Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Brandy Haze

We don’t want to be dramatic, but if you’re not listening to Brandy Haze, you need to drop everything you’re doing and check her out. The up-and-coming artist has had a breakout moment with her new single, “Dramatic.” Pop Culturalist caught up with Brandy to learn more about the song and her career.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Brandy: I’ve always wanted to sing. Since I was little, I always knew that’s what I wanted to do. But I didn’t know what the process was to become a recording artist. It wasn’t until I got my first job in 2015 in New York. I was going out and socializing. I met someone who took me to a studio. When I was there, I was like, “So anybody can rent this space? That’s it?” I did my first session and created a PartyNextDoor cover that did really well on SoundCloud.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Brandy: I would say Frank Ocean. He’s my favorite writer and artist. There’s so much depth and meaning behind his lyrics.

PC: You were working as a marketing analyst before making the transition into music. Was there a particular moment that sparked that pivot? How challenging was that decision?
Brandy: It wasn’t a hard decision because I really hated the job. [laughs] I knew this wasn’t what I was supposed to be doing. But the reality of not having a job and the decision afterwards was a little hard. I had to adjust and find other ways to make income. That was difficult. But the initial decision, I was like, “Without a doubt, music is what I want to be doing.”

PC: While you were working all those random jobs to support your love for music, what did you learn about yourself?
Brandy: I learned to keep going and keep pursuing what it is that you want to do. Even if you don’t have the capital, keep building and networking with people.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Dramatic.” What inspired the song?
Brandy: It started while thinking about a friend who was really dramatic. Then it turned into a relationship situation, whether it’s a friend or lover. There are a lot of times where there’s one person that’s overly dramatic in a situation.

PC: You’ve got a new album coming out soon, what can you tell us about it? What can fans expect?
Brandy: They can expect an R&B sound. They can expect something new and fresh that they haven’t heard from me before as well as things that will sound familiar.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Brandy: Rico Nasty

PC: First album you bought?
Brandy: *NSYNC. That was the very first one that I begged my mom to get on cassette.

PC: First concert you attended?
Brandy: Chris Brown

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Brandy: Frank Ocean’s Nostalgia, Ultra changed the way that I looked at music and approach songwriting. It set a high bar.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Brandy: SOB in New York City

PC: A must-have on the road?
Brandy: My glasses. People don’t know that I wear glasses, but I can’t see without them.

To keep up with Brandy, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify. Pick up or stream “Dramatic” today.