Brittany Danielle has always shown a knack for drawing upon the classic energies of pop/rock, soul, and funk while bringing her own contemporary spark to the stage. One can’t help but think of legends like Ray Charles, Elton John, Madonna, Fiona Apple, and even the unconventional Honey Boo-Boo when experiencing her blend of soulful vocals, direct lyricism, and spirited performances. Now, with her second full-length album, Drive, set to release on December 31, 2024, she takes another bold step forward in an already remarkable journey.
Laying the Foundation
Growing up in a tightly controlled religious environment, Brittany Danielle first turned to the piano for a sense of freedom and self-expression. As a child, she poured all her fears and curiosities into her music, using songs as a way to grapple with her emerging identity. This intense connection to her craft only grew stronger when she began studying piano and joining choirs, ultimately pushing her to explore the expressive realms of jazz and funk in various bands. Over time, Brittany Danielle realized she had more than just melodies to share: she had a story to tell.
The release of her debut album, Hindsight, in 2022, was the first opportunity for audiences to witness her candid approach to songwriting. Tracks like “Fondly,” “Hindsight,” and “Ruin” offered a glimpse into her struggles, exploring the tension of breaking away from a sheltered upbringing and the courage required to confront her own vulnerabilities. Listeners immediately connected with her raw honesty, and many found solace in hearing an artist articulate what they themselves had experienced.
The Heart of Drive
Two years have passed since her debut, and Brittany Danielle is once again ready to unveil a collection of songs that capture her vibrant spirit. Drive is composed of eight tracks, totaling 29 minutes and 18 seconds, each with its own emotional nuance. It’s a testament to her evolution as a songwriter and performer, inviting listeners on a cross-country odyssey of self-discovery, healing, and renewed determination.
Opening with “What Did You Think (Would Happen),” the album strikes a bold note right off the bat. This track tackles that all-too-familiar scenario where friends repeatedly seek advice but rarely follow it. Playful yet pointed, the song underscores Brittany Danielle’s knack for weaving humor into her thoughtful lyrics. Moving forward, “Broken Bones” ventures into more reflective territory, balancing haunting undertones with the quiet resolve to push through life’s bruises.
The titular song, “Drive,” pulses with an undercurrent of momentum and change. Serving as an anthem for anyone who has ever felt stuck, it radiates the excitement of leaving old baggage behind and forging ahead toward new beginnings. By contrast, “Sunshine” is a bright, soulful track designed to invigorate the heart and remind listeners that there is always room for light amid the shadows.
The single “Runaway” stands out for its energetic blend of funk-inflected rhythm and vulnerability, encapsulating the irresistible pull toward adventure and risk. Meanwhile, “You Were Meant” shifts gears to reflect on destiny and self-worth—a gentle reminder that everyone has a place in this world. Adding a bit of spontaneity to the album is “Sticky Greens (Live Studio Recording),” where Brittany Danielle and her band preserve the magic of a raw, unfiltered session. Finally, “Fondly Reprise” brings the journey full circle, nodding to her earlier work with a sense of gratitude and hard-earned perspective.
Behind the Scenes: Collaboration and Production
The creative alchemy behind Drive was orchestrated by producer Alex Keil of the Cory Wong band, whose skillful guidance helped shape the album’s polished yet soulful sound. Joining Brittany Danielle in the studio were Nashville’s own Jon Krietz (Lake & Lyndale), Kevin Gastonguay, Adam McPhail, and Peter Janjic, each lending their expertise and flair to the project. Their collective energy stands out as one of the album’s defining features, giving each track a distinct personality while maintaining a cohesive feel.
As she has done throughout her career, Brittany Danielle continues to forge new connections, often performing in the Pacific Northwest and Nashville. Her audiences are drawn not only by her mesmerizing voice but also by her genuine desire to create community. She’s long been open about the challenges she’s faced, whether stemming from religious traumas or her journey of understanding queer identities. This transparency resonates powerfully with fans who yearn to hear stories that reflect their own lives.
Embracing the Road Ahead
Drive is more than just the next milestone in Brittany Danielle’s discography—it’s a testament to how far she has come since her early days at the piano. It is an album defined by honesty, resilience, and a celebration of personal breakthroughs. Each track offers a fresh vantage point on the complexities of love, heartbreak, and self-reinvention.
Listeners interested in experiencing Drive can find it on Bandcamp and all major streaming platforms. In addition, anyone curious to witness Brittany Danielle’s warm, authentic performances can look out for her tour dates on brittanydaniellemusic.com. Whether stepping into a small club or a larger venue, she promises to take audiences on an emotional ride that mirrors the album’s theme: there’s always another road to travel, another lesson to learn, and another triumph to celebrate.
We had the privilege of interviewing Brittany Danielle. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Hi, Thank you so much for joining us today! Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do.
Hi! I’m Brittany Danielle, a full-time touring and recording musician.
Please tell us about your Latest Album.
This latest album is the next step in the journey of Brittany Danielle. It explores adventures, love, and a little bit of melancholy growth.
Please tell us about your journey.
My musical journey started at a young age at the piano. While continuing to pursue music, I joined choirs, studied piano and music at university, and eventually started playing in jazz and funk bands. This eventually led me to writing my own music and finding out that I had something to say. My music and expression has reached out to many who have suffered from religious traumas or queer identities while discovering what life held for them and pushing through their struggles to grow out of the pain.
What are the strategies that helped you become successful in your journey?
Strategies that have helped me along the way are:
1) Building a team. This industry is so wild. You literally cannot do it alone. It’s so important to have people around you who keep boosting you, and helping you on your journey.
2) Practice, rehearse, and keep trying.
3) Develop all your songs.
Some may be dumb, but it was still something that needed to come out to either express a feeling, or even help you start the next song.
Any message for our readers?
Keep going. Be willing to take feedback. You’ll never get better if you aren’t willing to hear that you’re bad at something.
Thank you so much, Brittany, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!
