An album release from Brittany Kennell comes through with a vivacious and character riddled Americana and country approach but it takes these little elements of classic country and brings them all into a current platform so that you have a combination of old and new school brought together and I think that's why this record hits as well as it does.
The Pink Collar album has a way of feeling like it's a concept record in a sense. The songs don't interconnect in the way a concept record would per say, however they do feel like chapters in the artist's life and that's something that brings the whole album to a different light and as you listen to it unfold, you get more and more of a sense of who Brittany is as a person as well as an artist.
You can hear these newer country and Americana influences in her music, and she brings those influences to the table but also gives it her own attitude, her own spin, and her own atmosphere while remaining personable, charismatic, and with a blend of color and edginess at times that just feels bright and genuine.
The guitar work across the span of this album is amazing and there are some surprises around the corners that really hit the spot as Brittany delivers her robust and lush approach to Americana and country music with a pop coating and an honest undertone.
Now, this is important because when you're an artist like Brittany you want to be able to deliver a good thick honesty in your music and she does exactly that but she does it in a way where she's able to articulate her lyrics so that they're not only relatable and feel personal, but they're also catchy and make complete sense to whoever's listening to it.
The energy of these songs is really a big deal to me.
That energy is completely electric and the mix of all the songs really plays a big part and how they come through with such impact.
Her vocal delivery is outstanding and has a very vibrant approach. She wants to be, and this helps the songs feel like they're alive and breathing in their own sense.
You can tell that she has a real understanding for arrangement, composition, and songwriting as a whole along with a full understanding of being able to display that personality and that character with each and every song.
You get that sense of authenticity with a lot of these and although some are a little bit more whimsical and others are a little bit more serious, either way you're getting a piece of the artist with each track.
This takes a lot of understanding but also some bravery as well and I think that some of these songs may have even been a little bit cathartic for her to write and release while others were just sort of bangers that she wrote for the sake of showing that other side of her songwriting and herself.
One of the things I love about the record is the simple fact that it doesn't always take itself too seriously.
Again, there is that sort of whimsical sense and some humor and some of the songs and that is showing a certain side of her personality.
It has certainly been a little while since I've heard a full record like this that shows so much of that personality, and I feel like a lot of artists nowadays miss out on that aspect and are just writing songs that feel radio friendly for the sake of doing it.
With Brittany, the songs definitely mean something to her. they are all coming from someplace real and that shows because the way she performs them lets you know it.
You also get an amazing sense of her presence as an artist throughout this record, and it makes you want to go see her perform the songs live.
All in all, it was an outrageously wonderful record and speaks volumes for the artist and her knowledge and passion for writing songs that leave a mark.
With the release of the Pink Collar album, we definitely wanted to have a sit down with Brittany Kennell to find out more about where this release actually came from and what might be coming up next for her.
Here's what happened.
Buzz Slayers: Hello Brittany and thanks so much for taking some time with us!
I would love to start off with the Pink Collar - Deluxe edition album. This seems to be quite a big project for you and serves as a larger version of your sophomore album. Where did this record come from in the first place?
This album definitely came at a time where I was finding myself post-break up and learning to love myself and to love again. It was a tricky time to navigate but I knew I wanted to focus on my independence, my core values and where I want to see myself in the future. The songs that poured out were meant to be empowering to live the life I want to live, and I really hope listeners can take that way from this project.
Buzz Slayers: Country music has so many approaches as a genre. Can you give us some of your biggest musical influences?
My biggest influences definitely vary – I grew up on a lot of different genres; classic rock and country being the main two. Bruce Springsteen is my absolute favorite, and I pull a lot of inspiration from him, not just sonically but the way he’s carried his career over 50 years. I also really love the singer/songwriter era of Carole King, Joni Mitchell and Carly Simon – my girls! As for country - I’m definitely a 90’s gal growing up on Faith Hill, The Chicks, Shania Twain, and I can’t forget my faves Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves and Maren Morris.
Buzz Slayers: What made you decide to release this as a deluxe edition? Were there extra tracks laying around you decided to add on later?
Initially, I had the album finished a while ago but between recording it and releasing it I wrote a few more songs that I thought could fit really well on the album. I didn’t want to waste any songs we already did so thought it would be fun to release the additional two alongside a vinyl, which is a first for me!
Buzz Slayers: Who is in your headphones right now?
I’ve been throwing it back to Tom Petty the last week or so and I’ve been diving into a lot of Sierra Ferrell - I love her!
Buzz Slayers: This album is massive and I'm sure you are proud of it! How long did this take you to put together and how do you feel about the outcome?
Thank you so much! This album was three years in the making – I went down to Nashville in March 2022 and began writing some of the songs for the project. I only started recording in January 2023 and then finally released in April 2024. I’m really proud of how it came out, the visuals we created around it and the reception from the fans at our shows. It’s been really fun to see the songs come to life and to see people singing some of the songs in the audience!
Buzz Slayers: What is your absolute favorite part about making music?
My favorite part about making music is the feeling you get when you find something special - whether that be in studio or with a band, but that magical feeling of connecting with the creatives around you, or the fans singing along. The magic is definitely my favorite part.
Buzz Slayers: Would you say you are more of a recording artist, or do you get a lot from performing live?
In the last couple of years, I’ve definitely done a lot of live performances, but I really love being in the studio. I feel like I have a healthy balance between the two - performing mostly in the summer and then taking time in the Fall and Winter to be creative.
Buzz Slayers: Now that this record is out there, what's next for you as an artist?
Well, the most exciting non-musical chapter I’m heading into is motherhood - as I’m expecting my first baby in March 2025. Up until that point, I have a Christmas show, a new Christmas song “Cowboy Santa” that is out now and writing with other artists who are releasing music. I definitely plan to write and maybe record somewhere in there, but my focus will be family for a little while before I dive into another record.
Buzz Slayers: What are you doing when you are not making music?
As much as I love making music, I do think it’s important to take breaks. I’m an avid reader; I love keeping active and spending time with my family and friends is really important to me.
Buzz Slayers: Before we go, what do you want to say to fans out there?
I just want to say thank you! Without fans, we wouldn’t exist. I’m so grateful for all their support over the years, it’s been amazing to connect with so many wonderful people -I’ve made so many friends!
Buzz Slayers: Thank you again Brittany for taking the time to talk with us!
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