Welcome to Music Matters Podcast with Daryl Craig Harris, talking about all things music with celebrities, artists, music business insiders, and more. Brianna Marie Turner, aka BMT. How are you doing today? I'm good. How are you? I'm good. So where are you coming to us from? I'm in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Awesome. But you're a Memphis girl originally, right? Tell me that story. We were just talking about that. It's kind of a crazy story. So we lived in Tennessee. My dad was stationed there at the time. But there was a really bad thunderstorm, and the power was completely out. So we had to drive all the way to Memphis, and the power there was even out too. But my mom was like, oh, I've got to give birth. so um somewhere they had the hospital like running on like a backup generator and um that i was born in memphis so you made you made your debut in memphis yes one way or another wow that's a crazy story so um so you have a great song out um called vertigo uh and the video is awesome too i love the video it's really fun um so tell me about let's talk about that song and how that came about and also before we get there i want to talk about how you were how you got into music? Because I think you kind of came from a musical family originally, right? Yes. So I grew up like from the time I was born, my whole family, you know, plays music, sings music. So like every family get together that we had, it was like a full blown concert. Like I'm talking like a hundred people. Yeah. And like everybody's taking turns getting up there performing and just like jamming and stuff and um so i started like i couldn't even talk yet but they i wanted to get up there so they let me get up there and i would just jibber jabber on the mic and not even be saying words uh dancing like that yeah so um and like most of my family like in tennessee and kentucky like they all like you know perform and like do music and stuff like they always have so Like it was like really good, like a full concert. So, yeah, I grew up like that's what really like started me, you know, wanting to be on stage and be a performer and stuff like that. And then after that, like I when I started school, I started, you know, performing in choir. And I did that all the way up until high school and did show choir and like talent shows. Kind of like the whole Glee experience. Any opportunity that I had to get on the stage, I was getting on the stage. pretty nice. That's awesome. That's great. And then I also taught, like we had our church choir and I performed in that for a long time. Um, and then like when I got older, I started helping out with the youth classes and I would help out with like the music aspect of that and stuff, like helping teach the songs that they, you know, get on stage and perform and stuff. So that was really cool. Um, but yeah, so, and then after that, I just continued to pursue it. It's kind of like all I ever wanted to do. Yeah. So you're kind of like living, breathing out. That's kind of my story too i just kind of i'm a musician i grew up same thing like and once like once that really grabs you it kind of like takes control of your soul in a way absolutely it's like medicine for your soul exactly yeah so tell me about songwriting because this song is very story driven and i think and what i was reading kind of like all your music has sort of been that way tell me how did you develop that style and who were some of your early influences um for me i started out writing poetry and I just sang but poetry eventually became music and it's actually funny because I didn't like show my poetry or anything and my mom found it and she read it and I was like that's like my diary like you know like why would you read that yeah and she's like it's really good though like I like it you know what I mean and like that kind of like pushed me to like start pursuing it more and then it led into songwriting um so that's probably why you hear a lot of like the whole like story you know a story behind the songs um with vertigo specifically it was actually crazy um that song so my manager actually experienced vertigo and he's he's great now thankfully um but it inspired us to make a song that's about you know like a like you're drunk and like everything's spinning and stuff and you can't get it to stop. Yeah, we've all been there. Yeah, right? So it's crazy that like, you know, something bad, like we turned it into something good. And that ended up being my debut single. So that was pretty crazy too. So that's like based on a real story. It's true to life. How did you develop your style? Because you have kind of a rockabilly vintage kind of thing going on. Who are some people that kind of inspired that look and the vibe for you? Definitely Amy Winehouse, for sure. Love her. Honestly, like, I think it had a lot to do with like how I was brought up. Because like my grandparents like they like rode motorcycles And then like I had like the country influences you know and music and like and all of my family owned like car dealerships and collected vintage cars so it like it all like every aspect of my life is the definition of like rockabilly you know what I mean and then I love like the 50s like fashion and you know just like everything from the 50s like the whole like aesthetic of it So then I really got into like the whole like, you know, pinup and like 50s like style. And it just kind of