Lisa Marie Brennan

GIRL.COM.AU - 'STARS OF TOMORROW' SERIES

This month's Star of Tomorrow Spotlight is on US songwriter - Lisa Marie Brennan.

Lisa Marie Brennan is no stranger to the music industry. Having penned her first song when she was just 7 years old, this talented young lady has already established a large fan base, where she receives emails and letters daily from music lovers all over the world who enjoy her music. While not a singer herself, many artists have performed Lisa Marie's material, which includes such diverse styles like R&B, modern country, pop and ballads.

Stage Name: Lisa Marie Brennan
Age: 24

Location: Northern California

Music Genre: Songwriter of all styles

When did you realise that music was your passion?

I realised I wanted to write when I was about 7 years old, in second grade. I remember one day my 2nd grade teacher Mrs. Vaughn told our class we had to write a story on the long sheet of paper she gave us. Instead of writing in big letters like most children do at that age, I wrote in tiny letters on the front and back side of the paper, so that I would have enough room to write the long story I had quickly thought up (which was a story about riding through the sky on a beautiful unicorn and having a picnic in the clouds. :)

List three musical influences:

Jewel, Diane Warren, other unknown songwriters that write beautiful songs that are waiting to be discovered.

How many years have you been writing?

I've been writing for about 17 years since I was 7 years old, but I really started focusing on my songwriting about 3 and half years ago.

Do you write your own material?

Yes, I write songs of all styles and have a bunch of artists using my songs for their demos and CDs. I also have artists performing my songs, and will soon have a few of my songs used in some movies in New York. I also write poetry, have a poetry e-book titled "Read Me A Poem" which is being re-published right now, and I write screenplays, novel length manuscripts and short stories.

Have you found the Internet to be helpful/useful in fast-tracking your music career?

Yes, I love the Internet, saves so much time, and I use e-mail on a daily basis. Also, some of the music websites like MP3.com and others have really helped to get my music out there and heard by people who probably wouldn't have a chance to hear it if it wasn't for the Internet.

In following your dream, who has helped you along the way?

I've done mostly everything by myself, by believing in myself and pushing myself to keep reaching for the stars. Also, it's really encouraging to read some of the e-mails people send me, it's nice to know that people are out there listening to my songs and getting something from them. Also, some of the other songwriters and writers I've meant on the net and became friends with have really encouraged me and helped me along the way. And my parents for listening to all my finished songs for the time when they are finished!

Is there anything you wish you could change about the music industry?

I think a lot of things in the music industry are already changing on their own. This seems to be the time for the Independent artist and a lot of artists/writers are doing things on their own, getting their own fan base and promoting their songs, drawing attention to their music and making the major labels curious.

What advice can you offer to other budding young artists?

Believe in yourself and what you love. Don't let anyone tell you what you can and can't do.

Where do you envision yourself in 5 years time?

I hope to have a major artist record one of my songs within the next 5 years, hopefully sooner. I've been told I have a good chance at this and people in the industry tell me my song "Here Again" is the classic hit type that a major artist would want to record.

Where can people purchase/listen to your music?

http://www.mp3.com/lisamariebrennan or
http://www.lisamariebrennan.com
buy my poetry e-book "Angels Are Dancing" or my short story horror e-book "Night Shift" at: http://www.ebooksonthe.net

GIRL'S 60 SECOND QUIZ

Full Name: Lisa Marie Brennan
Nickname(s): Lisa Marie
Star Sign: Cancer

Fave Food: Chinese Food
Fave Film: My favourite TV show is "Mad TV"
Fave Actor: Jennifer Lopez
Fave Animal: Cat

Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Kind to all
Best Feature: Smile
Worst Feature: Shy sometimes
Person You Would Most Like To Meet: Diane Warren (Songwriter)
Hobbies/Interests: Writing, helping children, Internet

First Job: Customer Service at Kentucky Fried Chicken when I was 13!
A Talent You Wish You Had: Ice-Skating Skills
The Best Advice Given To You: Write from the Heart
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: The car keys (or else I'd be walking :))))
If you were a cartoon character, which one would you be? Minnie Mouse
If you were told you had a minute to live, what would you do? Write my last song until that very last minute ended.



N.B.: If you would like to nominate a Star of Tomorrow, email michelle@girl.com.au, include a brief biography of the person you are nominating and tell us why they are the next big thing!