Singer and songwriter Brynn Elliott is set to release her highly anticipated single “On My Own” on May 23. The song, written by Brynn and produced by Cason Cooley, marks a pivotal moment in the artist’s career as she returns to the music scene after a hiatus. Known for hits like “Might Not Like Me” and “Tell Me I’m Pretty,” Brynn presents a track that reflects a deeply personal moment of resilience, addressing significant losses in her life, including the end of her record deal and the passing of her father.
“On My Own” marks a fresh start in your musical journey after an intense period of loss and change. What was it like to transform such a personal moment into music, and what did you discover about yourself while writing this song?
When writing “On My Own” I made sure to focus on raw emotions of what it feels like to need to chart a new path and write exactly what I was feeling in that moment. It was quite therapeutic to write it. It felt good to get all that emotion out!
You had already reached millions of listeners with songs like “Might Not Like Me” and “Tell Me I’m Pretty.” How do you feel your artistic vision has matured since those releases and led to this new work?
I feel like music is becoming more of an emotional space for me. I think that’s where I started with music so it’s nice to return to that in this stage of my life.
The new track was produced by Cason Cooley, known for crafting emotional and immersive atmospheres. What was it like working with him, and how did this collaboration influence the sound and feeling of “On My Own”?
Cason is such an incredible producer and a dear friend. I think was easy to take this song to the emotional place it needed to go because Cason knew was I was feeling and was able to translate that sonically. That’s Cason’s huge strength as a producer I think. He is very sensitive and has the vision for where that song needs to go.
With a degree in Philosophy from Harvard, your lyrics often explore deep and existential themes. How does the study of philosophy continue to inspire what you write and how you perceive music?
Philosophy, in a general sense, is the study of what is universal. I think music seeks to unite us all through a universal feeling or experience. So studying philosophy helped me develop the skill of trying to seek the universal in my own particular experience.
Throughout your career, you’ve shared the stage with artists like Alanis Morissette and Brandi Carlile. What did you learn from those rich experiences, and how have they helped shape the artist you are today?
Opening for these incredible artists of course gave me a huge education in being a touring musician back then. But even more importantly, I was struck by how Brandi and Alanis were such genuine souls. They were so authentic in their lives day in and day out and so they are able to give such a gift to people who listen to their music of just honesty and truth. I am deeply inspired by that.
“On My Own” is about finding strength in solitude, something many people can relate to. What do you hope listeners will feel or reflect on when hearing this song for the first time?
I love that word, “solitude.” I think it’s exactly that, I hope listeners feel empowered to know that it’s okay to seek solitude (which never means that you are completely by yourself) but that you might need to transition to a new phase of life and you might feel on your own in that for a period of time. But on the other side of that I firmly believe there is more love and community in whatever new path you take.
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