Branjae
Interview November 24, 2021
By Dan Locke
Branjae is the birth child of Classic Soul, Funk and R&B. With a culmination of lyrical depths, energetic theatrical performances and genre fluidity, her storytelling style comes as unique as the personas she embodies. Branjae’s fearless and energetic showcase, encourages elevated consciousness by connecting with her audiences for the soul purpose of creating unity and harmony. Born in the city of Motown and rooted in the city of The Gap Band, artist Branjae has established herself as a full-bodied, entertainer; singing, dancing, and acting her way into the hearts of audiences across the globe. Her voice has been likened to the rasp of Lauryn Hill, the alto register of India Arie, and the soul of Nina Simone, while her stage presence is heavily influenced by the leg work of Tina Turner, confidence of Michael Jackson, and the commanding presence of Freddie Mercury.
What is your upbringing?
I was raised in a missionary Black Christian family. Parents married, only one sibling. It had its complications being a PK (preacher’s kid). I broke from hard core religion, rebelled, made some enormous mistakes until I found my own way. Been thriving ever since.
How did you discover music?
Music has always been around. My family always enjoyed music. I was sheltered quite a bit in the beginning, required to only listen to Gospel, but there was some “worldly music” out there I was allowed to listen to. P Funk and MJ were the riskiest crossovers. As I got older, I realized that we were indeed allowed to listen to the music my parents loved back in the ’70s. It had to be “just clean enough”. What’s funny though, is that P Funk error consisted of artists dropping acid and tripping while they recorded music. Those were the songs we were dancing to. Go figure.
How did you start to write music?
I started making up songs as early as I could remember. In earlier years, they mostly developed from poetry. Later on, I would come up with a melody and write lyrics to it later. I try to stay fluid with songwriting. Collaborating with musicians, or arranging beginner demo concept tracks to present to players to expand upon.
Describe your music:
R&B, Soul, Funk
How did you get your personal band (Branjae Music) together?
Organically. I became involved in the Tulsa music scene about 2005, after a highly dramatic divorce (long story), and hooked up with the band Full Flava Kings.
The band leader, Charlie Redd took me under his wing and taught me the live music ropes during the time I was a part of the band singing background and lead vocals. I was clueless concerning nightlife as I was fresh off the church train.
Fast forward, years go by, musicians came and went, while several stayed around. I have a core group these days. We pretty much play consistently together, and when I’m hired with a live band, they are my guys.
What was your first performance at like?
My first performance was in church. It was at this international missionary megachurch. At least this is the first one I remember. I was 6 years old, my mom made my outfit, and I was mega confident until I walked into the building. I gripped that mic with two hands because I was so small. Did my early 90’s shuffle step from side to side, sang for Jesus, and got through it! It was a great lesson about conquering fears.
What makes a good songwriter?
I think a good songwriter is someone who can put words and melody in a clever or catchy way. A great songwriter is a writer who can make their songs relate to people. Those that make people feel things.
What was the title of your first original song?
I have a slight memory of that song. Or at least the first time I heard myself played back on a studio recording. I remember the way I felt. Sadly, I can’t remember the title. Maybe it’ll pop up on a mixtape somewhere.
Did you record it?
My uncle recorded it. I came up with him touring and playing in a band. He was always producing. He’s still producing.
How do you stay healthy while performing?
I think staying healthy is essential for me to perform. I can’t keep up with my lifestyle when I fall off the bandwagon. I LOVE food, ok? No. Its love…As much as my love for hot water. Eating balanced is important. Eating A LOT is my jam. Exercise like walking Aja (90-pound dog-wolf), Yoga, breathing, light weights or bands. I enjoy having all these ways to stay uplifted around me. I can’t sit here and say I’m 100 ALL the time. I’m eating a crumpet with sticky jelly as I type this… ORGANIC jelly with real sugar…but a crumpet. When I have projects at hand, I’m typically pretty solid with the fresh food and vitamins, and when I’m off, I EAT. I stay balanced by sticking to a vegan diet.
Besides music you have a career as an actress. Tell me about your film Street Light?
