by mariah estran
photo courtesy of breana marin
Breana Marin is no stranger to creating impressive hip-hop hooks for other artists. She’s one of the top performers on the BeatStars platform and has gathered millions of views on YouTube. Now, the singer-songwriter is ready to give the world something of her own.
On May 5th, she released her summer-ready single “Work." A delightful tune, which continues to showcase her hook craftsmanship, as pop facets mix with dance-inducing island vibes. It is a track worthy of being queued up while your posse hangs poolside.
We recently spoke with Breana Marin about her new release. She told us more about her choice to release her work, the production process, how she stays inspired, and what she has planned next.
You’ve been creating hip-hop hooks for other artists, been featured on numerous tracks, and have gathered quite the recognition on BeatStars. Now, you’ve released your single “Work.” How did you know it was time to create something of your very own?
Breana: “I love writing hooks for other artists and connecting with indie artists through BeatStars, but I get tons of messages from friends and listeners who just want to hear full songs from me. I’ve actually been working on this upcoming project for two years and I am ready to release it into the world. I think I’m past due on sharing a complete body of work that reflects who I am as an artist and songwriter.”
What inspired you while piecing together the lyrics for this single?
B: “All of my songs draw from real-life experiences and ‘Work’ definitely captures my thoughts and feelings during a tough time in my past relationship. It started out with me, a pen, paper, and piano chords. I wrote out everything I was feeling and it evolved into something else entirely.”
This song is such a pleasant mix of pop components with dance-inducing island vibes. What was the production process like while developing this track?
B: “I typically start all of my songs at home, in my pajamas, incense burning, and simple chords on the keyboard. I recorded the full song and sent the vocals over to my producer friend Dylan Graham and totally gave the song a life of its own. He infused island elements and played with the vocals and blew my mind. The version he and his team sent back was everything I didn’t know I wanted.”
From songwriting for major acts like Keyshia Cole and Fifth Harmony to creating hooks for others online, how do you keep yourself creatively motivated?
B: “Staying creatively motivated is a challenge when you have to do it 100% of the time. Sometimes I wake up and can’t bear to hear another song or melody and sometimes I wake up with an urge to sing and spill my guts out in a song. On the mornings that I feel my inspiration tank is low, I avoid music. Instead, I try to get out and live life or express myself in new ways that aren’t music. I love a good DIY project, editing videos and photos, and graphic design. Journaling has been working for me as well lately.”
On Instagram, you are actively sharing advice for others in the music or creative industry. Why is it important to you to guide others who are just stepping into this field?
B: “I feel called to share tools and tips that I wish I knew when I was first getting started in the music industry. The music business is such a mystery. Everyone keeps to themselves and no one shares their experiences and knowledge. There also isn’t a strong presence of women in this industry and I want to actively help change that.”
What do you have planned next regarding your music? Will there be more singles or a larger project?
B: “Yes! I have a few more singles on the way and plan on releasing the full project ‘Songs About Us’ sometime this year.”