We had a great conversation with Laura Bryna today on The Chris & Sandy Show. We talked about so many many things from family, music, sacrifices, told some stories to a whole lot more! She also made some sounds for us, you’ll have to listen to know what I am talking about! Click the play button to listen to the podcast!
Laura Bryna is a force of nature, a throwback to the all-around entertainers who can’t just sing, dance and act, but is a radio talk show host, a children’s book author and an outspoken advocate for our military. Her new music, produced with Grammy-winner Damon Sharpe (Ariana Grande, Jennifer Lopez, Pitbull, Big Time Rush), represents a major stylistic shift for the country star, whose debut album, Trying to be Me, was released by Equity Music Group, featuring her co-written tribute to the military, “Hometown Heroes,” used in the national campaign for the Air National Guard, where she’s an honorary member and spokesperson.
“We’ve really taken the time to explore different styles this time,” explains Bryna, who calls the result, “smushie,” which combines her country twang with a modern dance EDM feel. “I listen to all kinds of music. I use it to express the different sides of my personality.”
The first new track, “Sweet Revenge,” is a banging ‘80s New Wave number that recalls Blondie, even though it’s Damon Sharpe production that puts it firmly on the cutting edge.
“It’s been an amazing experience working with Laura on her ‘reinvention,’” says Sharpe. “She is a true talent and has a clear vision of who she is, while still being open to creative input. I think her fans will be pleasantly surprised with the new sound we have crafted.”
“Damon has been amazing,” adds Laura. “He took everything I told him I wanted to say and made these songs ‘me.’ He welcomed my suggestions. I never play it safe. I love the attitude of that song. Damon managed to take from my country side and make it consistent with these new songs.”
A dance remix of “Sweet Revenge” by Dave Aude (Demi Lovato, Kelly Clarkson, The Greatest Showman), who has the most #1 Billboard Dance Club Songs.
Other new tracks include the sensual come-hither “Body First,” which brought out another side of Laura, and “Counting All the Ways,” the ultimate kiss-off song in the manner of Pink or Kelly Clarkson. “I feel like I’m coming into my own,” she says, citing Grace Potter, Chris Stapleton and Etta James (“That voice slays me”) as inspirations. “Damon made me feel comfortable in my own skin.”
Born in Mt. Airy, MD, a small town between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. that Laura describes as “green grass, turn left at the cow and right at the church… It’s home to me,” she grew up entertaining her parents in the family basement. She sang lead with her two sisters and brother as back-up. “We charged them 25 cents a show,” she laughs. “And wehad three performances a day.” Laura grew up on the classic rock, blues, country and soul music she listened to on the car radio in her dad’s ‘60s Corvette on the way to Sunday School. “I’ve always loved to sing,” she says. “And I love helping people, giving back.”
Her favorite musical performer was Elvis Presley. “I loved that he did things his way,” she says. “His work ethic and ability to adapt. I always try to prepared and ready for whatever opportunity comes my way. I’m open to learning new things, always working on improving my craft.”
Laura was selected to join the Kennedy Center’s Drama Workshop, where she performed with South African Graceland legends Ladysmith Black Mambazo, then attended Philadelphia’s University of the Arts.
Her support of the U.S. Military includes work with such organizations as USO, Wounded Warriors, Homes for Our Troops and Wounded In Action Family Foundation as well as an active participant in the Make-a-Wish Foundation (her song, “Make a Wish” was what first attracted the attention of Clint Black’s Record Label).“
I love what these men and woman stand for,” she explains. “They allow me to live my dream to live in freedom every day by giving their time and energy 24-7-365. This is the least I can do.”
Bryna’s recent cover of Leon Russell’s “A Song for You,” has garnered almost 150,000views on YouTube, and she recently completed an album of jazz standards, with renowned producer Peter Asher (Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Cher) featuring strings by Oscar winning film composer Hans Zimmer’s Team (The Lion King). Laura plans to release this project in 2020. “Creating this with a legend like Peter Asher at Hans Zimmer’s studio was like a fairy tale come true”. “Im so proud of this project and can’t wait to release it in the future”.
In addition, Bryna occasionally hosts “That’s America To Me,” a talk show carried on PGA Tour Radio’s number one talk show, Golf Talk America, where she’s interviewed people who have accomplished something notable in their lives, including Larry King, Vince Gill and country music legend Bill Anderson. “Golf Talk America is the fusion of golf, music and lifestyle in one show.” “I’m so happy to be part of the GTA family.”
Laura’s also penned a series of children’s books with an illustrator friend based on her own three talking parrots, Tyler, Harmony and Snuggles, familiar to her fans.
Having performed with the likes of Clint Black, Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Emmylou Harris, Taylor Swift and Jason Aldean, Bryna, who has splits her time between Los Angeles and Nashville, looks forward to continuing to entertain her fans (which number 250,000 on social media) from the stage.
“I want to continue making music and seeing where the dream takes me,” says Bryna,who is taking acting lessons “just in case.” “Music is like a tree, with all those branches coming from it representing opportunities. I’m prepared for whatever life has in store.”
With an upcoming date to entertain the troops in various bases overseas, Bryna has attracted some pretty impressive collaborators on her path.
“For me, it’s the whole team that makes my wishes come true,” she says. “This is no ‘I’in team. When you work as hard as we do, to finally see it all start to come together is a‘pinch-me’ moment.”
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