I wouldn’t quite call it a “career” just yet. Acting is something extremely new. Street Light is actually a cinematic music video. The time is about 3 1/2 minutes. The video is one of my pride and joys! Filmed with the help of my Tulsa community, most time and tools were donated in support of us working with the organization, DVIS (Domestic Violence Intervention Services) in regards to the video, and to help destigmatize talking about domestic violence. It’s a depiction of how anyone can suffer from domestic violence but shows the outward community support for survivors. It was done extremely well. Has a cool Alice and Wonderland scene street party after the main character leaves a pretty intense argument that looks like it could turn bad. The video has screened in film festivals all over the country and has recently been accepted in Paris and Sydney Global network to screen in the film festival Lift-Off.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
Streaming can be a great tool for grassroots artists to be heard. Sometimes it’s just hard to get people to BUY music because It streams everywhere anyway. It also takes money right out of artists’ pockets while paying small, and I mean, very small percentages for streams. I’m torn.
Digital vs. vinyl?
Both
You did the March on Washington this August. How was it to be a part of the voice of America?
I marched on Washington. I repeated history. I’m a part of writing a new history. I was delighted to see the support behind black people, the unity among black people, and just the huge awareness of Dr. King’s legacy. I also was sadly disappointed that we were marching, yet again for the same reasons our parents and grandparents marched 57 years ago. That was a reality there too. But was it EMPOWERING? Definitely.
You performed at Town Hall in NYC back in February, right before the virus hit the United States. At that time, we all have heard about it. Were you thinking about it all during your performance?
When I performed at Town Hall back in February, the virus just made an appearance here. It wasn’t scary just yet. People weren’t socially distancing or even wearing masks as a whole. I saw the standard New York City masks you see here and there because it’s smoggy, but that’s it. Not a big deal then. One week later is when tests started going in and coming back. I came home at the perfect time. Right before is spread like wildfire.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
“What Christmas means to Me” by Stevie Wonder. Stuck in my head because that’s the next song I’ll be performing for a Christmas live stream. Honest.
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
It’s changing the path in which we do everything. I look at it pretty simply. Go with the flow or quit. Fighting it will only end in failure. I choose to learn and grow and go ahead and accept the challenge of change. What else is there really?
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
Self-improvement time, for sure. Why not? All this extra time, I’ve been writing, recording, filming, learning new programs, how to record my own vocals, reading books, working out, cooking. When the world turns to the new version of itself, and we get to be together again, I want to be a better version of myself. But quarantine and all this solo time actually helps me.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
I don’t know if reading would be a hobby but I have been reading a lot more. And YouTube. The deep rabbit hole of Youtube. One could earn a degree, there’s so much information.
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and using their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
Honestly, I don’t have a tv, rarely watch TV, and haven’t shown much interest. I get on Netflix sometimes. I started watching Orange is the New Black and the remake of Karate Kid. Well, the continuation. As you can tell, I don’t watch much TV. When I watch movies or the screen, it’s typically for research of some sort. An energy of a character I want to study for inspiration, or acting skills I could learn. I’m pretty intentional when I’m looking at a screen.
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on livestreamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses.
The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will include [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only.
How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
I’m sure it will change. That’s the nature of life. Change. Just go with it. Sounds like artists should start writing more music? People always find a way to get creative, and music isn’t really going anywhere.
In addition. From October 24 onwards, you can no longer simply paste your links in WordPress to make your Facebook and Instagram content appear on your site. Will this affect how bands use Facebook?
For sure. I think people may leave and find new platforms, or develop new ones. I remember MySpace.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merch to them at the show?
The worldwide internet. I think that says it right there.
It seems to me that you are doing a lot of shows lately. How is live jazz during these seasons of the virus?
I’m not hardly performing these days. Outdoor concerts here and there and a few social distance ones. I’ve been on a little break while I wrapped on filming my first movie out Dec. 7th. Finding Carlos. Look for it!
You band just performed outside at the Tulsa Botanic Garden. It looked like it was a fun show?
It was real fun! It’s always comedy to play family shows. Cleaning up my language and making sure I’m appropriate for the babies can be pretty comedic. It was fantastic weather, spirit, vibe. I was with my band dudes making beautiful music at sunset in a pumpkin patch. It was a total blast! I love those shows that aren’t all super serious sometimes.
Is pay to play still a thing?
I don’t typically pay to play. That’s not a thing in this market. NY LA that’s typical for oversaturated markets. Would I? Depends on how great the opportunity. I’d weigh the pros and cons.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
I keep saying holographs are going to be the new thing. May cost a little, may cost a lot, but it will cost!
If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?
Trying to figure out how to get on stage somewhere.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Please follow-on social media across the board; @BranjaeMusic
Youtube.com/BranjaeMusic Like comment and subscribe
Look for the drop of Finding Carlos: a Christmas Movie FindingCarlosMovie.com @HipHopHoliday
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