Breana Marin
Los Angeles-based artist Breana Marin has released her new single “Work”.
The r&b single was produced by Dylan Graham (Big Sean, Dave East), Benjamin Singh-Reynolds, and Coop The Truth.
"It's about being in a relationship long past the honeymoon stage. The point we reach where each person's true colors are revealed and you have to decide if you're going to put the effort in to make it work," she says.
Influenced by the likes of Sade and Imogen heap, Marin is known for her hooks on the beat licensing platform Beatstars.
As a songwriter, Marin wrote for major artists like Fifth Harmony, Keyshia Cole, Phora, Brandy, and Letoya Luckett.
“Work” is now available worldwide.
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
My name is Breana Marin, I am a singer-songwriter. I was born and raised in Vegas, from there moved to LA, and went to the Musicians Institute. I am best known on the internet for my hooks on the beat licensing platform Beatstars.
When did you start writing songs? What made you want to write in the first place?
I always had an interest in poetry (and Dr. Suess) ever since I learned to read. I would write random little blurbs in my journal and always had a love for musicals and music with addicting melodies. I started taking vocal lessons when I was in junior high and that teacher encouraged me to start writing songs. He gave me some instrumentals and told me to come back when I had written a song.
When did you know you could sing?
I would imitate artists when I was a kid. If a Mariah Carey, Tamia, or Brandy song came on I would try to recreate what they were doing vocally. One of my aunts caught me doing that in our living room to Mariah Carey’s "My All," and went to my parents and said "Wow, she sounds pretty good" haha. I joined the choir in elementary school and ended up getting a couple of solos and realized singing was a talent of mine.
At what point did you decide to become an artist and release your original music?
I originally moved to LA to become an artist but ended up getting very interested in songwriting. I've built a huge catalog of music as a songwriter and learned more about myself as a creative and felt more inclined to share my music through my own voice because of that journey. It's always been something I've wanted to do.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
I would definitely say my parents. They were always putting me in lessons/ classes that centered around music. I think they knew before I did. My mom loved to have me sing for her friends and family.
How would you define Breana Marin, the artist?
Alternative Pop/ R&B. I love to write as if I am talking to someone and sharing my point of view at that exact moment. I want listeners to be able to feel my emotions through the music. I'm heavily influenced by artists like Imogen Heap and Sade. I think my music is eclectic but not too far left of center.
"Work" is your new single - what's the story/inspiration behind this single?
"Work" expresses my frustration in a previous relationship. Feeling like the other person isn't hearing you or doesn't fully understand where you're coming from. It was the first time I fully understood the saying "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus." We were speaking two different languages and I began feeling like the amount of effort being put into the relationship was one-sided.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this particular single? Who helped you create it?
In the early stages of this song I played the chords out on the piano and began writing what I was feeling at that time. This whole project was very therapeutic for me. It felt equivalent to writing in a journal and expressing my inner thoughts about my relationship struggles. After I recorded my vocals to the chords I sent it over to a couple of different producers to add some drums and final touches. We ended up having several different versions of the song (production-wise). Dylan Graham and his team (BNJMN & Coop The Truth) stepped in and switched up the entire feel and brought in a reggae /island vibe.
What did you feel when writing this song?
At the time, I was feeling stress, a little bit of anger, and frustration. In order for a relationship to thrive communication is key and myself and my boyfriend at the time were not doing so well in that aspect of our relationship.
What's your favorite thing about this song?
The production. The songwriting process was very therapeutic for me but the production gives it an entirely different energy that I love. The topic is very serious but the production keeps it light-hearted and fun.
What do you like the most about songwriting?
Self-expression and storytelling. It feels like having a mental conversation with the potential listener. Telling your story or sending messages to those that want to hear. I also love creating melody. I typically start there when I am writing a song.
What advice would you give to young songwriters?
Experiment often (try different melodies, lyrics, or effects) and give yourself permission to express your ideas without judging yourself. So often we keep the best ideas to ourselves because we fear judgment. Allow yourself to get the full idea out before you try to judge and pick apart what it really is.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
Today's music industry is an interesting place. On one hand, the playing field has been leveled. Independent artists have access to resources they didn't have before the internet became what it is today. On another hand, songwriters are still too often not treated unfairly. We're the last to get paid and often pushed into unfair deals and arrangements that give us little to no publishing or worse request we relinquish our rights to the master. If I could change one thing it would be to create a union or some kind of entity that protects creatives (specifically songwriters and producers).
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
Stay ready so you don't have to get ready. Be prepared for any and everything. I've been in far too many situations where if I had taken care of business beforehand the outcome could've been much more beneficial.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Emotional intelligence. With so much hate in the world right now and extreme opinions, there are not enough people who are willing to take a moment to listen and be open to opposing worldviews. I would love to see more patience, kindness, and open hearts in our world.
What message do you want to deliver to the world?
Self-expression and inspiration. Be comfortable in your own skin. I love to encourage people to embrace who they are and to express themselves creatively.
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