When people think of transformative music icons—Ray Charles, Elton John, Madonna, Fiona Apple, and perhaps even the ever-unexpected Honey Boo-Boo—they might soon add a new name to that revered list: Brittany Danielle. With a voice that recalls classic pop/rock, soul, and funk influences from the 60s and 70s, Brittany Danielle has steadily risen to claim her place among her artistic heroes. Her second full-length album, Drive, promises a riveting road trip through the emotions of pain, love, sexual awakening, loss, and triumph, all packaged in eight memorable tracks that clock in at 29 minutes and 18 seconds. Released on December 31, 2024, Drive carries her honest storytelling to new heights and cements her position as a magnetic force in contemporary music.
A Musical Journey Born from Personal Experience
Brittany Danielle’s relationship with music began at the piano when she was just a child. Growing up in a sheltered religious environment, she found solace in singing and tinkering with melodies. Over time, this passion led her to join choirs and pursue formal studies in piano and music at the university level. Along the way, she discovered jazz and funk, played in several bands, and, most importantly, found her own voice as a songwriter. Her early struggles and her search for identity—especially for those who’ve endured religious traumas or grappled with their queer identities—became driving themes in her work. These themes resonated powerfully with fans who appreciated her blend of vulnerability, authenticity, and humor.
Her first studio album, Hindsight, arrived in 2022 and offered a glimpse into Brittany Danielle’s complex emotional world. Songs like “Fondly,” “Hindsight,” and “Ruin” tackled everything from heartbreak to self-discovery. Listeners connected with her openness, prompting excitement about what might come next. Two years later, she’s back with Drive, a vivid showcase of how far she’s come—and a sign of even greater creativity on the horizon.
Inside the Tracks of Drive
Drive features eight songs—each one exploring distinct emotions yet weaving into a cohesive narrative of growth. The opening track, “What Did You Think (Would Happen),” sets an empowered tone. Inspired by friends who repeatedly seek the same advice, the song delivers a catchy, pointed message that it might be time to face reality head-on. By contrast, “Broken Bones” delves into vulnerability, highlighting the pain that can accompany growth. Its haunting melodies and candid lyrics reinforce Brittany Danielle’s gift for striking emotional chords without losing her signature sense of hope.
The album’s title track, “Drive,” brings together themes of forward momentum and the thrilling possibility of transformation. It’s an anthem for anyone ready to leave the past behind and steer life in a direction of their own choosing. Meanwhile, “Sunshine” offers a soulful brightness that captures the promise of new beginnings. “Runaway,” one of the album’s lead singles, showcases Brittany Danielle’s talent for blending groove and introspection, illustrating the tension between yearning for freedom and fear of the unknown.
Listeners will also enjoy “You Were Meant,” a testament to self-worth and destiny, and “Sticky Greens (Live Studio Recording),” a playful tune that captures a raw, unfiltered energy—reminiscent of those lively jam sessions that spark pure musical magic. Finally, “Fondly Reprise” closes the album by nodding to her earlier work, tying up loose ends with a sense of reflection and gratitude for how far she has traveled in her journey.
Production and Performances
Much of Drive’s distinctive sound can be credited to producer Alex Keil of the Cory Wong band. Working closely with Nashville fixtures such as Jon Krietz (Lake & Lyndale), Kevin Gastonguay, Adam McPhail, and Peter Janjic, Brittany Danielle crafted a record that feels grounded in timeless soul and funk while sounding entirely fresh. The production highlights her vocals and the band’s instrumentals with equal finesse, giving each track its own character.
As Brittany Danielle’s circle of collaborators has grown, so has her audience. She continues to perform throughout the Pacific Northwest and the Nashville area, sharing her message of empowerment and self-discovery. Each show feels like an invitation into her world, offering fans a chance to connect with the person behind the music in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Looking Ahead
With Drive, Brittany Danielle has proven that she is more than ready to stand alongside the greats who first inspired her. Whether it’s the breezy soul of “Sunshine” or the candid confessions of “What Did You Think (Would Happen),” this album embraces life’s complexities while reminding listeners that hope is never far away. It marks the next exhilarating step in a journey that began at the piano and has blossomed into a far-reaching exploration of identity, faith, and self-determination.
Fans can stream Drive on all major platforms, including Bandcamp. For those who want to experience Brittany Danielle live, her tour calendar is regularly updated on her website, brittanydaniellemusic.com. As she carves out her niche in modern pop, rock, and soul, it’s clear that Brittany Danielle’s voice—rooted in authenticity and guided by unflinching honesty—has only just begun to make itself heard. The road ahead looks brighter than ever, and with Drive as her vehicle, she’s inviting everyone along for the ride.
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!
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