In this exclusive interview, Brittany Bindrim shares her journey as a solo artist, discussing her debut album ‘Velella Velella’ and the evolution of her music. Join us as we explore her creative process, musical influences, and plans for the future.
Table of Contents
- Introductions
- Solo Album Decision
- Album Production Insights
- Album Themes Explained
- Musical Influences
- Live Concert Plans
- Solo Concert Nerves
- International Performances
- Upcoming Music Releases
- Album Reception
- Sensory Deprivation Tanks
- Artistic Vision in Artwork
- Future Album Plans
- Additional Thoughts
- Farewell
Introductions
Brittany Bindrim is not just a name in the music industry; she is a multifaceted artist whose journey has evolved over two decades. Known as the frontwoman of I:Scintilla, Brittany has embarked on a new chapter as a solo artist. Her debut album ‘Velella Velella’ showcases her unique sound and artistic vision, blending genres and exploring themes that resonate deeply with listeners.
Solo Album Decision
The decision to create a solo album came during a period of introspection for Brittany. She explained that she was on a hiatus from I:Scintilla, which led her to explore her own musical ideas. “I was getting more into programming music and just kind of experimenting on my own,” she shared. This experimentation sparked the creation of songs that felt distinct from her work with the band.
As she developed these songs, Brittany realised they were evolving into something unique, prompting her to pursue this solo project. “It just kind of came out of The Ether pretty organically,” she added, indicating that the process was both natural and fulfilling.
Album Production Insights
Brittany took a hands-on approach with her album, writing all the songs in her home studio. She recorded the tracks at Secret Hand Studios in Los Angeles, collaborating with producer Matt MC Junkins. “I wrote everything and performed everything,” she stated proudly, reflecting on the extensive work involved in the album’s creation.
She described the experience as both challenging and rewarding, feeling it was the right time to embark on this project. “It felt like I was kind of technically ready to do something like this,” Brittany remarked, highlighting her growth as an artist.
Album Themes Explained
The themes of ‘Velella Velella’ are rooted in self-discovery and human nature. Brittany noted that many songs emerged from a stream of consciousness, making the writing process feel organic. “If you were to kind of boil the general theme of the album down, it’s kind of like self-discovery and also trying to maybe understand human nature,” she explained.
Her exploration of sociopolitical climates and personal reflection adds depth to the album, inviting listeners to connect with the music on multiple levels. “It’s about reflecting on yourself but trying to understand humans in general,” Brittany elaborated, showing how her personal journey intertwines with broader societal themes.
Musical Influences
Brittany’s musical influences are diverse and impactful. She reminisced about her early admiration for Prince and how grunge bands like Soundgarden shaped her sound. “I loved Grunge music… that was a big influence on me,” she recalled.
Her introduction to industrial music through bands like Skinny Puppy opened new avenues for her creativity. “That kind of opened the floodgates of experimental music for me,” she said, indicating how these influences have shaped her artistic identity. She also mentioned vocal inspirations like Björk, showcasing her appreciation for unique and powerful voices in music.
Interestingly, Brittany’s sound has drawn comparisons to other artists, with listeners noting similarities to Kraftwerk and even Bill Nelson. Her ability to blend different styles while maintaining her individuality speaks to her artistry and vision.
Live Concert Plans
Brittany Bindrim is eagerly preparing for her upcoming live performances. “Next weekend I’m getting ready just to play the new project with my live band,” she shared with enthusiasm. She has assembled a new trio, featuring Alex Clner on drums and Jim Ccas from I:Scintilla on bass.
They will be performing a series of shows around the Midwest, including stops in Madison and Chicago. “These will be my first shows ever as a solo artist, and I’m really excited about it,” Brittany expressed. She hopes to expand her tour beyond the Midwest, with aspirations to perform in Europe and even Malta.
Solo Concert Nerves
When it comes to performing solo, Brittany admits to feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation. “I don’t really get stage fright anymore with I:Scintilla, but I’m not 100% sure how I’m going to feel once I hit the stage as a solo act,” she admitted. While she has overcome her initial shyness over the years, she still experiences butterflies before a performance.
