In this exclusive interview with Sonic Sisters Magazine, Atlanta-based artist Brianna McGeehan dives deep into her artistry. With her latest single 'Mother Maiden', the track is a deeply introspective offering that channels her Irish roots, offering a healing anthem for young women navigating hardship. Her new single blends indie-pop and electro-folk, infusing traditional Irish themes into a modern soundscape that reflects her journey and resilience. McGeehan’s sound reflects the duality of her influences: the Celtic traditions she grew up with and the electronic music of her early days in Brooklyn, merging to form a genre-blending soundscape that feels both nostalgic and innovative.
Continue reading to learn more about Brianna McGeehan. . .
Thanks for chatting with us at Sonic Sisters Magazine! Can you share a bit about how your journey into music began?
Honestly, I can’t remember a time in my life that didn’t involve music. My dad is a musician and music teacher. He was getting his degree in composition around the time I was born and I remember being very young and requesting he play certain compositions of his that were my favorite. I started playing piano around age 5. My older brother's piano teacher didn’t teach kids until they were a little older and so my parents told me that I had to wait. Instead, I asked my brother's piano teacher to chat with me in the backyard and I explained to her if she told my parents I was ready to study I would practice and work hard so she started teaching me. I fell absolutely in love with singing at around age 8 and from that point knew that music was what I was going to do. Truly my first love.
Who have been some of the most significant influences on your musical style?
I grew up to a lot of The Beatles, Tom Petty… classic rock, and plenty of classical music. Beethoven was a big deal in my house oh and plenty of folk music, mostly Irish. I do feel super influenced by the music of my upbringing. I have moments where I can feel the Beatles' influence in my vocal melodies. On my own, I found my way to The Cranberries, Lauryn Hill, Le Tigre, Regina Spektor and so much more. Honestl,y I have a hard time picking just a few artists, as I feel influenced by SO MUCH music.
And which female musicians or women in the music industry have inspired your journey?
I really appreciate the artistry of Janelle Monae. I feel inspired by all the women who are authentically bringing their selves and their stories forward. Allison Russell is another artist that I am really inspired by. I think Cyndi Lauper and Dolores O’Riordan were total bad assses, I think I could go on and on.. Ibeyi…
How do your personal experiences shape your songwriting, and what do you hope listeners take away from those connections?
The seed for me in writing a song always comes from a personal experience. Songwriting for me is a way of processing and packing up my experiences so I can clearly see all the lessons there, see what the take away is. Everything is fodder. Going through life knowing that my life experiences good or bad are simply fodder for art making and lessons is a perspective I actively cultivate. I hope that people who have had similar experiences to me are able to take away from the songs what I take away from them. I try to shape my experiences into a perspective that lacks shame but allows for learning. I also try to poetically name the systems of oppression that lead to the particular brand of human suffering I might be writing about.
Congratulations on your brand-new single 'Mother Maiden' - what inspired this particular song?
Honestly, the darkest moment in my life inspired this song. I was a young mom leaving an emotionally abusive relationship to step into the struggles of single motherhood in a society that doesn’t take care of its mothers. But the song is really about how I made it. How I transcended obstacles and gained wisdom and it’s a song for my younger self and ultimately for all young women. A song for the sisterhood.
What song (not your own) has had the biggest influence on you and why?
The second movement of Beehtoven’s 7th Symphony has always been a big deal for me. It just sounds perfect. I’ve probably listened to it 1000 times. Depending on the day I’m sure I would pick a different one - so many songs.
Is there a song in your catalog that holds a special personal meaning for you? We'd love to hear the story or inspiration behind it.
Yes! I released “Home” back in September. It’s a song about community and connection as the antidote to mental illness and addiction. A song about being home for your people and returning to community centered living. Rugged individualism is just trash in my opinion.
What are some of the aspirations you have for your music moving forward?
I really do feel I write music for other people, not just for myself. I want more people to hear my songs and hopefully be impacted by them. I really love singing for people, Singing is so healing for me and I feel like that translates for other people. Music heals, I want to share my gifts and hopefully assist in some part of healing for people.
What advice would you give to emerging female artists who are just starting out in the music world?
We have such a tendency at this point in history to try to produce as many goods as quickly as possible. Let your art be sacred and don’t fall prey to that urgency. Art exists outside of capitalism and all systems. Also, when you doubt yourself, remember the level of confidence a mediocre man can bring to the table, as women in what has historically been a boys club, we can be extra critical of ourselves, by design.
Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to say to our readers?
I am SO excited to share the video for Mother Maiden. I filmed it in the field behind my house with my 15 year old daughter and her friends who are all amazing dancers. Her dance teacher Erin Rawlings choreographed it and it is just so beautiful I can’t wait to share it. Hop on all my socials and follow to be alerted to its release very soon!
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