Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Nicole Moorer.
Brenda Nicole, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started out singing on the Atlanta music scene as a teenager. I’ve worked with a lot of artists and Atlanta has been my training ground. From organizations like Freddie Hendricks Youth Ensemble of Atlanta to local theatres, to Atlanta based musicians and singers, I’ve been allowed to grow into the artist I am today. I’ve been through a lot of iterations of the music industry from labels to indie. I’ve released two full albums and one EP independently. I’ve headlined the Atlanta Jazz Festival and was also named Atlanta Creative Loafing’s Best Soul and Jazz Vocalist this year. I’ve worked my way as a single mom of two children through my graduate school while maintaining a music career and simultaneously building a career as an arts administrator. I’ve had the honor of working with organizations like Center for Puppetry Arts, Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre, and New York Philharmonic. I accomplished all of that before my 30th birthday. A big part of my story is my children and my journey as a single mom because that is what has driven me.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has not been smooth, but it has been necessary. I used to hear this saying that there is no light without darkness, you have to know both and experience them to truly appreciate the light. I’ve had some dark times, real dark days… crying on the floor… not sure I wanted to love days. At age 22 with 2 kids, all alone, no money, and coming from an abusive relationship, you start to think darkness is all there will be. But, out of determination and sheer optimism, I was able to overcome and achieve so much in so little time. And I’m constantly pushing myself. It’s a struggle to maintain two careers, but both have been necessary in this part of my journey. The growth continues if we continue to push forward. The biggest lessons I’ve learned is that if you accept “no” or “think negatively” then those things will be true. If you give them power, they will have power. I choose to not allow negativity to have power. For other young women, take the time to figure out where you are, where you want to go and devise a path to get there. Wherever you want to go is surely possible with the right plan and time.
Please tell us about your business.
That’s a hard question because as I evolve, the number of skills I pick up keeps evolving as well lol! People ask me all the time what don’t you do Brenda?! At the heart of who I am, I’m a storyteller. I do that in several mediums. But, I’m mostly known for my music, as a singer, I work a lot. Fortunately, I’ll be opening for the band Incognito in October and joining the legendary Booker T Jones in October for some shows as well. I’m also known as an actress, I’ve had the honor of working on the sets of Star, Being Mary Jane, Survivors Remorse, and Greenleaf. Thankfully I just landed an agent who’s helping me get more film work! In addition, I’m also a photographer, I have a studio in west midtown and love photographing other artists. I’m also a graphic designer. I also work as the Marketing Manager for Tony Award Winning Kenny Leon at True Colors Theatre. I’m constantly finding new ways to tell stories and create, and really that’s who I am. Sometimes that comes off as being all over the place, but to me, it makes perfect sense. These are all extensions of myself. I hope to eventually write a book as well. I think what sets me apart from others is where I’m coming from, my journey to now has been an interesting path and it has helped shape my stories, my eye, my heart, my soul. I have a special love for the mamas of the world, and I think there’s always a little of that in my work somewhere.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
Be honest with yourself and recognize where you are, then decide where you want to go, and make a plan. Literally, write out a plan for yourself, and stick to it. We live in a world where anything is possible, take advantage of that. Learn your craft, focus, and don’t give up. Success doesn’t come overnight, and everyone’s journey is different. The important thing is to keep believing and stick with it.
Pricing:
- Album- Brand New Heart $10
- Headshots – $150
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brendanicolemoorer.com
- Email: brendanicolemoorer@gmail.com
- Instagram: brenndanicolemoorer
- Facebook: brendanicolemoorerfan
- Other: www.brendanicolephotos.com
Image Credit:
Credit photos in nature to Shanicia Boswell, other photos of me credit Bekah Topaz, The headshot of the boy credit myself as Brenda Nicole Photography
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