Make some room on your fall playlist for acclaimed 19-year-old singer-songwriter Brynn Cartelli’s new song “Convertible in the Rain”
Wise beyond her years, Cartelli’s new song “Convertible in the Rain” perfectly encapsulates what it’s like to be young and in love. The retrospective feelings of chaos and passion perfectly fit with the soft guitar and upbeat drums as Brynn sings, “If we were to die I wouldn’t mind going this way.” The song perfectly pairs with the fun, energy found in the music video as we see her dancing like there’s no tomorrow.
The Knockturnal spoke with Brynn about her past, her new music and video, her tour life with Jake Scott, and her plans for the future. To find out more, check out the full interview and the “Convertible in the Rain” music video below!
I know you got your start on the hit show The Voice. How did it feel going from The Voice stage to opening for Kelly Clarkson on her tour?
Joining Kelly on tour was a dream come true, and one of my favorite moments as a singer so far. I think at that point I only had one of my own songs released, which reminds me of how young I was and how unusual life can be… the whole experience was crazy and I am forever grateful to Kelly for taking care of me on and off the road.
Now you’re on tour again with Jake Scott, what is that experience like and how does it feel to have a crowd sing your lyrics back to you?
It means the world that fans come to these autumn shows ready to sing along. I am always shocked by how passionately they sing some of the lyrics… honestly I have to try not to laugh because it is just unreal to me that other people are this invested in my silly little stories.
Your pop melodies are infectious, especially in your new song “Convertible in the Rain.” What was it like creating that song?
First of all, thank you! “Convertible in the Rain” was written in early 2021 while I was in the midst of a heartbreak. Sometimes it takes a bit of retrospect to allow me to fully piece together some of the beautiful moments that are now a part of my past. I actually wrote this song the day after I wrote my song “Jane,” which is a completely depressing story about the same situation. I think it’s sweet to have this dual narrative coexisting… It feels human and honest. A year after writing, I recorded the song in New York City with Adam Argyle who turned the song upside down just as I was about to give up on it… I love working with Adam, we’re both really proud of this song.
I saw in one of your recent TikToks that you went back to the beach that you wrote “Convertible in the Rain” about, how did that feel to go back there?
I went back to the beach in Rhode Island to shoot the music video for “Convertible in the Rain!” It was my second time directing, which has been a beautiful way for me to extend my songwriting on the visual plane. I felt like there was no better place to film the video since I wanted to honor the story as best I could. I also grew up going to Rhode Island with my family, so that area by the beach has always meant so much to me.
How do you get inspiration for your songs and what’s your creative process like when you write?
Inspiration comes from observing, which I do very closely in the corners of parties, at dinner tables, through journaling, movies and shows and books… pretty much everywhere. I store lines and titles and concepts in my notes app and wait to be struck when it’s the right time. I try not to force the writing too much, since all of my favorite songs just happen out of the blue… when the story is ready to be told, and when I’m ready to tell it.
Are there any artists that influence the type of music you make?
Absolutely! For a lot of the new songs I listened to the Ghost Stories album from Coldplay, who I have always been a huge fan of. I’m also extremely obsessed with HAIM, and am so inspired by their musicality. I think the artists I reference the most for the new music are Florence and the Machine and U2.
Lastly, what’s up next for you? I know you have tour dates till the end of November but is there anything new in the near future?
I am finishing the year with a New York City headline show at Mercury Lounge (which I am very excited about hehe) on December 2! And then I am off to film a secret project that will hopefully be revealed at the top of next year! Oh and lots of new music next year too!!! I am a very lucky girl with lots of stories to share.
