BSCkids recently got the chance to speak with singer and musician Heather Brave. She spoke to us about her choice to be in the music industry, who she looks up to, and which album she is loving the most right now.
Heather Brave is currently working with Evan Rogers & Carl Sturken of SRP Records to perfect her original songs. Heather also has network appearances including a variety of commercials and roles on Guiding Light, One Life To Live, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a singer?
I’ve been singing my entire life. Whenever I talked, I sang, and now it doesn’t really stop ever! When I was in pre-school, I sang in recitals by myself, walking onto the stage as a very confident 5 year old, and I flipped my hair and danced nonstop to Britney Spears’s hits like Oops I Did it Again and Baby One More Time (my favorites). By the time I was in middle school, I started listening to artists like Lily Allen and fell in love with that really cool vibe, realizing that this was what I wanted to do for sure.
How supportive where your friends and family with your decision?
My friends and family have been so supportive with my career! My sister plays bass and piano or helps me out with harmonies in a lot of performances and concerts, and my parents and friends are always in the first rows, which I’m so so grateful for. I’m always flying cross country and I really feel like they’re there for me sometimes just keeping updated through twitter!
Who in the music industry do you look up to the most? Find the most inspirational?
As an artist, I really look up to people who have distinguished their own identity in what they do. I see a lot of myself in the attitudes and sounds of Lily Allen and Jessie J because they do their own thing and have some R&B, Alternative, Pop, and Reggae all mixed into their style. Obviously, I think Rihanna has such an edgy vibe and am inspired by her as both an artist and a label mate!
Tell us about working with Evan Rogers & Carl Sturken of SRP Records?
Evan and Carl have helped me develop so much. When I met them, we immediately started working on my direction as an artist and kind of experimented until we found the perfect fit. They saw a soulful quality in my voice and helped me start to bring that out even more and make that soul and edge a main part of who I am. I hands down wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today if it wasn’t for them and all of their insight and of course the crazy can’t-stop-laughing experiences we’ve had in the studio.
When can fans expect your debut album to be released?
Right now, I’m focusing on my original songs and making sure they’re each perfect and flow well together. Once all of that is done, we’ll start talking about a release, but hopefully in the very near future!!
Do you find it difficult to play guitar and sing?
Although sometimes I focus on being a guitarist and focus on being a singer separately, playing guitar usually helps me feel out the song and get into the rhythm so I get really into the song and comfortable with it. Whenever I film a music video in which I play guitar, it helps me rock out. It’s really more fun than difficult!
What inspired you to learn to play guitar?
When I was younger, I recognized the importance of being a songwriter, and although I had written songs before, I knew being able to accompany myself was really important as an artist, and could help me take different approaches to writing. The first song I learned was Hey Jude by the Beatles!!
Do you plan to release any other covers in the future?
I love doing covers because you’re transforming something that already exists. With an original it is the way you do it. Experimenting with covers is something I’ll always do just for fun. I also love surprising an audience with a totally different cover that they never would have expected like my cover of Oops I Did it Again. In a performance, I once introduced it as, “Now this is a classic…”
You are also an actress appearing on several television shows. Which do you like more, acting or singing?
It’s super hard to choose which one I like more because I’ve been doing both for so long, and they bring out different sides of me. I find that my acting really helps with my singing because when you’re performing or filming a cover you really have to know how to connect with a camera and an audience, similarly to how I’d connect with another actor in a scene. I’m always passionate about what I’m singing and acting helps me express that.
What has been your favorite project to act on?
My favorite project to act on is a movie I did with Spencer List, Eric Nelsen, Pilar López de Ayala, and Oscar nominated Adriana Berraza. The film is about a precocious teenager finding himself while living in New York City in the 80s dealing with the troubles of growing up and losing someone he loves. My role was the lead’s girlfriend who keeps him on the right path throughout his sometimes wild experiments. I made some great friends that I visit in LA and NY all the time, got to pretend like an 80s kid (and dress like one which I loved!!), and we filmed in some great locations throughout NYC. Although it was supposed to be spring in films we shot in freezing December, I had an amazing time. The soundtrack for the film rocks.
Is it difficult to maintain being a student while acting? How do you fit in all of your schoolwork?
Being a student is already a full time job, and so is my acting and music career. The key for me is planning ahead. If I know I’m going to have a busy week, I let my teachers know in advance that I might miss some due dates and I prioritize and get it done. Whether that requires reading during hair and makeup or learning vocabulary in between takes, I do what I have to do and stay balanced.
What is your favorite album right now?
My favorite album right now is Justin Timberlake’s The 20/20 Experience. I think he is so sleek, and this album is so classy and brings in the soul that I love. At the same time, it’s totally relevant and modern. Seeing him live at the Grammy’s this year was amazing! My favorite songs are Strawberry Bubblegum, Spaceship Coupe, and Mirrors.
Are there any celebrities that you are dying to meet?
I would love to meet Macklemore & Ryan Lewis! Their song “Thrift Shop” is always stuck in my head. They are so fun and different, and you just want to blast their music in your car. I’d love to talk to them about how they developed their sound because it’s so new, and how they came up with idea for “Thrift Shop.”
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