Today we’d like to introduce you to Mckenna Bray
Hi McKenna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started songwriting and singing when I was a freshman in college at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. I didn’t grow up, performing or playing any instruments, as I was mostly involved in sports, and so once I got to college, I felt this nudge to pursue a career in the arts. You know when you sing in the shower and you think you sound good, well that was me. Maybe ignorance is bliss;)
I started leading worship at a ministry on campus, called RUF, and then I auditioned for American Idol where my life started to change direction. I got a call back from the show for a private audition in Nashville, which sadly I did not make it, but through that experience I met a voice coach, Susan Marshall, in Memphis who took me under her wing and taught me everything I needed to know about the music industry.
Once I graduated college, I performed locally in Memphis & signed my first record deal with Madjack Records. I performed for a couple years with a few travel shows here and there and received a lot of “‘no’s” along the way.
Fast forward to 2022, I got connected with an entertainment agency based in LA. They gave me an opportunity to pitch a song for one of their animated children’s movies “Glisten & the Merry Mission” and it was thankfully chosen to be a part of the film! I also was able to voice a character in the movie as well. Truly both opportunities were dreams coming true for me.
Ever since then, I was fortunate enough to sign my first publishing deal with Warner Chappell music and now I travel to New York & LA when I can for writing sessions. When I’m not writing though, you can find me playing and cuddling with my 2 year old son and 4 month old son 🙂
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road at all… but if you ask anyone in the music industry in particular, that’s a common thread, which can be a comfort.
I got turned down from American Idol a few times, an entire tour canceled due to Covid 19, performed at a bar and not a single person showed up (you gotta laugh about it), auditioned for roles and have been turned down more than any yes’s I’ve received, submitted songs that haven’t been placed, the list goes on…
To be honest, this field can be very defeating and I’ve thought about quitting multiple times, however, I always come back to the fact that I can’t imagine my life without it. I truly believe God has wired me to create and I love that I get to do that for a living success in the world’s eyes or not.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In the season of life, I am primarily a songwriter. A typical day in my life consists of me writing solo or with others writers/producers and submitting material to see if they will get placed for other artists, movies, TV, shows, commercials, etc. Sometimes we will get a brief and write to that brief and other times it will just be a thought that we have and write from there.
I specialize in melody & lyric, and I would like to think I have a unique way of using my voice to channel different feels, other sounds, and imitate other artists that have helped give the songs the right overall feel especially when it comes to submitting material.
Honestly, getting my first placement felt like a career win for me. So I’m very proud of the work I did on the song “Merry Merry Christmas” for the animated feature film “Glisten & the Merry Mission.”
What matters most to you? Why?
I’m a firm believer in the power of words through music. Music, to me, is otherworldly/heavenly at times. I am so passionate about connecting with others to hopefully lead people to more freedom in their lives and oftentimes, music is a catalyst for that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mckennabray.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mckenna_bray/profilecard/?igsh=MWM3Znd1OWFtcWdxNg==
