Viral Indie Artist BMT on the Story Behind Her Hit "Vertigo"

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Brianna Marie Turner, aka BMT. How you doing today? I'm good, how are you?

“I'm good, where are you coming to us from?”

I'm in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Awesome. But you're in Memphis, girl, originally, right? Tell me that. Tell me that story.

We were just talking about that. It's kind of a crazy story. So we lived in Tennessee. My dad was stationed there at the time, but there was a really bad thunderstorm on the power was completely out.

So we had to drive all the way to Memphis, and the power there was even out too, but my

mom was like, oh, I got to give birth.

It's so weird. They had the hospital run on a backup generator, and that was born in Memphis. So you made your debut in Memphis? Yes. One way or another.

Wow. That's a crazy story. So you have a great story out called Vertigo, and the video is awesome, too. I love the video. It was really fun.

Oh, thank you. So tell me that. Let's talk about that song and how that came about. And also before we get there, I want to talk about how you got into music.

“Because I think you kind of came from a musical family originally, right?”

Yes.

So I grew up from the time I was born.

My whole family plays music, sings music. So every family gets together that we had. It was a full-blown concert on talking, like, on people, and everybody's taking turns getting up there performing and just jamming and stuff. So I started, like, I couldn't even talk yet, but I wanted to get up there.

So they let me get up there, and I would just jipper jabber on the mic, and nothing would be saying words. Yes. I wanted to hear a voice out. Yeah.

And most of my family like in Tennessee and Kentucky, they all perform and do music and stuff. They always have. Like, it was a really good, like, a full concert. So yeah, I grew up, like, that's what really started me wanting to be on stage and be a performer and stuff like that.

And then after that, when I started school, I started performing and choir, and I did that all the way up until high school and did show choir and, like, kind of like the whole glee, glee, ex-- Any opportunity that I had to get on the stage, I was getting on the stage, pretty. That's awesome.

And then I also taught, like, we had our church choir, and I performed in that for a long time. And then, like, when I got older, I started helping out with the youth classes, and I would help out with, like, the music aspect of that and stuff, like, helping teach the songs that they, you know, get on stage and perform and stuff.

So that was really cool. But yeah. And after that, I just continued to pursue as kind of, like, all I ever wanted to do. Yeah. So you're kind of, like, live in breathing.

That's kind of my story, too. I just kind of, I'm a musician. I grew up, same thing. Like, and once I really grabs you, it kind of takes control of your soul in a way. Absolutely.

It's, like, medicine for your soul. Exactly. Yeah.

“So tell me about songwriting, because this song is very story-driven, and I think, and when”

I was reading kind of, like, all of you music has sort of been that way. How did you develop that style, and who were some of your early influences? For me, I started out writing poetry, and I just sang, but poetry eventually became music. And it's actually funny, because I didn't, like, show my poetry or anything, and my mom found it.

And I was, she read it, and I was like, that's like my diary, like, you know, like, why would you read that? Yeah. It's really good, though, like, I like it, you know what I mean, and like that kind of, like, pushed me to, like, start pursuing it more, and then it led in the songwriting.

So that's probably why you hear a lot of, like, the whole, like, story, you know, a story behind the songs. With Vertigo, specifically, it was actually crazy. That song, so my manager actually experienced Vertigo, and he's great now, thankfully. But it inspired us to make a song that's about, you know, like, your drunk, and, like,

everything spinning and stuff, and you can't get it to stop. Yeah, right? So, it was, like, it's crazy that, like, you know, something bad, like, we turned it into something good, and back that, and that ended up being my, like, day be single. So that was, that was pretty crazy too.

So that's, like, based on a real story. It's true, like, how does you develop your, your style, because you have kind of a, kind

look and divide for you? Definitely Amy Winehouse, for sure, love her. Honestly, like, I think it had a lot to do with, like, how I was brought up, because, like, my grandparents, like, they, like, rode motorcycles, and then, like, I had, like, the country influences, you know, and music, and, like, and all of my family owned, like, car dealerships,

