By George Nostrand — Local musician, writer, and rabble-rouser

Just a few years ago, Breanna Elaine found herself living in the women’s shelter and working a job that was unfulfilling to her. It was then that she figured she had nothing left to lose and she started putting into place the pieces that would, in a short period of time, allow her to become a full-time musician.

“I figured out all my business stuff that I needed to take the next step,” said Breanna in an interview at Speakeasy Café in Rutland. “I started really pushing to book gigs, as many gigs as I could, and anywhere. Then I quit my job and I haven’t looked back since.”

That was 2022.

A year later she decided to cut her first album to celebrate her big jump.

“My album, Seedlings, came out in 2023 and that was my way to mark being a musician full time.”

She picked her favorite original songs at the time and recorded her vocals and guitar at The Underground recording studio in Randolph with Vincent Freeman.

“I was also working with Jared Johnson and Aaron Martin at the time,” said Breanna. “Jared and Aaron worked on the drums and bass parts until like two in the morning. I went home and went to bed at some point. I was like, ‘I don’t know what I’m doing or how to help you guys.’ I had never made an album before and they were professionals, so I said to myself we’ll see what they come up with.”

Breanna said it was a learning experience.

“Some of the songs were pretty long. People were like ‘you should cut these down’ and I was like, ‘I’m an artist, don’t tell me what to do.’ (laughs) Now in hindsight, I’ll probably do it differently next time. And hopefully that will be soon.”

Currently Breanna plays solo, with her band called, Breanna and the Boys, and has also recently joined a wedding band.

“I feel my music is evolving a lot lately. I don’t know if eclectic is the right word, but maybe a little fancier or more mature. Like more jazz-style songs that I’ve been writing. A lot of them. Ever since I hit my thirties. So, I just started delving into that. And I’ve been having a lot of fun with that.”

“In my band it’s me, Justin Burgess and Aaron Martin. They’re both really good and I’m really lucky to work with them. I love them. Justin’s a really talented bass player. I play more rhythm style guitar, so we have an interesting dynamic where he’s more like a lead player on the bass. Stylistically, he adds a jazz sound to the music.”

“Aaron Martin is also an amazing drummer, the best drummer I know of. He also adds a lot of dynamics which I really enjoy as a songwriter. Because they are both coming up with what they play, they are essentially songwriting their parts.”

Breanna, who just turned 30 years old, has some advice for young women who are looking to get into the music scene.

“Be persistent – consistent and persistent. I don’t think there’s as many women musicians around here. You have to be strong willed, push to get your foot in the door, and don’t take no for an answer. When a venue says no or doesn’t get back to me, I take that as a challenge as to how can I get in there.”

“Sometimes you feel like you’re bugging people, but you might have to send several emails or call on the phone. Show up in person. That’s really important. Especially in a small place like Vermont where everyone knows everyone. So, I would say take the steps to really network and show up in person. Don’t be afraid to make your presence known. And really go for it.”

Breanna really appreciates a number of things about Poultney Pub.

“What comes to mind is that it’s both a hub for local music and for coming together in community. The bluegrass jam, for example. The food that’s coming from local places like the farm to table aspect. And having a local owner who is a strong part of the community – and a woman led business is key. I think all of those things are important for humanness – encouraging people to play, come together and have some positive things to do around music. And they have a really great beet salad!”

Breanna Elaine will be at Poultney Pub October 23, from 6-9 p.m.