It’s been nearly a month since COVID-19 shut down Charlotte in practically every way imaginable. For the local music scene, that means venues of all shapes and sizes closing their doors and hundreds of concerts being canceled or postponed until the coronavirus outbreak comes to an end.
But that hasn’t put a stopper on Charlotte’s creativity: singer-songwriter Brit Drozda has created a digital stage to help benefit local music venues as part of the “Charlotte Music Challenge.”
This week on Amplifier, we revisit our 2018 interview with Brit Drozda and our conversation about staying inspired (through food and music), being connected and not taking anything for granted.
"Figure out the things that matter most in life because it goes by quickly."– Brit Drozda, singer-songwriter
Interview Highlights:
On starting to play music:
I started playing classical piano when I was four. I lived in New York at the time, and I also completely fell in love with Broadway. I just started out that way — singing show tunes and trying to play piano.
On finding her voice:
And it was really when [my brother and I] started writing songs together that I started to find my voice in a new way. I think Norah Jones also came out at the time, and I just fell in love with her sound. And Sheryl Crow, too. I just started gravitating toward these women.
On what she wants her audience to experience:
I’d love for them to be able to just emote. I think we’re always so fast-paced and I think just being able to sit, listen to a song and feel whatever comes to mind — to emote and just be human — is really what I hope a listener gets out of it.
On being an independent artist:
You’re basically an entrepreneur, and you’re trying to establish your brand and get it out there. I think you really just have to get out there and hustle a little bit.
On a changing Charlotte:
I was never disappointed in Charlotte. Every time I went out, I was pleasantly surprised about what it had to offer. And I’ve always loved it, honestly.
I think with a lot of creatives moving here and there being opportunities for people to pursue their passions, it’s definitely becoming more vibrant.
On what Charlotte's music scene needs:
I do think with the Fillmore and bigger venues, you have these bigger artists coming to town. But I do think for the musicians here in Charlotte who are trying to be more creative, I do think we can work on [having venues for them] and do a little better with it.
I think I’d just like to see more people in Charlotte taking interest, going out to some of these places and valuing the people who are here. I’d like to see more engagement, and definitely more venues, honestly.
Music featured in this #WFAEAmplifier chat:
The Prices - "Longing California"
Brit Drozda - "Let Me Hang the Moon"
Brit Drozda - "Where Would I Be Without You"
Brit Drozda - "Heaven"
Brit Drozda - "You Can't Take it With You When You Go"
Stay Connected:
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