19-year-old singer-songwriter Brynn Cartelli (and winner of Season 14 of “The Voice”) chatted about her heartbreaking new single “Secondhand Smoke,” which was released today.
“Secondhand Smoke” was produced by Adam Argyle (who has worked with such artists as Dua Lipa, 5 Seconds of Summer, and James Bay). The song is about letting go and cleansing yourself of toxic energy after a breakup.
On her latest single, she said, “I wrote ‘Secondhand Smoke’ about a friendship breakup and the heartache that followed. I was really nervous about moving on with my life because I didn’t want to carry the negativity from that friendship into my future relationships.”
“It was written in a time of desperation, running away from a person and place,” she admitted. “I wasn’t removed from either at the time, but I wrote ‘Secondhand Smoke’ in anticipation for the hopeful future I knew was ahead of me. I hope that feeling passes on to the listener, the possibility of freedom from a painful relationship or place.”
Songwriting inspirations
Regarding her music and songwriting inspirations, she said, “I write songs to admit things to myself and others that are too difficult to say out loud. Every day I’m inspired by my friends, family, and the East Coast… this is where all my stories come from.”
The digital age
On being an artist in the digital age, at a time when streaming and technology are so prevalent, Cartelli said, “The best thing about the digital age is the wide range of access to new music. I love being a part of someone’s discovery, and I love the connections I get to build with the amazing people that listen to my songs.”
“The social media game is complicated because we’re all screaming into the same void, but every once in a while something special hits and I’m reminded that honest music is timeless,” she added.
Career-defining moments
She shared some of her career-defining moments that helped shape her. “My first time directing a music video for my song ‘Gemini’ was incredibly defining for me and my creativity because it was a complete dream come true for me to bring my stories to the visual space,” she said.
“I learned so much about the process and about myself as a director and leader. It can totally altered the way I approach everything from songwriting to performing at live shows,” she added.
Dream duet choice in music
Cartelli listed Florence Welch, the front-woman of Florence + The Machine as her dream collaboration choice in music.
Success
On her definition of the word success, Cartelli said, “I could spend my life playing my songs to rooms of 10 people and feel successful if I feel connected through the music. I love playing the songs live and telling stories.”
“Secondhand Smoke” is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
To learn more about teen singer-songwriter Brynn Cartelli, check out her Linktree page.
