EAC Friday Feature: Brittany Morton

Friday Jul 29th, 2022

INTERVIEW WITH 20

10 Questions with Brittany Morton

297458220 606399614231066 3959635447637168652 n

Brittany Morton

-written by Nat Richmond

 

Without question, Brittany Morton has given us the complete package when it comes to Music. With a dynamic stage presence, vivacious personality, and a voice that's the perfect marrying of Whitney Houston's power and Anita Baker's allure, Brittany has given us a well-rounded show that leaves us entertained and fulfilled. As a member of the incomparable The Groove, she has mastered the Art of getting people out of their chairs to dance the night away, while also inviting audiences to fall in love again to the sweet sounds of her passionate R&B performances. This Erie native leaves no crumbs, and inspires upcoming singers to dig a little deeper in their showmanship. Brittany shares her passion via her gift, her voice, and delivers breathtaking performances night after night.

With such an amazing voice, what originally inspired you to pursue Music? What are your earliest memories of being exposed to Song?

I want to first thank you for the compliment of my voice. I have always enjoyed singing since I was a very young girl, my mother says around 4 years old. I can not say I originally wanted to pursue music but I loved it to my bone/core I could not get enough of trying to learn and perfect the enjoyment of singing along and trying other artist technics. Early exposure was definitely from my parents. They still have such a range of music playing they play around me hence the seasoned ears I have now.

Name an artist that has the most influence on your vocal delivery and style. Describe how this artist has had an impact.

This is tricky, It is truly hard to narrow down to one artist. Whitney Houston, Anita baker, Chante Moore, BlackStreet, Al Jarreau, Mariah Carey, Erykah Badu, Musiq Soulchild, Michael Jackson, Boys 2 Men, Toni Braxton, Brandy, Amy Winehouse, Jazmine Sullivan and soooo many more. These artist have range, wind, passion behind the music they create and perform. They all have played a MAJOR impact on my personal vocal challenges and created skill.

What emotions do you feel you're able to express while on stage.

Ha...You want to talk about EMOTIONS! It may seem odd to others but even in my cover band, you can still feel the music you are performing. This goes for my original music as well. It may not be understood always but I feel a sense of freedom, a release when I perform. I like to feel the words I am singing, even if it doesn't apply to me.

The Groove has been a staple on the Erie music scene for quite a while now. What was the inspiration behind getting this ensemble of amazing musicians together?

First, let me ask you...can you believe The Groove has been together, I, We have been together for 10 years?! After winning Erie Idol 2011, I was called back to be a finals judge for 2012 season. I met Roy Hollis Jr. (who was already in the mix of The Groove), and I put a bug in his ear that "If I could just have a band/be in a band, you know real instruments and perform, MAN that would be something"...He kept that word and mentioned my name to audition for the Lead Vocal spot in The Groove. *sidenote: Roy was not there when I went to the audition and I was mentally freaking out! lol But the rest is ten years of amazing history. They are truly a Great group of guys! (being the only gal is pretty neat).

What's the next step in your Music career?

Wow, next step, I would love to shoot a video for an original song. I want to do a video for a song you actually produced! I have a vision, just saying! Also, write, record, and play drums!

If you could work with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

I would have loved to work with Michael Jackson. Pure to say the least. Babyface, Paul Morton, Jr., Erykah Badu, Jazmine Sullivan, Maxwell, Musiq Soulchild, just too many.

Even after so many years performing, do you face any pre-show jitters? How do you find the courage to bring your best every performance?

Jitters are still a real thing for me. Ask my bandmates, I want the people to enjoy themselves so bad it makes my stomach flip. You just never know. So, by the third song, I'm completely vibing with the band and I say to myself we are doing this and this is happening dang it!

How do you feel that your artistry contributes to the Erie Music scene?

I can only go from what people have expressed. Whether they were going through a hard time, lost someone, celebrating a birthday, or wedding and they personally come up to me and say thank you. Thank you for saying something, singing that song, taking a group photo, or sharing my emotion through song touched them. I think knowing my joy/artistry can help or make the next person feel better/good is awesome!

What are your favorite songs to perform?

Favorite Song? to Perform? Come on...you're working me! There was streak of time all I wanted to perform was "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston, then "I Have Nothing" by Whitney Houston. I/We got so much amazing feedback/request for one or both of those songs to be performed I couldn't believe it. I am no Whitney, but I love her dearly. Sweet Soul. Now, honestly I love so many songs we do and some songs I am only doing background vocals which is one of my favorite things to do. Harmony is EVERYTHING. I'm laughing because I am THAT singer who will always harmonize with the radio and I'm sure it drives people nuts..."Like why she always harmonizing with the radio? Like let the radio wave!"

Any final thoughts?

Final Thoughts: I love you asked ME to do an interview, we go so far back. I love, appreciate and THANK you. "Surround Yourself Baby" - From Grandma GiGi to BigBad(my Mom)

Erie Arts & Culture

Keep in touch with the arts!

Join our mailing list to stay in the loop on culture and creativity in the region!