all came together. And that made me. What was like when you grew up in Indiana? Was that kind of that vibe there where your friends kind of or was that kind of a big thing in that culture where you grew up? Or how did you get that kind of beyond just the car stuff? How did you get exposed to that? um well my like where i'm from like muncie is more like kind of like a grunge punk rock like type like yeah there's a deep deep music history back in that in that area yeah for sure um but yeah so it was more like kind of like rock grunge punk like that like scene you know um which also kind of like plays into you know who i am and you know what i mean like my music and stuff like that but yeah out of a mixture of different things yeah for sure awesome um so tell me about you you've actually uh and we were talking a little bit about this before you start or before we started but you've opened for a lot of really major acts um you're on tour with machine gun kelly you've had collaborations with will i am the black eyed peas lady gaga darius rucker a bunch of different things um how did you get into that and was how how how when you first started doing those kinds of shows was it very intimidating or how did you deal with it it was definitely intimidating at first it was like that like excited like adrenaline rush you know what i mean like because like i'm from a really small town so like doing something like that was like crazy um but like like on tour with ngk like i remember like the first show i was like behind stage and i was like like i was shaking like my knees were literally like shaking and it And they were the whole time I performed, too. It was crazy. But it was the biggest rush of my life. From the time that I got on the stage till the time that I got off, it was nothing that I'd ever experienced before. And there was one point in the show where it was our final song, so it was a big song. There was a part where all the fans put up their phones or the lighter or something. and it was like at that moment because you know like when you're on stage you have all the lights in your face you can't really see like super far out but at that moment everybody you saw like each individual and like I was like trying not to cry holy Jesus what's just happened yes like this is crazy but yeah so it was it was definitely like a huge change from having like done like a lot of like hole in the wall like you know venues and stuff like that which I love that intimacy of those type of venues but like the feeling of like getting on a stage where you like don't even know how many people are out there you know what i mean like like it's sold out shows and stuff and huge arenas like it's like life-changing for sure like it was crazy yeah and the challenging thing with with the opening act you know uh doing that as for especially for big artists is they have very loyal fans that love them so you've got to figure out a way to reach those people and make them like Absolutely. Because at first their thought is get this person off the stage so I can see my artist. We're here for this person. Exactly. So how did you mentally like kind of figure out a way to navigate that? Well, I think the big thing like with the MGK tour specifically, that was like our music, like it already kind of complimented his. And it just like fit in really well. And like that was, you know, our team's like placement. Like they did that. Like they knew, you know, putting us there would be. It was kind of a good marriage in a way. Yes, exactly. So it put us in a place where we didn't really have to do much to like get them on board with it. It was just it automatically kind of went hand in hand. Because, again, like with MGK, it's like very like punk rock, like, you know what I mean? Like that whole like style. And that's like very much what we're doing. Which kind of rubs up against like the rockabilly vintage vibe. For sure. Punk rock is very, it's right there in the same family, right? And I love to see it coming back. Yeah, yeah. For sure. Like the rockabilly specifically, like I'm like, yes, more and more. Yeah, I was an Orange County kid in the 80s and late 70s. So I was like right in the middle of that punk. You know, I met Johnny Rotten. I met like the suicidal tendencies. All those guys were happening right when I was growing up. Wow. So, yeah. So it was kind of, and it was funny because I'm like, I was at Huntington Beach and I knew I was kind of very lucky. But as I got older, I realized I was very lucky to be in that area. Oh, yeah, for sure. Even your shirt right now is kind of rockabilly. Yeah. Well, this is my secondhand store shirt. Even better. Right? Exactly. Vintage. But, yeah, I guess my heart always kind of goes back to the rockabilly vibe, and I love that. And actually in Vegas, it's still a really big thing, too. There's a lot of great acts. Oh, really? I haven't been out there in a while. I need to get back out there. Yeah, you should. There's a lot of good clubs, actually places you probably enjoy playing. So you actually my understanding is you have a project coming up with Darius Rucker is that correct Yes We collaborated on a couple songs together And I known him for a while He's a great guy. I know. He's a sweet guy. Oh, you've met him? I met him in rehearsals up in North Hollywood before. He was doing his country thing. Oh, yeah. He's so sweet. We were there with Miley. I was doing