Bree Sharp

By Alex Teitz

    It’s hard to imagine what would follow a bizarre single like “David Duchovny.” For most people, it’s hard to imagine where such a fun and light song would come from. Imagining is one thing, seeing is something else. Bree Sharp is back with a new album called More BS that is more reflective, but still plays with the listener. Standout tracks include “Galaxy Song”, “The Ballad of Grim and Lily” and Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer.”

Bree Sharp has elements of a classic songwriter, a twisted director (think Mel Brooks on speed), and a diva mixed into one. Her music is as much the experience as the notes. She keeps the listener guessing from song to song as to what direction she will head towards, while still making an album that is a complete work.
FEMMUSIC was able to catch up with Sharp briefly for an e-mail interview. For more information visit BreeSharp.com

FEMMUSIC: Can you describe your songwriting technique?

I always start with the music then write the lyrics. Often I’m inspired by movies. I’m a big movie fan and I try to incorporate a cinematic feel to some of my songs – drama, action, comedy and tragedy — what else is there?

FEMMUSIC: What was the biggest challenge making MORE BS?

This was the first record I made independently and that brought a lot of challenges. Not only was I writing and producing, but I was also working on the packaging and marketing (etc) of the record. Of course I couldn’t have done it with out a lot of help from my partner and my manager, but still — three people doing the job of a whole record company is in the very least challenging.

FEMMUSIC: What was the best experience making MORE BS?

It was great having the freedom to put whatever I wanted on the record without worrying about pleasing other people. Also, the first time I saw the finished package I was pretty elated.

FEMMUSIC: How was it working again with Don DiLego? What elements does he bring
Into the studio?

It’s great working with Don. Since we’ve been collaborating for so many years we work really well together. We kind of know what the other one is thinking or trying to express musically. And if we don’t know what the other one is talking about we trust them enough to go for it anyway. I know that Don won’t go wacko and screw up a song we’re working on even If his Idea sounds crazy. He sounds crazy half the time, but his results are always awesome.

FEMMUSIC: What made you decide to do Don Henley’s “Boys of Summer?”

It’s always been one of my favorite songs. It’s part of the soundtrack to my childhood. Every time I hear the guitar riff I’m right back at summer camp with a desperate crush on some lanky boy in the older bunk. I love the mix of anger and desperation and I like the Idea of a woman singing it.

FEMMUSIC: What artist or band would you like to open for the most?

I have lots of favorites (the list would be long). First one that comes to mind right now …The Pretenders. Chrissie Hynde Is so bad.

FEMMUSIC: As a woman in the music Industry, have you been discriminated against?

Not to my knowledge. If anything I’ve felt empowered — people seem to like girls who can kick it.

FEMMUISIC: What one thing would you like to change about the music Industry?

This goes for all of corporate America — I’d like to see a better distribution of power. Right now too many important decisions are in the hands of just a few rich-ies. Our democracy is fading…

FEMMUSIC: What advice would you give to an artist just starting out?

Sing a lot. Write a lot. Don’t be shy to share your Ideas. Even If your Ideas aren’t great yet, It’s by bouncing them off of other people and seeing your work through other peoples eyes (and ears) that you can get a better sense of yourself and the things you need to work on. Be brave.