Jane Ellen Bryant: Congratulations on your latest release! What can you tell us about this new EP?
MWN: There are intentionally a lot of different sounding songs on this EP. I wanted to showcase a little bit of everything that I do.
Jane Ellen Bryant: How do you feel now that it’s finally out?
MWN: I’m excited to have it all finally available for people to hear!
Jane Ellen Bryant: What do you hope people to take away from listening to your music (in particular this album)?
MWN: I think there is a little something for everyone in these songs. The common thread to me in the vulnerably in each track. Hopefully listeners will find a line or a moment in a song that makes them feel understood. I love music for that reason. It can define a moment in time. It would be such an honor to have my music do that for someone.
Jane Ellen Bryant: You have excellent vocal control. How long have you been singing for?
MWN: I’ve been singing since I could talk! I spent the majority of my childhood performing. I went on to major in vocal performance at Belmont University in Nashville. I’m currently a vocal teacher! Singing has been a constant companion in life thus far.
Jane Ellen Bryant: What is your favorite thing about being from Austin? Has the versatile music scene influenced you in anyway?
MWN: The scene here has definitely influenced me! I was exposed to wonderful live music at a young age. I think my favorite thing about making music here is how the musicians all support one another. It feels like we are teammates, not competitors. That is how it should always be.
Jane Ellen Bryant: What was the inspiration behind this album? Was it more people? Sounds? The city? Previous experiences? A mixture of all?
MWN: The main influence in these songs were people and relationships. Sometimes I put myself in someone else’s shoes, and other times I wore my own. I also felt very inspired after touring and traveling all of last summer. After returning home, I wrote the majority of these songs.
Jane Ellen Bryant: Who are some of your inspirations: Lyrically and musically?
MWN: My biggest influencers are probably the women I grew up listening to: Sheryl Crow, Shawn Colvin, Joan Baez, Nina Gordon, Shania Twain, The Dixie Chicks, Bonnie Raitt, and The Spice Girls. Can’t help it, I’m a 90s kid.
Fire Round Questions:
Jane Ellen Bryant: Favorite love song?
MWN: Right now, “It’s What You Don’t Do” by Lianne La Havas
Jane Ellen Bryant: Dream festival to play in?
MWN: I’m from Austin, so playing ACL someday would be a dream come true!
Jane Ellen Bryant: First recollection of live music?
MWN: I think my first concert ever was at a rodeo. I stood up on my seat and started singing along. I didn’t realize until I saw people around me laughing that it wasn’t a cool thing to do.
Jane Ellen Bryant: First album you ever bought?
MWN: I think Wide Open Spaces by the Dixie Chicks.
Jane Ellen Bryant: Favorite place to write?
MWN: There is a ranch house I love escaping to in Menard, TX. Most of the songs on the EP were written there.
Jane Ellen Bryant: Lastly to finish wrap things up is there anything you’d like to say to the people who are going to be reading this interview?
MWN: Thank you for listening and sharing my music! Every little bit helps so much.
By: Allison Wyrsch | Exclusively for @Music, Why Not!