production. Oh, cool. but yeah he um i i met him like with my team and um it just like we instantly hit it off and we did our first song together and then uh just recently we've done another one too so very excited about those like can't wait to release them but he's uh for me like that is like because like i've opened for people and like you know what i mean like stuff like that but like that was like the first like big artists that I've like, you know, collaborated with. Yeah. Yeah. So like, that was really cool. Like I was like, Oh my gosh, like this is happening. Well, you know what you have, you have a cool thing and you have a unique voice, which I think is it's, it's rare. I'm sure you know this too, but like, you know, you hear somebody like a Dolly or you hear somebody like a Willie Nelson and you instantly know it's them and you have that same kind of voice. You have a very specific, unique voice. Yeah. And it's, it's a rare, it's a rare thing. I think, you know, you're welcome. Yeah, love Dolly. So that's a big compliment. Thank you. Yeah, I mean, who doesn't love Dolly? Exactly. So you mentioned team a couple of times, and that's something that I've really found a common thread among successful artists is building a solid team. Can you talk a little bit about that and your team, your management, all that kind of thing, how they've helped you be successful? Absolutely. The teamwork makes the dream work. Like I, you know, I couldn't do it without them. I have like a really solid group of people behind me. And like my manager, Charles Farrar, he is, I call him a like a mad music genius because he comes up with like the craziest ideas. And like he's just constantly like his head like is just like with like music and ideas and like, you know what I mean? Like he lives and breathes it and it reflects on to like what, you know, what we do. So like every time that him and I like like we talk all day every day because we're just bouncing ideas back and forth. Like, oh, like you should listen to this song and this part. You like, you know what I mean? Like, so. That's having the passion, the passion for it. Yes, exactly. And like for me, like I feel super blessed to have that. You know what I mean? Because you can have a manager, you can have a team and stuff. But like to have like a team that like you're on the same page and like you're so passionate and creative about, you know, what you're doing that like it consumes you. And you're like, like I said, talking about it every day and constantly like just brainstorming pretty much. Like I'm super grateful for that. So, yeah, it's definitely this whole team of people that, you know, do different things. And like I can sing and engineer myself and songwrite and like stuff like that. But like there's so many aspects that I can't do. You know what I mean? Like that they can. And that's what makes it possible to, you know, really take it to the next level is when you have people that are all doing separate things, but it comes together collectively to move forward. So I love them. Yeah. And you really need that because especially as an indie artist or a touring artist, there's just so much to do. And it can be overwhelming for people that are out there trying to do all that by themselves. Talk a little bit about collaboration because not only with songwriting, but production and that kind of thing. How important has that been for you? Very, because I can't produce. I can engineer myself now, but, like, I can't produce. And, like, that's a whole other level, you know. And that really, like, a lot of the times, like, the beat is given to me and then I write on it. You know what I mean? But without that beat, like, you know what I mean? Like, it's just me singing acapella. It's kind of like a little push to get you going. Yeah, for sure. And again, like with like our team, like there's like multiple producers. So it's like we're like, like every beat's going to be different. You know what I mean? Because everybody has their own creative sound and process and stuff. So and I love that because like I don't ever want to be like put in a box. Like you have to be this or this genre wise and stuff. Like I want to be able to like, cause I'm inspired by so many different genres that I want to be able to creatively like express that through music. So like, and my team, like completely on board with that. And like, they are, you know what I mean? Like able to make that happen for me, like with the production and like, I can be like, Hey, like I want to do a rockabilly song, you know what I mean? Or a country pop song, like whatever, like I'm where I'm at, like they're able to produce that for me. So I'm able to make this music, you know? Yeah, it helps you execute the vision, which is important. Absolutely. Yeah, yeah. And I think, too, with you, because it's not only about just music, it's the look, it's the vibe. So having that kind of whole collaborative team working with you is probably very important. You can really see that in your music video. Like, it's a really strong look. It's well done. It's quality done vibe, you know. So I think that that's super important for what you're doing. Do you find that that true just the whole package in general Oh yeah for sure Like you can like I could put out music um but like without like it a whole brand you know what i mean like and that like really what we pushing like it's not