An Interview With Singer-Songwriter BRANDON JENNER On His Newest Solo EP ‘Plan on Feelings’!

Earlier this summer on June 14th, the singer-songwriter Brandon Jenner released his newest solo EP, Plan On Feelings. The project was written and produced by Jenner in his home studio and is his most vulnerable, personable, authentic work to date.The prolific musician offers an extremely candid view of his authentic self, bypassing the diluted version. Call it an emotional coming out party.    

Jenner goes deep on five tracks of soulful, earthy, melodic pop, steeped with rich dynamics, as his sensuous voice emotes at just the right frequency. It’s modern soul. An alluring invitation to step inside his world.    

The first single and video released from the EP, “Death Of Me,” is already over 305K views on YouTube!

When asked about the collection, Jenner explains: “Having written and recorded this record alone in my home studio, I can honestly say that this music authentically represents who I am. ‘Plan on Feelings’ is the result of the progress made in my ongoing challenge to unlock the doors of my own vulnerability.  I’ve never been more confident about a release, for I believe that if you truly put yourself out into the world, the universe always rewards honesty.”

Brandon first started songwriting while in college in Boulder, CO at age 19 or 20. His stepfather, producer David Foster, was a great mentor, allowing him to shadow him in the studio. Foster also gave him some great advice:  To be able to write, you have to have something to say. 

His journey seems to provide all the right source material. From a road trip riding motorcycles through Nepal, to helicopter skiing and treks through the Grand Canyon, he’s soul-searching and processing life with a keen eye toward subtlety and nuance.

While at home, he has no neighbors or distractions, which allows for quality studio time and overall creative acceleration.  He is also an organic gardener, growing his own vegetables, and he has chickens.   

The title Plan On Feelings is an homage to the fact that we will all have to deal with something in our lives, good or bad. There will be high highs and low lows. The album reflects both.

 Jenner explains: “It’s a way of saying feelings are a good thing. It’s a super power you can use to create growth and opportunity in your life. Good inspires others. Bad inspires you to turn inward and learn something about yourself.”

Learn more about Brandon Jenner in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time today! Where does this interview find you?

I’m just finishing a long day in the studio making my next record.

Now that we are half-way through the year, how has 2019 been treating you? What are some goals that you have for yourself this year? How close are you to reaching them?

2019 has been full of excitement and growth so far.  My main goals are to be the best Dad possible while creating meaningful music and, of course, enjoying the journey.  I’d say I am very happy with where I am in my life at the moment.

Growing up, how important was music in your life? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be a musician? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make? 

Music has always been a source of healing for me.  I used to listen to music as a way to process my emotions and now I mostly write music to process new emotions.  Music was something that came somewhat naturally to me and turning it into my career was a pretty easy choice to make.  I just like music way too much to do anything else with my time.

Was there ever a time when you thought about doing something else? If you weren’t a musician today, what else could you see yourself doing? Would you be as fulfilled in life?

In a different life I would have pursued being a professional pilot or race car driver.  I grew up racing cars and have had my pilots license for about 15 years now.  However, I doubt that I would be as fulfilled as I am creating music.

What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all? 

Honestly, I’m surprised it has taken as long as it has to gain some decent momentum with my music.  I have always worked hard on my craft but am not a very good salesman for myself.  I always found it as being a bit self serving to tell others how awesome I think I am so I just kept my head down and worked to create important music.  I have gotten better at believing in what I create and am much more open about sharing it with others.

Let’s talk about your recently released solo EP “Plan On Feelings.” What was it like writing and producing the entire collection in your home studio? Why is it your most personable and vulnerable work to date?

Writing and recording on my own is very comfortable to me.  It is how I have spent most of my days working so I feel right at home.  This record is very different for me.  I decided to really let it all hang out and create an EP that would let people in to some of my most inner thoughts and deepest secrets.

What was the inspiration for the first single, “Death Of Me”? How creatively involved with the making of the music video were you? 

I was inspired by the idea that one may have the urge to get to know someone more on a physical level but that it would wreak havoc on the life that you have built for yourself.  The music video was completely conceptualized by Z Berg and created by Z Berg and Drew Fuller.  I owe them so much for believing in the song and in me.

What are some other songs on this collection that you are particularly proud of or excited for people to hear? How did they get to be on this EP?

“Anybody?” Is a song that is very special to me.  It took a lot for me to write it and I think that it will connect with people.

Where can people see you perform next? Do you plan to tour at all this summer or later this year? What has been a favorite performance of yours so far? 

I’ll be playing at the Malibu Inn on August the 24th. Then I will get back into the studio and finish this next record. I will also be going back to Norway, Sweden and Denmark in September to play some shows and do some press.  My favorite performance to date was my last one in Venice.  My 3 year old daughter came to that one:)

How do you think you have grown as a musician since you first started singing and writing songs?

I’ve grown so much as a musician and as a person. The pursuit of making music forces me to constantly evaluate my own life and to uncover growth and learning in all the corners of my environment. The greater the challenge, the greater the growth.

What has it been like keeping up with your social media accounts and all of the different platforms? Is it hard to stay up to date on it all? What would you say is your favorite way to connect with your fans now? What has social media done for your career?

Social media is a tricky one for me.  I’m not one to pull my phone out often and spend a lot of time without it so I don’t capture and share many moments.  I have to be aware of the fact that I could easily go months without posting anything so I make sure to remind myself as often as is healthy.  I will say that I throughly enjoy connecting with people on Instagram a lot as it has given me a way to stay inspired and motivated to make as much music as possible.

Who are some of your favorite artists or rather, what musicians have continued to inspire you and your music? Who would you absolutely love to work with in the future? 

Most of my favorite artists are from a different era: John Lennon, Bob Marley, Sam Cooke, Nina Simone, The Beatles and so on.  However, there are many artists that inspire me today: Ray Lamontagne, Andy Shauf, Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, Bob Moses, Billie Ellish among others.

If you had an unlimited budget and your schedule was free, what would your dream music video look like?

I would fly all around the world and have as many people from different countries in it with me.

Where would you absolutely love to hear one of your songs? On a TV show, in a movie or elsewhere?

At the end of my favorite movie that I have yet to see.

At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?

I would like them to feel like they are not alone in their feelings. Others in the world know what it feels like to be depressed, angry or hurt.

Would you like to share anything else with our readers about your music?

I can promise you that my music is always written from a place of deep emotion.  I hope it finds its way to your soul somehow.