Exclusive Interview: Brynn Elliott Shares the Inspiration Behind Her New Single “Beautiful Things”

Singer-songwriter Brynn Elliott is one to watch. The gifted artist has struck a chord with listeners around the world with her authenticity and powerhouse vocals. She inspires us all to embrace who we are and the journey that life has taken us on.

Her latest single, “Beautiful Things“, is an uplifting tune that explores themes of grief, joy, and sorrow, and is a much-needed reminder to be present and grateful.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Brynn about her rise to stardom, “Beautiful Things“, and more!

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Brynn: My mom’s side of the family is very musical. My grandparents were around a lot growing up and they would always be singing these duets; it was truly magical. So, subconsciously, music was always very important to me because it seemed like this incredible love language. When I was fifteen, I was overwhelmed with high school and college applications. One day, I had the thought to pick up my dad’s old guitar and learn how to play it on YouTube. Learning to play that guitar was such a big stress reliever and music became this safe, healing space for me. I haven’t put down the guitar since.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Brynn: Artists like Brandi Carlile, Adele, Alicia Keys, and Joni Mitchell have had a tremendous impact on me. I remember seeing Brandi when I was seventeen at an amphitheater in my hometown. I walked away from that show thinking, “That. I want to do that with my life.” My dad is also a big inspiration for me. He threw himself fully into his work, and I want to do the same thing with music.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success throughout your career. When you look back, is there a moment that stands out?
Brynn: I got to play Radio City Music Hall back in 2019. That night stands out because it was so surreal being on that stage. When I was a kid, my family took a trip to New York, and we saw a show there. I just couldn’t believe that I was playing a show there years later.

PC: “Beautiful Things” is an incredibly personal song. Can you share the inspiration behind the single?
Brynn: Yes—it is probably the most personal song I’ve ever released! “Beautiful Things” is about my life story these last two years through the pandemic. My father tragically passed away in the summer of 2021. At the same time, I met the person I would fall in love with over the remainder of the next year. It’s a song about the seemingly opposite experiences of joy and sorrow and how being human is really holding these things together at the same time. Sorrow has the ability to make the joy of life greater. I think we’ve all experienced this through the pandemic. Seeing what the world has endured has made us more grateful and present to the beautiful things.

PC: You have been steadily releasing music throughout the years. If you had to pick one of your songs that best encompasses you as an artist, which would it be and why?
Brynn: The three songs (“Breathe”, “Terrified”, and “Beautiful Things”) I’ve released since the fall of last year are the truest songs to my own artistry. They were all written on acoustic guitar, and in them, you are hearing my melodies and lyrics in their rawest form. I think grieving my dad has rid me of all pretenses. This music is just me.

PC: So sorry for your loss. As we look ahead to the rest of 2022, what can fans expect from you?
Brynn: A lot more music, and hopefully I will be on the road soon. Stay tuned!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Brynn: AC/DC.

PC: First album you bought?
Brynn: Metamorphosis—Hilary Duff.

PC: First concert you attended?
Brynn: Taylor Swift opening for Keith Urban during the Fearless era.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Brynn: Barton Hollow—The Civil Wars. This album changed my life because I had never heard harmonies or even those kinds of songs before. They felt so classic and modern at the same time and inspired me to want to make music that had the same feel.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Brynn: Madison Square Garden.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Brynn: My guitar.

To keep up with Brynn, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music. Pick up or listen to “Beautiful Things” today.

Photo Credit: Ben Allen