Despite any nerves, Brittany views them as a positive force. “I think the butterflies might help the performance,” she noted. Connecting with the audience is something she looks forward to, as it enhances the overall experience for both her and the crowd.
International Performances
Brittany has already performed internationally with I:Scintilla, playing in various countries, including a festival in Germany and a show in Canada. She expressed a desire to take her solo act abroad as well. “I really would like to get more outside of the States and play some shows in Europe and maybe even Australia,” she said.
Her enthusiasm for reaching new audiences is palpable. “There’s a big audience out there, and I hope to connect with them through my music,” Brittany added, highlighting her eagerness to expand her fanbase globally.
Upcoming Music Releases
Looking ahead, Brittany is already working on new material. “I have some more songs written, and I feel kind of restless, like I have more to create,” she explained. While she is uncertain about the exact timeline for her next album, she is committed to continuing her creative process.
She plans to return to the studio soon, regardless of how her upcoming live shows go. “I’m just going to go right back into the studio again and keep going,” Brittany affirmed, showcasing her dedication to her craft.
Album Reception
Upon releasing ‘Velella Velella’, Brittany was pleasantly surprised by the positive reception from listeners. “I really didn’t know what to expect; I thought maybe it would just be my friends listening to it,” she reflected. To her delight, the album has resonated with a wider audience than she anticipated.
With the support of Metropolis Records handling distribution, Brittany has been able to reach fans effectively. “They’ve been great, and it’s been fun to see how people are responding to the music,” she noted, appreciating the support behind her solo venture.
Sensory Deprivation Tanks
Brittany Bindrim shared her intriguing experience with sensory deprivation tanks, describing them as a unique method for enhancing creativity. “It’s pretty cool, I did that a couple of times and it’s kind of wild,” she explained. The tanks are filled with a saline solution that allows you to float effortlessly, creating a sensation akin to floating in space.
Without any external stimuli, your mind is free to wander. “After a while, you’re just kind of floating there and like you’ll just start seeing light or starting to hallucinate,” Brittany noted. This experience can lead to vivid dreams or visual inspirations, which can then translate into artistic ideas.
Artistic Vision in Artwork
In addition to her music career, Brittany is also a talented artist. She mentioned that her day job encompasses graphic design, web design, and various forms of painting, including murals and pen-and-ink drawings. “I had some really cool visuals from the sensory deprivation experience, and I was like, oh I got an idea for a drawing or a painting just from that too,” she said, highlighting the intersection of her artistic endeavors.
Her artwork serves as an extension of her music, allowing her to express herself in multiple mediums. “There was something really cool about just writing a record all on your own,” Brittany reflected, emphasizing the personal nature of her creative process.
Future Album Plans
Brittany Bindrim is already looking towards her next musical project. “I’ve already got some more songs written,” she revealed. The creative energy she feels is palpable, as she expressed a sense of restlessness and eagerness to produce more music.
While she is uncertain about the timeline for her next album, she is committed to continuing her creative journey. “I’m just going to go right back into the studio again and keep going,” Brittany affirmed, showcasing her dedication and passion for her craft.
Additional Thoughts
Brittany took a moment to express her gratitude towards her fans and supporters. “I really didn’t know what to expect; I thought maybe it would just be my friends listening to it,” she shared, reflecting on the positive reception of her debut album. She was pleasantly surprised by the wider audience that connected with her music.
With the support from Metropolis Records, Brittany has been able to reach fans effectively. “They’ve been great, and it’s been fun to see how people are responding to the music,” she noted, appreciating the collaborative effort behind her solo venture.
Farewell
As the interview wrapped up, Brittany expressed her excitement for the future. “Thanks for listening to this album because it was… it’s been a blast,” she said, underscoring her enthusiasm for her music and her journey as a solo artist. She looks forward to continuing to write and share her art with the world.
Her passion and dedication shine through, and fans can anticipate more from Brittany Bindrim in the future. “I’m going to keep writing songs,” she promised, leaving listeners eager for what comes next.
