What is your name?
Brigitte Mena
What is your genre of music?
Pop Rock
Give us a little bio about you.
Brigitte Mena was born to be a storyteller, and her vehicle is music. The singer-songwriter’s heartrending tunes tell harrowing tales enveloped in atmospheric, ambient melodies. But the artist has her sights set on much more than producing pop rock tracks. Armed with her versatile voice, a pen and a penchant for crafting compelling songs, Mena strives to strike a chord with audiences and tell relevant, resonant stories. Mena started crafting original music in high school and founded her first rock band as a freshman at Southern Methodist University, where she studied Music and Psychology. Mena’s music studies helped her hone her craft, while her work in psychology gave her an avenue to explore her interest in human behaviour. Instead of choosing one passion over the other, the artist decided to merge the two roads ahead of her. By using her talents as a musician, Mena shines a light on topics like behaviour, mental health, relationships and identity. Her debut album is a musical exploration of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. “Maslow” heralded the arrival of a distinctive new talent and showed audiences across Texas what’s possible when talent meets a one-of-a-kind voice.
What made you go into music?
For me, music has always been the greatest release outlet. After I got my first guitar in 7th grade, I started experimenting with writing songs. I grew up with an alcoholic father, and along with that came confusion, pain, and frustration. I was also very shy as a child and found it difficult to express to anyone what I was going through. But music seemed to be an escape from everything I was experiencing around me and a safe way to release the emotions I was feeling.
Are you signed?
No, but I am looking for a label that supports my vision.
You released your new single ‘Maniac’ recently, tell us more about the single.
This song is actually inspired by the Netflix show “Maniac” starring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill. It’s basically a song about mental illness and in particular, Emma Stone’s character, Annie. It follows her journey throughout the show and focuses on her direct experience with the trials she partakes in.
Describe the track in two words.
Can it be three? Netflix’s “Maniac” Interpretation
What was the writing process like?
Maniac came together pretty quickly actually. Lyrics are my favourite part of the writing process and while some songs take me longer to write than others, I feel like the visual reference of the show helped me write from a more focused mindset. With the help of my bandmates, we were able to put this song together in a couple of weeks.
What was the recording process like?
Maniac was pretty much fully written before I went into the studio. The biggest part that we worked on in the studio was the machine sounds you hear throughout the song. I had ideas for how I wanted them to sound, but it took some time to define them. We even tried a live recording of a match strike, but we ended up finding different sounds that worked better.
Who did you work with on the single?
I was lucky enough to work with a very talented group of musicians whose artistic contributions helped bring the song to life, while my producer helped add in all of the final touches.
Listen here!
Will we see a music video for of the tracks?
I don’t have plans for a music video right now, but there is a live recording available on YouTube!
Do you have any shows coming up?
Yes! My next show is Nov 15th at Armoury D.E. in Dallas.
What else can we expect in 2019?
I am working on finishing up recording my second album. Stay tuned for a release next year!
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any upcoming artists?
I actually just had the amazing opportunity to collaborate with Sherri Dupree Bemis from Eisley on a single I released earlier this year. It’s called “Say You Love Me.” I’ve been a fan of Sherri’s for quite some time, so it was really awesome getting to work with her on my song.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you?
Definitely! In fact, I’ve always wanted to collaborate with Anthony Green. Hint hint…
Do you play any instruments?
I play guitar, piano, and ukulele.
Who are your influences?
Too many to name! I guess musically speaking, I would say Eisley, Circa Survive, Paramore, Phoebe Bridgers, and Daughter are my main influences.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Most of my songwriting stems from what I am personally going through. Maniac was actually one of the first songs I’ve written that was based off of someone else’s experience.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Simply put, making music. Wherever life takes me, I know I will always be creating in one way or another.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I’m a big yoga and pilates fanatic. I also love biking near the lake where I live.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more into the music scene?
I don’t think it’s a particular song, but more so artists and bands like the ones I mentioned above that continuously inspire me.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
No dream is ever too big. Take the opportunity when it presents itself, but also make opportunity happen for yourself!
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
I would say first and foremost, believe in what you are doing. Make smaller goals for yourself that help you reach the overarching thing you believe in most. And don’t let anyone tell you that your goals are out of reach.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the things you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” (Mark Twain)
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
White Rock Lake! It’s like an escape from the busy city life.
You’re coming off tour:
1/ Where do you go first? Honestly probably straight home. I’m a huge homebody haha.
2/ Who do you see first? My dog…and I guess my boyfriend 😉 haha
3/What do you eat first? Mexican food! \
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
My guitar, gum, a hairband, cough drops, and…my phone
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Yes! You can follow me on Instagram and Facebook
