decided not to live in the fear of what this boy thought of me and just be myself and pursue the things I loved. “Time of Our Lives” was inspired by the time when I was going into my senior year of college and was feeling very overwhelmed and afraid of what the future would hold – the fear of the unknown. And when I feel this way, I usually call my mom and I told her everything – and she very firmly but lovingly said “Brynn, your problems are not problems. All you have to do this year is enjoy.” My mom didn’t have the time or money to go to college when she was my age so her advice to just take in the moment and enjoy really struck me and I wrote Time of Our Lives about that.

GLITTER: What was it like to see “Might Not Like Me” on TV Land’s hit show, Younger?

BRYNN: It was SO exciting. I am the biggest Hilary Duff fan and so it was incredible to have a song in the same scene as her!

GLITTER: What was it like playing with Switchfoot?

BRYNN: It was incredible – honestly, I couldn’t believe it. They are one of my absolute favorite bands so to be able to open for them was a dream. And they were so kind to me and gave me so much advice. It was truly one of the best summers of my life.

GLITTER: We understand that you were a philosophy major at Harvard University. How did you balance touring and college?

BRYNN: I was! It was a juggling act for sure but totally worth it. There were funny moments where I would be about to go in stage but would submit my college papers online seconds before. It kept me on my toes for sure.

GLITTER: Do you play any instruments?

BRYNN: I play guitar and keys.

GLITTER: What is the songwriting process like for you?

BRYNN: I always have to start with an idea – an idea that is universal. That is why I decided to study philosophy because I really felt that songwriting and philosophy were doing the same thing finding those core ideas at the heart of the human experience.

GLITTER: Will we see an album from you soon?

BRYNN: Yes! I am writing it now and hoping to release next year.

GLITTER: How do you stay grounded in this business?

BRYNN: My family keeps me grounded. I go to them with everything – everything I am going through and feeling. They’ve known me my whole life so they always have a way of bringing me back to myself.

GLITTER: What positive message do you hope to send women who follow you?

BRYNN: To embrace themselves and pursue what they love. I do a thing every Sunday on Instagram – it’s called Nerdy Girl Sunday where I post a quote and repost quotes that fans have sent in and have a little conversation about some idea or concept that is important to life. I hope this is encouraging to those that follow me and shows that being nerdy is not only cool, but vital to life and our society.

GLITTER: What is one thing your fans may not know about you?

BRYNN: Cake is my favorite thing. I love it.

GLITTER: Favorite places to travel?

BRYNN: I love the desert. It’s so different from where I grew up in Atlanta – so getting to experience something so foreign is exciting to me.

GLITTER: One highlight of your career so far?

BRYNN: I played The Today Show and that was very special. I grew up watching it with my mom every day so it was surreal to actually be a guest on the show.

GLITTER: Who’s on your top 5 Spotify playlist?

BRYNN: “Buzzcut Season” – Lorde “A Sunday Kind of Love” – Etta James “November Rain” – Guns n’ Roses “Homesick” – Dua Lipa “8 Letters” – Why Don’t We

GLITTER: Who would you love to work with and why?

BRYNN: I would love to work with Ed Sheehan. I think he’s such an incredible songwriter and artist. It would be a dream to work with him.

GLITTER: What new projects can we expect to see you working on?

BRYNN: Some collaborations and my album. I will also be pursuing all things Nerdy Girl – so stay tuned for some exciting things having to do with that.

GLITTER: How can fans follow you?

BRYNN: On Instagram: @brynnelliottmusic, Twitter and Facebook: @brynnelliott