Brenna Bone – What Do I Do Now?
Brenna Bone is back with her second single, the heartfelt track ‘What Do I Do Now?’ We caught up with her for a quick chat and a listen to the new track.
You’re originally from Erie, Pennsylvania and now living in Nashville. Can you tell us how that move came about?
I was playing shows a lot back home, while traveling frequently to Nashville to start making connections in town, played a few shows, and learned of a whole new world of songwriting. Eventually, it came to a point where I just couldn’t continue the trip to Nashville as often as I wanted to, and knew I had to make a decision. I was ready to take my career to the next level.
Can you tell us the story behind your new single ‘What Do I Do Now?’?
“What Do I Do Now?” was inspired by the loss of a close friend, Tyler Covato. I remember going into my write that day, on June 10, 2019. Tyler was weighing really heavy on my heart and my mind, more than usual that day. I began telling my cowriters, Lydia Dall and Ian McConnell, everything about Tyler. I didn’t know that I was going to walk out of that room that day with what has become my favorite song I’ve written, to date.
Being a country/pop artist, some people may be surprised by your taste in music. Could you tell us who some of your favourite bands are?
I actually really love more country/rock! I grew up listening to rock bands that my parents would listen to, and eventually developed my own love for country music as well. Some of my favorite country artists right now are Brantley Gilbert, Jason Aldean, and Maren Morris.
You live with another incredible artist in town by the name of Christina Taylor, is music always the topic of conversation at home or do you both make an effort to just take a step away from that sometimes?
Honestly, we don’t talk music all that often! We’ll fill each other in on what’s going on with each other, and we’re usually listening to music or singing throughout the house, but most of the time the topic of conversation is just what a couple 20- something best friends would talk about. We did write a song together over quarantine! That was so fun to do and I’m sure we will again in the near future.
There’s definitely a very rebellious feel to you as an artist and your music. Would you say that’s an accurate representation of your personality?
Yes, for sure! I think my parents would agree that I was always the more rebellious child. I just wrote a song called “Want It Like That” that I am really excited about and definitely shows that side of me.
Back home in Pennsylvania you used to perform in a band called Sonny’s Fugitives. Would you say you have any preference playing in a band or performing solo?
Sonny Fugitives is a band that will always be close to my heart. I learned so much from all of those guys. They took me under their wing at a young age and made me into the artist that I am today.
I love playing full band shows! I love interacting with my bandmates onstage. It’s such an adrenaline rush! Plus, the louder the show, the better.
When not working on music you can often be found saving lives working as a Respiratory Therapist at a hospital in Nashville. How do you cope mentally juggling something like that at the same time as a music career?
I typically work as a Respiratory Therapist 3 days a week, 12 hour shifts. It’s something that I’ve grown to get used to. It works out pretty well, I can make it to a show as soon as I get out of work, and then I write on my days off. At the end of the day, I just want to help people. Whether it’s through medicine or music!
I would love to know your favourite thing about yourself as an artist
I would say my favorite thing about myself as an artist is that I haven’t changed who I am as a person, and the kind of artist that I want to be. For example, I’ve had people suggest that I change my artist name. “Bone” is my real last name and it’s a name that I’m proud of. I think it fits for the vibe that I’m going for!
Being an artist yourself and someone who attends a decent amount of shows I’d love to know what really makes an artist that’s new to you stand out and somebody you’d go and see again
Originality. Whether it’s the way an artist writes, the tone of their voice, or their onstage personality. I love finding something different that really catches my ear. Their connection with the audience is big for me too. I want to see the real side of an artist.
Anything else in the pipeline musically for you at the moment?
I have plans to demo some new songs, really soon! I’ve been loving what I’ve been writing as of late and plan to release some new music at the turn of the new year!
Brenna Bone is an artist I was lucky enough to catch performing a few times when I was last in Nashville and she’s a real stand out talent for me. She may often be referred to as a country/pop artist but there’s a real kick and personality behind what she does as an artist that makes me reluctant to just box her into that genre.
‘What Do I Do Now?’ is a heartfelt tale inspired by the loss of a close friend and it’s really brought to life by the passion and genuine feeling behind the impressive vocal ability of Brenna. The track opens with a softer feel as the blissful side of Brenna’s voice and gentle instrumentation give us the picture of what is perhaps a post funeral scene. The emotion behind the song really hits hard as the tempo picks up and Brenna sings about what does she do next after the loss. “What do I do now, what do I do now, when it’s just me and I don’t have you, my world stops but the Earth still moves”, a particularly touching sentiment I think a lot of people will be able to relate to.
Whilst Brenna is more than capable of putting on a great solo show, this track definitely gives us a feel for the fantastic stage presence she possesses by showing us just how much she thrives with a rocky band behind her amplifying her fantastic voice and energy. I feel like a lot of artists are trying to figure out what they can change to stand out or do differently to other artists, in Brenna Bone we have an artist who is going to stand out and stick in people’s memories by being entirely herself.
Review written and interview conducted by Craig Brooks (twitter.com/swindonforever)