An Interview With Vocalist BRYNN STANLEY On Her New Holiday Music and More!

Meet Brynn Stanley! Ahead of the holiday season, this singer-songwriter has released the terrific holiday single, “Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me).” It has a notable history as it was originally released as part of the Elvis Presley 1957 Christmas album. Brynn has kept the classic vibe on this song along with a really cool retro style music video. This track can be found on her Sonopath Music collection “Classic Christmas.”
Music Video Link:
“Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me)”
https://youtu.be/MLv6rpVNi18
Connect With Brynn Stanley Online Here:
Website https://www.brynnstanley.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/brynnstanleyvocalist
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/brynnstanley/
Twitter https://twitter.com/BrynnStanley
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/album/5rp2WgtyFobThBaAIs72u9
SALES LINKS TO BRYNN STANLEY ‘CLASSIC CHRISTMAS’ ALBUM:
iTunes https://music.apple.com/us/album/classic-christmas/1474450164?app=itunes&ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VSWV1XT
Google Play https://play.google.com/store/music/album/Brynn_Stanley_Classic_Christmas?id=Bsbu6xfnez65rspp5udlslmwzhe
Learn more about Brynn Stanley in the following All Access interview:
What does a typical day look like for you? What do you have
scheduled the rest of today and this week?
Ha! Well, I shouldn’t speak for all artists when I say this, but I don’t usually have a “typical” day. I try to create my own structure by working out each morning, trying to eat as healthy as I can (donuts are good for the soul, right?) and then putting the rest of my energy and focus on my never ending “To Do” list. My To Do list is usually centered around adding new songs to my repertoire, marketing, editing short films, writing song lyrics. One thing that is “typical” is my journaling. I really believe in a well-balanced life and that helps keep me centered and connected to my “why”.
Now that we are in the latter half of the year, how has 2019
treated you? What are some goals that you have had for
yourself this year? How close are you to reaching them or did you already? What are you already excited about for this fall and even looking towards 2020?
Overall, 2019 was a very significant year for me. Recording this Christmas album has been an amazing and humbling experience. When I was young, I would sit by a warm cozy fire and listen to Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole’s Christmas albums. As soon as I heard those voices and arrangements I felt like I was “home.” It’s been a long time dream of mine to create that same type of experience through my own album. Thanks to my producer and friend, Eric Lindquist, we did. Walking through the doors of Henson Recording Studios was a magical moment. I was surrounded by the best of the best musicians in LA, assembled by Producer Tony Guerrero (Dick Van Dyke, Jane Lynch, Paul McCartney, Freddie Hubbard) and Grammy & Emmy Award-nominated engineer Jorge Vivo (Michael Buble, Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion). It was surreal. There is one goal I haven’t yet reached… and it would require the attention and cooperation of my absolute favorite contemporary recording artist. He knows who he is, and I am waiting patiently to do our duet, Mr. Buble.
Growing up, how important was music in your life? Can you recall the moment when you decided that you wanted to be in this industry? Was it an easy or difficult choice to make?
Academics and school were not my first love. I’m not sure they were even my first “like”…but when I was introduced to the world of music and the beautiful language of the piano, I instantly felt at “home”. After realizing that, I wanted to spread that feeling in the smallest or biggest way that I could.
I wouldn’t say there was one profound moment when I decided, “…this is it… I’m going for it.” My journey through music has been an evolution. It’s a curiosity and gift that I keep choosing to follow. Anytime that I do follow…doors open, I grow and I’m able to connect more deeply with people. I feel my purpose on this earth is to share the gifts I’ve been given and connect with people genuinely, “soul to soul.”
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?
The artist’s life is not always easy and every once in a while I feel the need to explore a more traditional career. The outcome has always lead me back to the arts. It has oftentimes been a crazy and difficult journey. But with that comes a very rich and rewarding life, one that I hope to eventually create beyond music and express myself through writing, acting, directing and producing.
What has been the biggest surprise so far about making music your career? What has been an unexpected or welcome challenge to it all? What has been the best part about it all?
I would say the biggest challenge so far was overcoming my stage fright. The biggest surprise was what happened once I finally did. Stage fright forced me to look beyond myself and see the impact that I was having on my audience. It was through interacting with my audience on a personal level that created a lasting bond. It’s my heartfelt desire to bring joy and laughter to others… even if that’s sometimes at my own expense. I feel that having a light-hearted approach and sense of humor allows for people to “relate”and it’s sometimes just as significant as sharing the music itself.
There’s been many a night where I’ve “overshared” and it comes back to haunt me… 🙂 Therefore, my audience has become my extended family. That’s far more rich than I ever would have hoped for.

Let’s talk about your latest holiday single, “Santa Bring My Baby Back (To Me).” Why did you decide to release this cover?
I was sitting in my living room in front of a roaring fire searching through endless songs. I was determined to find a rare gem that hasn’t been covered by a lot of artists. When I came across Elvis’s Christmas 1957 Christmas album, the song “Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me” hit me with an excitement that I haven’t felt in a long time… I immediately felt a connection and a need to share it.
Honestly, I don’t know how this song hasn’t been covered by countless artists…countless times. But I feel very lucky to have discovered it and bring it back to life with a more contemporary sound. I really feel like it’s something special.
When do you plan on releasing more new music and a full collection of new songs?
Phase two is already underway! Targeting January for the recording of our next album.
Where can people see you perform next? Do you have any fall tour dates scheduled yet?
It looks like it’s going to be a jam packed holiday season! You can go to my website www.brynnstanley.com for a list of my upcoming dates.
Two shows that I’m really excited for are my East Coast launch parties. Shanghai Jazz in Madison, NJ on November 16th, 2019 and then at the famous Birdland in NYC on December 22nd, 2019.
How do you think you have grown as a musician since you first started making music?
My experiences as an artist have enabled me to grow personally, spiritually and professionally in unison. Had I not, I may not have been ready for the successes I have enjoyed and expect to enjoy in the future. I’ve had to train my voice, expand my repertoire and range, write songs, and learn how to create an intimate atmosphere with larger venues and audiences. I’ve recorded multiple albums, and worked with some of the best in the industry. The progression has been steady through much hard work and help along the way. The audience has been an integral part of my growth through their affirmations, heartfelt encouragement and constant loyalty.
How do you feel about social media? What do you think social media has done for your career so far?
I have like/dislike perspective on social media. It’s a powerful tool that enables me to create and mold my own personal brand. This is an advantage because it gives the artist control on how they want to present and be portrayed. I always try to lead with positivity… and because I am in charge of my own Instagram, Twitter, Facebook page and website…I make that happen.
On the flip side, it really can take you out of being “in the
moment” and limits followers to just seeing the highlight reel and not always the reality. I’d hate for someone to look at my Instagram page and think I have my whole life together. I am as much a work in progress as anyone else.
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?
Oh so many…this is a hard one. I would say some of my favorite artists include: Michael Buble, Sara Bareilles, Bing Crosby, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole… don’t make me choose.
I respect them for their talents, and there are some I respect
more for leading with humility and goodness. They seem to lead with their “art and soul” while always keeping family first.
If you had an unlimited budget and your schedule was free,
what would your dream music video look like?
I do have one very specific music video in mind… but I really don’t want to give it away since I know I will make this video happen soon with my original song, “Shine,” from my album “Hello, California.”
Where would you love to hear a song of yours played?
In Michael Buble’s living room.
At the end of the day, what do you hope people take away from your music?
A feeling of “warmth” and “home.”
Would you like to share anything else about yourself or your music with our readers?
I’ll just share this quote that helps guide me through my life:
“Use me, God. Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater than
myself.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.