“and collected vintage cars, so it's, like, it all, like, every aspect of my life is the”

definition of, like, rockabilly, you know what I mean? And then I love, like, the fifties, like, fashion, and, you know, just, like, everything from the fifties, like, the whole, like, aesthetic of it. So then I really got into, like, the whole, like, you know, pin up, and, like, fifties, like, style, and it just kind of all came together, and that made me, what was that, like, when

you grew up in Indiana, was that kind of the vibe there, where your friends kind of, or was that kind of a big thing in that culture, where you grew up, or how, how, how did you get that kind of beyond just the car stuff, how did you get, um, exposed to that? Um, well, like, like, where I'm from, like, Muncie is more, like, kind of, like, a grunge, punk rock, like, type, like, yeah, that's a deep, deep music history back in that area

of culture. But yeah, so it was more, like, kind of, like, rock, grunge, punk, like, that, like, scene, you know, which also kind of, like, plays into, you know, who I am, and, you know, I mean, like, my music and stuff like that. But yeah, kind of a mixture of different things. Yeah, for sure. Awesome. Um, so tell me about, you, you've actually, uh, and we were talking a little bit about this before you start, or before we started, but you've opened for a lot

of really major acts. Um, you're on to a machine gun Kelly, you've had collaborations with Will I Am, with Black IPs, Lady Gaga, Darius Rucker, a bunch of different things. Um, how did you

get into that? And was how, how, how, how, when you first started doing those kinds of shows,

was it very intimidating or how did you do with it? It was definitely intimidating at first. It was like that, like, excited, like, adrenaline rush here and I mean, like, because, like, I'm from a really small town. So, like, doing something like that was like crazy. Um, but, like, like, on tour with NGK, like, I remember like the first show, I was like behind-stage, and I was like, like, I was shaking, like, my knees were literally, like, shaking. And it was like,

and they were the whole time, I performed too. Like, it was crazy, but it was like, it was the biggest rush of my life. Like, from the time that I got on the stage till the time that I got off, like, it was, like, nothing that I'd ever experienced before. And there was one point in the show where there's, like, our final song, so it was like a big song. Um, there was a part where every of all the fans put up their phones or, like, the lighter or something. And it was like,

at that moment, because you know, like, when you're on stage, you have all the lights in your face. You can't really see, like, super far out. But at that moment, everybody, you saw, like, each

“individual, and like, I was like, trying not to cry. Holy Jesus, what's just happened?”

Yes, like, this is crazy. But yes, so it was, it was definitely, like, a huge change from having, like, done, like, a lot of, like, whole, and the wall, like, you know, venues and stuff, like, that, which I love that intimacy of those type of venues. But like, the feeling of, like, getting on a stage where you, like, don't even know how many people are out there. You know what I mean? Like, like, a sold-out show is in stuff in huge arena. It's like, it was like, life-changing. For sure,

it, like, it was crazy. Yeah, and the challenge you think with the opening acts, you know,

doing that as, first, especially for big artists, is they very loyal fans that love them.

So you've got to figure out a way to reach those people and make them like you as well. Because at first, their thought is, get these personal off-the-stage, like, and see my artist a person. Exactly. So how did you mentally, like, kind of figure out a way to navigate that?

“Well, I think the big thing, like with the NGK tour specifically, that was, like, our music,”

like, it already kind of complimented his. And it just, like, fit in really well. And, like, that was, you know, our teams, like, placement. Like, they did that. Like, they knew, you know, putting us there would be, you know, this kind of a good marriage in a way. Yes, exactly. So it put us in a place where we didn't really have to do much to, like, get them on board with it. It was just it automatically kind of went hand in hand. Because again, like, with NGK, it's, like, very, like,

punk rock, like, you know what I mean? Like, that whole, like, style. And that's, like, very much what's kind of, kind of, it kind of rubs up against, like, the rock, I believe, vintage vibe.

First of all, punk rock is very, it's right there in the same family, right? And I love to see it coming

back. Yeah, yeah. For sure. Like, the rock ability specifically, like, I'm, like, yes, more and more. Yeah, I was an Orange County kid and not in the '80s and the late '70s. So I was, like, right in the

guys were happening right when I was growing up. Wow. So yeah, so it was kind of, and it was funny because I'm like, I was at home to be. And I knew it was kind of very lucky, but as I got older, I realized I was very lucky to be in there. Oh, yeah, for sure. Even research right now is kind of rockabilly. Oh, yeah, this is, well, this is why you buy a second hand store shirt.

That's even better. Right exactly with it. But yeah, that, and I, my, I guess, by heart, always kind of

goes back to the rockabilly vibe, and I love that. And actually in Vegas, it's still a really big thing. There's a lot of great, great acts. Oh, really, haven't been out there a while. I need to get back out there. Yeah, you said there's a lot of good clubs that actually places you probably enjoy playing.

“So you actually, my understanding is you have a project coming up with Darius Rucker, is that correct?”