just the music like it's it's a full concept you know what i mean like from the like fashion aspect to the music aspect to the visual aspect like the like it's all like one package deal that's like like this is who i am you know yeah and this it's the world we live too because you've got to reach people on multiple levels musically streaming visually the social and all that's got to kind of work together um to get there i think um do you have any uh live shows coming up or touring plans or where are you at with that we have some exciting stuff coming up um i can't really say yet um i can't um but it like we definitely have some big shows coming up here very soon. Awesome. And how can people, how can, I know, I just, I'm like, you can be curious. So tell me, how can people find you online and down the road when you do release dates? How you have a website and you have also, you have, you have social media, of course, but. Yes. So on all social media, I am the official BMT. And then on like Spotify and iTunes, is just BMT. And that's so everything official BMT. But you know what, that's good, though. It keeps it simple, which is that's important. Yeah, that was like the main thing. I was like trying to figure out like, how can I get like all of, you know, my names to be the same? Because then you're like, on Instagram, I'm this on TikTok, I'm this and I'm like, I try I feel like, that's what we ended up with the official BMT. So got the same one on all of them. We got lucky Sort of like Pepsi. You want it to be Pepsi everywhere, not just a different name. Right. Exactly. I get it. Awesome. Well, thank you so much for joining me. And I should actually I should ask you too quickly. What's some advice that you could give young artists? Because you've been in the trenches doing it. Like you mentioned, you started doing clubs at small places at first and then built your way up. What are a couple of important points that you learned that maybe you could let younger artists know? um the little shows matter like take all of the smaller shows like do perform them you don't even if you're not getting paid like do those shows because that like you never know who's going to be at that show you know what i mean like or who they know or and they show your music too and like it that is it takes you like from one place like it's like little stepping stones you know it's like you go here and then you get to the next one to the next one like for instance um When I met my first manager who worked for Universal Records, I met him at a show. It was a benefit in my hometown for a little girl who had passed away. And we were there performing and he was there. If we wouldn't have done that show, then we wouldn't have met him. And then that led me all the way to where I am now. I wouldn't be here if I hadn't done all those shows. You know what I mean? And so like some people, I think like with artists, they'll be like, oh, like, you know, I don't want to do that show because they're not going to pay me. You know what I mean? But at the end of the day, like that's not what it's about. It's about the stepping stones to like where you where you can go, you know. So that that probably be it. Yeah, that's important advice, because I've always said there could be maybe three people in the audience, but that one person of the three could change your life. Absolutely. Or just you have like a friend or follower forever. You know what I mean? Like just because of that one show that you did. So it's definitely like important for sure. Yeah, I tell that's really good advice. And I think it's important for for it to come from you because you've lived it. You've you've actually came out the other end very successful, which is great. Yeah, it's been a long road, but we're we're getting there. like i said it feels like like from where i started to like where i am now like like i'm able like i have my own studio i'm able to like record myself like you know what i mean like before like there was literally a time i had a microphone taped to a broomstick we've all been in the barn in my barn okay maybe i didn't have a barn but yeah and it was like so hot it was like middle of summer like and we were in this like little area i was like it was crazy But yeah, like that's the trenches. You know what I mean? Like that's where like I go from that, like where I was like duct taping a microphone in a barn to like now I have my own studio. Like I'm able to, you know what I mean? So like where you start from does not determine where you're going to end up for sure. Yeah. You know, the most important thing is to take the first step and then you never know where that can lead. Exactly. But yeah, that's awesome. And thank you so much for joining me. I know you're very busy, but I appreciate hearing your. Well, thanks for having me. I appreciate it. Yeah, I appreciate it. I love your story, and your music's great. The video's great. So I encourage everybody to check it out. Check out Vertico on YouTube and also on streaming with Spotify. It's there as well with all of your links, and I'll include your links as well in the podcast description when we release it. Okay. But thank you so much for joining me. I appreciate it, Brianna. Thanks for having me. Appreciate it. Have a great day. Thanks for joining us, and please consider subscribing to our podcast and follow us on our social media pages for guest announcements.
