Brenda Carsey is a Los Angeles-based vocalist, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. Carsey has been studying music and performing since the age of five. From choirs, orchestras, and marching bands to soul, jazz, rock, pop, folk, hip hop, and electronic groups, cabaret stage shows, and solo projects, it seems Carsey has done it all. She plays both piano and guitar and performs both solo and with a full band ranging in size and instrumentation depending on the show. Carsey also produces electronic music and has been featured as an instrumentalist and vocalist on many projects in partnership with Netflix (Babysitter’s Club, Better Call Saul, Tiger King The Musical), The Voice, Joy Ride (award winning short film), Rapture (Versa Media show), as well as on albums by Whitney Tai, Cesar Saez, Phoebe Silva, Kid Lightning, Clark Chimp, and Feral Kizzy.
Brenda Carsey has played at heavy hitting music festival Lightning in a Bottle opening for The California Honeydrops and Orgone, Feed LA Festival opening for Daniel Lanois and Lantz Lazwell, and Echo Park Rising Festival 5 years in a row to name a few. Carsey has toured the entire Western US (California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona), has toured throughout Alaska, and also frequents Nashville and New York. In her home base of Los Angeles she has performed on the iconic stages of The Teragram Ballroom (opening for Chris Ayer), The Hotel Cafe (headlined), The Bootleg Theater (opening for Karmic), The Moroccan Lounge (co-headlining with Livingmore), The Satellite, Harvard & Stone (headlined + residency) and more. Carsey is sponsored by companies Dexibell (keyboard) and Sennheiser (microphones) and has been featured in LA Weekly, Atwood Magazine, Culture Collide, Buzzbands.LA, and more.
Carsey delivers an engaging, energetic show, seamlessly mixing a unique blend of musical genres. She has an unmistakably unique sound rooted in the classic pop diaspora. Carsey’s voice is uninhibited, mixing a syrupy sweet sound with a beautiful darkness and a vocal range with a potential of virtuosity. She will stop you in your tracks with poetic lyrics, fluid melodies, engaging chord progressions, funky rhythms, and a voice filled with passion and soul.
Thank you for taking this interview! How has the New Year been for you so far as an artist?
The new year has been a wild ride. Very slow going at first then things picked up so quickly that I could hardly keep up with it all. This year is about finally releasing my next upcoming full-length record and all the work that comes along with that.
Can you tell us how you've transformed from the beginning to now as an artist?
I've transformed dozens of times as an artist and as a person over the period of timing I've been dedicated to music. Genres have changed, styles have changed, and my talent and confidence have increased. You know, all the things one would imagine would change and increase with commitment and practice.
How did you come up with your latest project?
I am an observer and feeler in this world. I allow myself to get quiet, I observe, I watch, I listen, and I experience and experiment. My art and my upcoming album "Cognizance" feature songs written from the seat of observing, experiencing, and feeling as the world around me unfolds.
Where are you from originally?
I am a Southern California native, having lived in many different towns and cities spanning between Ventura and Long Beach.
What was the inspiration to make music your career?
I've been performing and involved with music in some capacity since I was a tiny little girl. Music chose me. I just woke up one day and decided to choose music back and commit fully and whole-heartedely.
How do you want to shape your career? Do you work on a tight timeline always or do you go with the flow when it comes to your music?
I am all about working hard, being creative, and being open. All I can do is stay inspired and stay motivated and rest when I need to. I control and work on what I can and what I have access to and anything that is beyond my reach I allow myself to let go of and flow with. Some things are on a specific timeline like tour dates and release schedules but things you have no control over the pace of like mixing and mastering a record.
Is it hard to let go of the music when it is done?
Not at all. It's extraordinarily freeing to let the music go. Music is meant to be heard and experienced, not held on to.
Do you feel an emotional attachment to your music?
Of course!
How would you describe your music in one word to someone who hasn't listened to it yet?
Soulful
Where do they go to listen NOW?
You can find my music anywhere you like listening to music, it's there for you! If you want to support me as directly as possible, you can Venmo or Paypal me and I am happy to directly email you any of my albums you like. A second choice is getting my music through Bandcamp. A third choice is Tidal and Apple Music. But again, my music is everywhere for you to listen to and enjoy in whatever format works best and easiest for you! Thank you for listening!
What has been the best fan reaction to your music?
I love getting sweet, supportive messages from fans after they listen to a new song of mine for the first time or after they come see me live for the first time and they share their excitement. It's the best feeling to create and share music that connects with and moves people.
Is there anything exciting coming up for you?
Yes! I have a new single dropping on June 6th 2022! I'm so excited to share it! The song is titled "Just Trying To Do My Thing" and is the first single off my upcoming full-length album "Cognizance". I will be releasing a total of 4 singles this year ahead of the full album and vinyl release and will be releasing music videos as well! Lot's of amazing music and creative visuals coming your way this year. Stay tuned!
Are you performing the song anywhere LIVE?
Yes! I will be throwing a huge single release show at The Moroccan Lounge on June 12th, 2022. Discounted pre-sale tickets are on sale now! https://themoroccan.com/event/brenda-carsey-single-release-show/
I will also be playing a big release show for each of my following single releases. Stay tuned and be sure to follow me for details!