Yes. We've collaborated on a couple of songs together, and I'm known for a while. He's a great guy. I know he's a sweet guy. Oh, you've met him? I met him at, um, and rehearsals up in North Hollywood before. He was doing his country, his country thing. Yeah, he's he's so sweet. We were there with Miley. I was doing production, but. Oh, cool. But yeah, he, um, I met him

like with my team, and it just like we instantly hit it off, and we did our first song together,

and then, uh, just recently, we've done another one too. So, um, very excited about those, like, can't wait to release them. But he's, uh, for me, like, that is like, because like, I've opened for people, and like, you and I mean, like, stuff like that, but like, that was like the first, like, big artists that I've, like, you know, collaborated with. Yeah. Yeah. So, like, that was really cool. Like, I was like, oh, gosh, like, this is happening. Yeah. Well, you know what, you have,

“you have a cool thing, and you have a unique voice, which I think is it's, it's rare. I'm sure”

you know, this, too. But like, you know, you hear somebody like a dolly or you hear somebody like a Willie Nelson, and you instantly know it's them. And you have that same kind of voice, you have a very

specific unique voice. Yeah. And it's, it's a rare, it's a rare thing. I think, you know, you're welcome.

Yeah, love dolly. So that's a, that's a big compliment. Thank you. Yeah, we do, who doesn't love dolly. Exactly. So you mentioned the, yeah, you mentioned team a couple of times, and that's something that I've, I've really found a common thread amongst success flardous is building a solid team. Can you talk a little bit about that and your team, your management, all that kind of thing? How they've helped you be successful? Absolutely. The teamwork makes the dream work. Like,

I, you know, I couldn't do it without them. I have, like, a really solid group of people behind me, and, like, my manager Charles Ferrar, he is, I call him, like, a mad music genius, because he comes up with, like, the craziest ideas, and, like, he's just constantly, like, his head, like, is just, like, with, like, music, and ideas, and, like, you know what I mean? Like, he lives and breathes it, and it reflects on to, like, what, you know, what we do. So, like, every time that

him and I, like, like, like, we talk all day, every day, because we're just bouncing ideas back and forth,

“like, like, you're all, like, you should listen to this song and that, that, that, that, you're, like,”

you know what I mean? Like, so fans have in the passion for it? Yes, exactly. And, like, for me, like, I feel super blessed to have that, you know what I mean? Because, like, you can have a manager, you can have a team and stuff, but, like, to have, like, a team that, like, you're on the same page, and, like, you, you're so passionate and creative about, you know, what you're doing, that, like, it consumes you. And, like, like, like I said, talking about it every day and constantly,

like, just brainstorming pretty much, like, I'm super grateful for that. So, yeah, it's definitely, in this whole team of people that, you know, do different things and, like, I can see and engineer myself and songwriting and, like, stuff like that, but like, there's so many aspects that I can't do. You know what I mean? Like, that they can, and that's what makes it possible to, you know, really take it to the next level as when you have people that are all doing separate things,

but it comes together collectively to move forward. So, love them. Yeah, and you were, like, you really need that, because especially as an indie artist or a touring artist, there's just so much to do, and it can be overwhelming for people that are trying that out, they're trying to do all that by themselves. Not a little bit about collaboration, because, um, not only was songwriting, but production, and that kind of thing, how important

is that been for you? Very, because I can't produce. I could engineer myself now, but, like, I can't produce and, like, that's a whole other level, you know, and that really, like, a lot of the times, like, the beat is given to me, and then I ride on it. You know what I mean? But without that beat, you know what I mean? Like, it's just me singing "Akpela". Like, it's kind of like a little push to get you going. Yeah. For sure. And again, like, with, like, our team, like, um, there's, like,

multiple producers. So, it's like, we're, like, every beat's going to be different. You know what I mean?

because, like, I don't ever want to be, like, put in a box, like, you have to be this, or the

shijonor-wise and stuff. Like, I want to be able to, like, because I'm inspired by so many different genres that I want to be able to creatively, like, express that through music. So, like, and that, in my team, like, completely on board with that, and, like, they are, you know what I mean? Like, able to make that happen for me, like, with the production, and, like, I can be, like, like, I want to do a rockabilly song, your name, you know, a country pop song, like, whatever, like,

I'm where I'm at, like, they're able to produce that for me. So, I'm able to make this music, you know? Yeah, it helps you execute the vision, which is important. Absolutely. Yeah, yeah. Um, and I think too, but you, because it's not only about just music, it's the, it's the look, it's the vibe. So, having that, that kind of whole collaborative team working with you is probably very important. You can kind of, you can only see that in your music video. Like, that, that's

a really strong look. It's well done. It's quality, quality done. Um, uh, vibe, you know? So,

“I think, I think that that's super important for what you're doing. Do you find that that's true?”

