Exclusive Interview

Can you introduce yourself and tell us what influenced your musical journey?  Hi, my name is Britt Warren and I am a multi-genre artist, songwriter, session guitarist, composer for tv and film and producer. When I was a very young child I seemed to be very aware of music. I would be deeply affected by music in general but certain songs would saturate me in a way nothing else had. I think growing up in a family that taught me not to let a person's race influence my opinion of their character helped me a great deal in many ways. We had African-American and Hispanic friends in the 1960's living in the South. One definite way I benefited was having an African-American babysitter. In my young, impressionable mind she was my best friend. She turned me on to blues, soul, R&B, funk as well as whatever and whoever the top 10 charts might expose me to. She definitely fanned a flame already in me. That led me to discover rock, jazz, fusion, Latin, etc... as they say, the rest is history.

When did you first begin writing songs, and what inspired you to take songwriting seriously? As far back as my memory goes, I think I was writing melodies in my head. I just didn't think much about it until my 4th grade teacher gave my class the option to do our weekly book report or write a song. She just threw that song option right out of left field which she had never done before. Hating book reports the way I did and as easy as writing a song was to me, it was a clear choice for me, so I chose to write a song. I wrote a melody in my head, then some lyrics about fireflies of all things, but then came the information that whoever writes a song instead of a book report, had to sing the song for presentation, just like the people who did book reports would have to give their summations on the book they read. That's when the panic set in because I did not intend to sing a song in front of the class. I ended up paying my cousin $5 to learn and sing the song for me. Believe it or not she gave me an A. The fact someone saw potential in it made me think more about it.

Your song is titled “What’s With You?” What inspired its story and message? I love women who take care of themselves physically, mentally and spiritually, These special women know who they are supposed to be. They don't bow at the alter of silly trends or stereotypes and though there may be very few of them, they are strong internally and aren't defined by cheap, surface relationships or resorting to manipulation. They know their worth and don't succumb to peer pressure.

How did your collaboration with vocalist Jennifer Krištupis come together? I actually met Jennifer producing her demo when she was sixteen or so. She had won some voice competitions locally and her dad contacted me about working with her to get a good recording of her voice for promotion. We got a great demo and Jennifer and I became good friends. I always knew she would be right for one of my songs at some point down the road. When I decided to record and release "What's With You" she was the first voice I thought of.

What qualities in Jennifer’s voice made her the right vocalist for “What’s With You”? Her voice was sultry, powerful and passionate which were qualities I needed but she also embodied some of the qualities of the girl in the song. When we got in the studio, it just happened.

What does your typical songwriting process look like, and do you usually begin with lyrics, a melody, or an instrumental idea? It could be any of those or something entirely different. I'm inspired to write by many things.

Which artists, genres, or life experiences have had the greatest influence on your songwriting? In my journey I studied so many artists, genres and styles that I truly couldn't narrow it down to even a few. The world is full of good artists.

Do you perform live often? The first part of my professional life I spent a lot of time on the road traveling and and playing with my band as well as others but since 2020 not as much. I still do occasional live gigs when the situation is right.

What has been the most rewarding and the most challenging part of releasing music as an independent songwriter? The most rewarding part has probably been when I received messages from people telling me they were taking my music to their chemo and radiation sessions because it gave them peace. I remember being so humbled by that. The most challenging part is navigating around all the walls, devices and mazes the system has in it to favor the artist they own over independent artists. I've had offers from labels over the years and many other offers, but the deals just weren't right. When you don't intend to be owned, it's challenging.

What can listeners expect from you next, and where can they follow your music and upcoming projects? Sometimes I don't even know what's coming next myself, but I promise you it won't be a half assed effort. I'm working on some tunes now with a drummer named Alva Fair and we've written a few things I think folks will enjoy. Though I'm out there in many places and hubs, the best way to stay updated and informed would be my official website at http://brittwarrenmusic.com.