BRYNN CARTELLI: INTERVIEW


by mariah estran

photo by elinor kry

Matching someone’s personality to their astrological sign can become a lighthearted game, but one that can lead you to over-analyzing the bigger picture. For singer/songwriter Brynn Cartelli, finding that connection led to her latest single, “Gemini.”

The airy, dream-pop song expresses finding reasons for someone acting in a certain way. “That’s what ‘Gemini’ is about,” the singer says. “Making excuses for somebody based on what their chart says.”

Her new single acts as the introduction to her upcoming project. A new era that will highlight who Cartelli is. No longer fearful of musical experimentation and embracing the uplifting power of sisterhood.

She took time to tell us about “Gemini,” directing the video, upcoming projects, and how she’s grown since the release of her debut EP Based on a True Story.

You’ve just released your latest single “Gemini.” I know it describes the stereotypes we tend to associate with certain astrological signs. But what inspired the track?

Brynn: “I think I’ve always been interested in astrology. I’ve seen people with Gemini placements that act a certain way.

I was getting sick of the situation I was in. Feeling like I kept going back and hurting myself. In a way, I found a common thread between behavior and rationalizing it in your brain. I came up with the line: ‘I’ve had bad luck with boys I’ve tried to love.’  It just kind of became ‘Gemini.’ It was like therapy to release it all and not worry about it anymore.”

Do you tend to follow astrology when it comes to relationships?

Brynn: “Here’s the thing, I don’t ever want to make decisions based on somebody’s chart or astrology. Every time somebody does something that I’m like, ‘oh, not great,’ it somehow connects to what I defined as their chart.

That’s what ‘Gemini’ is about. Making excuses for somebody based on what their chart says. Which, you know, is something I think a lot of people are doing. Especially now that astrology has become a more mainstream topic.”

This track has a light-pop sound to it. Who are some of your musical inspirations in this new era of your music?

Brynn: “I was really inspired by the sounds I heard in Fleetwood Mac, HAIM, and Florence + The Machine. Those kind of witchy feels in the pop space.

When we first started writing the song, I was in London, and I was working with Henrik Michaelson (who produced the track). This was the first day we met, and I showed him this idea I came up with about Gemini’s. He instantly pulled out this steel-string guitar, which I thought sounded so ‘Fleetwood Mac.’

It really ties into the intention behind the project I am working on because it felt like home to me. The Salem Witch Trials — I’m from Massachusetts — I’ve always had an obsession with witches and that energy that comes with them. So, I decided to tap into it sonically and eventually with the video.”

Let’s talk about the video. It has this fairytale essence to it. How does the video compliment the song?

Brynn: “I wanted to be like witches in the woods, running around as if they were hexing some spirit. I don’t love talking about boys in my songs. Like, if they did something bad, I don’t want them to know they have a song about it.

So, I wanted to make this video about wonderful women and the sisterhood of girls who understand being let down. I wanted it to capture the essence of the Gemini, with the twins, and the dancers are all real sisters. I wanted to represent this angel-like, flirty, fun creature.”

How do you feel you’ve grown since the release of Based on a True Story?

Brynn: “I think the first project I put out — Based on a True Story — it was kind of me sharing who I am as a singer/songwriter. Now, it’s about: who is Brynn as a person in this world. I’m from Massachusetts, and I want the record to sound like it was made on the East Coast. It is pop and inspired by my favorite east-coast-sounding artists. It feels like home.

It feels more like a coming-of-age story, where I am less scared to experiment and play with sound. Whereas the first one was just me and my guitar or piano.”

 

Lastly, what can we expect from you next?

Brynn: “More singles, more visuals. Directing the ‘Gemini’ video has been a dream of mine. So, there will be a lot more of that in the future. It’s been a blast creating the songs and bringing them to life in a new way.

A lot more music to come out. There’s more to know, letting people in more as each song comes out.”

 

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'BASED ON A TRUE STORY' / BRYNN CARTELLI: REVIEW


by lauren kovolenko

Brynn Cartelli - Based on A True Story EP Art.jpg

Our lives can feel like moments in time, or a collection of all moments put together like a movie. Brynn Cartelli’s new EP, Based on a True Story, is a perfect collection of songs for your story arc. From beginning to end of the track list, you can imagine yourself going through a movie plot line.

“If I Could” starts with the longing for someone to understand that they are being hurt. She mentions wanting to be there for them even though the person is constantly making bad decisions. That’s what friends are for — to lean on.

To continue our timeline, “Imaginary Stranger” looks to the feelings of missing someone you never met, but have always known. The tempo of this song keeps the message and the visuals strong with drum beats and an echoing chorus.

A personal favorite, “Long Way Home” follows another piece of our life’s movie — seeing fake people and small town ways. The longing for an escape, so the real ones take a different way. This track is the climax of our story, following the rising action on the prior track. A more upbeat song for you to blast in the car with your best friends.

“Love You In My Mind” follows the idea that an infatuation is created for someone you have never met. Maybe that song or late night drive has you thinking about them. The street lights illuminate your face and your feelings. These limitless feelings.

When you finally reach your destination, play “We Belong.” This is a perfect song for when things feel… perfect. The end credits are just about to roll as you dance around in the rain. This song is a great anthem track that lets you scream your heart out.

The EP finished up with “Jane,” a more somber track for your denouement. When the fun is over, you conflict with yourself. Wondering if you ever deserved a chance, or wondering if you are even a good person. The cycle repeats.

Life is the ups and downs. It is the good and bad moments in one. Your film roll will fill when you decide it is done. The memories keep being made, as long as you let them. This EP is a great reminder that we have songs to help us through.