Just the whole package in general? Oh, yeah, for sure. Like, you can, like, I could put out music, but, like, without, like, the, it's a whole brand, you know what I mean? Like, and that's, like, really what we're pushing. Like, it's not just the music. Like, it's, it's, it's a full concept, you know what I mean? Like, from the, like, fashion aspect to the music aspect to the visual aspect, like, like, like, it's all, like, one package deal. That's, like, like, this is who I am, you know?

Yeah. And this, it's the word we live in, too, because you've got to reach people in multiple levels, music, like, streaming visually, the social and all that's got to kind of work together, to get there, I think. Do you have any, uh, live shows coming up or touring plans or, where were you at with that? We have some exciting stuff coming up. I can't really say yet. I can. But it, like, we definitely have some, um, big shows coming up here very soon.

Awesome. And how can people, how can, you know, I just, I'm like, I think that you give it curious. So tell me, how can people find you online and down the road when you do release dates? How, you have a website, and you have also, you have, you have social media, of course. But yes. Um, so on all social media, I am the official BMT. And then, um, on, like, Spotify and iTunes, it's just BMT. And that's, so everything official BMT. Okay. But, you know, that's good. That

gives a simple, which is that's important. Yeah. That was, like, the main thing. I was, like, trying to figure out, like, how can I get, like, all of, you know, my name's to be the same, because then you're, like, on Instagram, I'm this, on TikTok, I'm this, and I'm like, I'd try, I feel like,

“that's what we ended up with, the official BMT. So, got the same one on all of them. We got lucky.”

Sort of like Pepsi. You want it to be Pepsi everywhere and not just a different A. Right. Exactly. Exactly. I get it. Um, awesome. Well, thank you so much for joining me. Yeah. And I, I should actually, I should ask you too quickly. Um, what some advice that you could give you on artists, because I know you've been in the trenches doing it, like you mentioned, you started doing clubs at small places at first and then built your way up. What are a

couple of important points that you learned that maybe you could let younger artists know? Um, the little shows matter. Like, take all of the smaller shows, like, do perform. I mean,

you don't even if you're not getting paid, like, do those shows, because that, like, you never know

who's going to be at that show. You know what I mean? Like, or who they know, or, and they show your music to and, like, it, that is, it takes you, like, from one place, like, it's like a little stepping stones, you know? So, like, you go here and then you, to the next one, to the next one, like, for instance, um, when I met my first manager who worked for Universal Records, um, he, I met him at a show, like, it was a benefit, um, in my hometown, um, for a little girl who had

passed away. And we were there performing and he was there. Like, if we weren't a done that show, then we wouldn't have met him. And then that led us, that led me, you know, all the way to where I am now, like, I wouldn't be here if I haven't done all those shows. You know what I mean? So, like, some people, I think, like, with artists, they'll be like, oh, like, you know, I don't want to do that show because I'm not going to pay me, you know what I mean? But at the end of the day,

like, that's not what it's about. It's about the stepping stones to, like, where you, where you,

you can go, you know? So that, that probably be it. Yeah, that's important advice, because I've always

said there could be maybe three people audience, but that one person of the three could change your life. Absolutely. Or just you have a, like, a friend or follower forever, you know what I mean? Like, just because that one show that you did. So it's definitely, like, important for sure.

“Yeah, I tell that's really good advice. And I think it's, it's important for, for it to come from”

you because you've lived it, you've, you've, you've actually, um, came out the other end very successful,

it feels like, like, from where I started to, like, where I am now, like, like, I'm able, like,

“I have my own studio. I'm able to, like, record myself, like, you know what I mean? Like, before,”

like, there was literally a time I had a microphone taped to a broomstick.

We've all been in the barn in my barn. Okay, maybe I didn't have a barn with you. And it was, like,

“so hot. It was, like, middle of summer. Like, and we were in this, like, little area. I was, like,”

it was crazy. Um, but yeah, like, that's the trenches. You know what I mean? Like, that's where you, like, I'd go from that, like, where I was, like, duck taping a microphone in a barn to, like, now I have my own studio, like, I'm able to, you know what I mean? So, like, where you start from,

“does not determine where you're going to end up, for sure. Yeah, you know, the most important”

things to take the first step. And then you'd ever know where that can lead exactly. But yeah,

that's awesome. And thank you so much for joining me. I know you're very busy, but I appreciate hearing your- Well, thanks for having me. I appreciate- Yeah, I appreciate- I love your story and your music's great. The video's great. So, I encourage everybody to check it out. Check out Vertico on YouTube and also on streaming, which Spotify, it's there as well with all of your links. And I'll include your links as well on the podcast description when we release it. And, uh, but thank you so much for joining

me. I appreciate it, Brianna. Thanks for joining us, and please consider subscribing to our podcast and follow us on our social media pages for guest announcements.