"I want it to inspire people to seek out beauty and truth, and to seek out the good in things." Lofty goals, perhaps, for a young artist who's supporting her first indie releases. But Brynn Elliott's disarmingly insightful, melodically distinctive songcraft more than justifies her idealism.
Indeed, Elliott's simultaneously-released EPs Notions of Love and Notions of Youth make it clear that the charismatic 20-year-old Atlanta native possesses an uncommon sense of purpose to go along with her startling songwriting gifts and uniquely expressive voice. The eight-song Notions of Love and the four-song Notions of Youth have already won considerable grass-roots attention, and Elliott's songs can currently be heard on more than 40 college radio stations. Luke Crampton, host of the online radio show Lost and Found, played Brynn's song "Wildwood" as one of the best songs of 2014.
Elliott is planning to support her twin releases with a pair of high-profile tours that will keep her busy through September. She's spending May and June opening for indie phenom Allen Stone, performing in a variety of clubs and theaters. In August, Elliott and Stone will join O.A.R. for the Back to Rockville Tour, a six-week series of large-scale concerts across the U.S., including a date at the PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ on August 14 .
Brynn Elliott's talents have already been recognized by some notable admirers. She's worked with Grammy-winning songwriter/producer Clif Magness, who's known for his work with such artists as Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken. More recently, she's co-written with producer Cason Cooley, who's renowned for his collaborations with Ingrid Michelson, Jason Gray and Katie Herzig. Elliott has already gained considerable performing experience, sharing stages with the likes of Brandi Carlile, Alanis Morissette and Wilson Phillips. She also recently performed at the Bentonville Film Festival's star-studded awards ceremony, which will air on CBS TV in July.
When she returns from the road, Brynn will begin her sophomore year at Harvard University, where she's majoring in Philosophy. Despite the pressures of juggling her studies with her musical career, she enjoys, and is inspired by, academic life.
"For me, school and music are inseparable," she asserts. "They are two sides of the same coin. The academic environment pushes me to think about my art: what do I want to say to the world, and how should I say it? That question is what drives me to write."
With Notions of Love and Notions of Youth already winning her positive attention, Brynn Elliott is looking forward to getting out on the road and expanding her fan base the old-fashioned way.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
5/22 Somerville, MA Arts at The Armory +
5/23 Burlington, VT Higher Ground +
5/24 Pawling, NY Daryl’s House +
6/1 Knoxville, TN Bijou Theatre +
6/2 Winston Salem, NC Ziggy’s +
6/3 Wilmington NC Ziggy’s By the Sea +
6/5 Orlando, FL The Social +
6/6 St. Petersburg, FL Ringside Café +
6/7 St. Augustine, FL Colonial Quarter +
6/9 Birmingham, AL Work Play Theatre +
6/10 Jackson, MS Duling Hall +
6/11 New Orleans, LA One Eyed Jacks +
6/14 Dallas, TX Granada Theater +
6/16 Phoenix, AZ Musical Instrument Museum +
6/23 San Francisco, CA The Chapel +
6/24 Napa, CA City Winery +
6/25 Nevada City, CA Miner’s Foundry +
6/27 Park City, UY Park City Live +
+ opening for Allen Stone
% opening for OAR & Allen Stone
