When music and performance are part of your major, it’s hard to imagine finding a way to still pursue music in your free time. But this doesn’t seem to be a problem for talented singer-songwriter Carrie Brandon. Carrie is a sophomore at Penn State, majoring in musical theater, who calls Mill Valley, California her home. Carrie has been singing since the age of three and has always had a passion for music and performance. Carrie made the decision to take that passion for music and make it her career, but as much as she loves musical theater, she needed a way to get away from it sometimes. Carrie’s inspiring songwriting is her outlet.
Carrie started writing music in her freshman year of high school. Carrie’s songwriting styles have been heavily influenced by a blend of the old (Joni Mitchell and Carol King) and the new (Ingrid Michaelson and Regina Spektor). Her relationship with her guitar is something that has also come to inspire her songwriting. When asked if there was a thing in her life that inspired her, she didn’t hesitate in telling the story of how she found her “soulmate”:
“I have this theory that finding the right guitar, is like finding the right man. When you see it you just know. I walked into a store one day, and it was there on the wall and I said ‘That’s the one.’” said Carrie.
Carrie named her guitar “Levana” after the name of one of her original songs, which is about the girl every girl wants to be and every guy wants to be with. This song can be found on Carrie’s first album In the Water (available on iTunes, Amazon and Facebook). While watching Carrie perform this song, it’s clear that her vocal training has paid off. But what was also evident was how her songwriting ability touched the audience. Listening to her songs, you will find yourself captivated by gorgeous melodies and brilliantly crafted story telling. As an active member of Penn State Songwriters’ Club, Carrie can be found performing at open mics and student show cases around town. Carrie doesn’t show any signs of slowing, with a plethora of original music in her head, she’s going to be someone for Penn State to keep their eye on. If you wish to learn more about Carrie, please check out her website by clicking here!