Brenda Román is the protagonist of this interview. She is a 22-year-old singer and producer from Ecuador who just graduated in Musical and Sound Production. Besides writing, composing and producing her own songs, she creates content for social media and does slogans for various brands while working intensely on her music career. In her everyday life, Brenda enjoys spending time with her family, her dog and friends, going out dancing and hiking. She also teaches piano and is a trampoline coach: she loves staying active. Enjoy!
You recently released your song Wicked Love. What inspired you and what was the creative process like?
For Wicked Love I was inspired by a text I had written a while ago. I’m constantly writing and, when I need a song, I go back to my notes and build the verses. This text in particular came from a romantic experience that, although it didn’t go on, was beautiful in that moment. That’s where the title Wicked Love comes from. The song contains a line that says, “the way we did” which highlights what that moment was and what could have happened if we had tried in the right way.
When did you start singing and why?
I started singing when I was 14 in school. Initially, I was actually quite shy. I had been playing piano since I was six and later I learned guitar, bass and drums but I never felt capable of singing. Everything changed when, for a year-end performance, my cousin suggested we to sing together. Although I was very nervous, I decided to accompany her with the guitar and found the courage to sing as well. That’s when I discovered I had a voice I wanted to develop.
How would you describe your musical style?
I’d say my style is pop/rock inspired by the 2000s rock sound. It’s sweet and fun. Many friends and listeners say it reminds them of Disney Channel series from that era which I love because I’ve always been a fan of Disney series and movies. I’ve also collaborated with DJs from Latin America and other parts of the world like India. We’ve worked on EDM and Progressive House tracks and right now I’m working on two Afro House songs, a genreI love and would like to explore more.
You sing a lot in English. Why this choice? In which language do you prefer to sing?
I enjoy singing in English, Spanish and a bit in German. Spanish is my mother tongue and I consider it beautiful and powerful. However, singing in English allows me to reach a wider audience and ensures more people understand the message I want to convey. I recently started learning German and during an exchange program I wrote and sang a song in German for my class. It was a fun and different experience.
Have you studied anything related to music?
Yes, after I started singing I took a few vocal lessons and later, at university, I tried to join choirs to keep practicing. During a school exchang, I had the opportunity to be part of the Bella Voce choir at Oregon State University which was a wonderful experience. We even had the chance to sing the United States national anthem at the opening of an NBA game. I also recently graduated in Music and Sound Production!
Besides being a singer, you’re also a producer. How do you balance both passions?
One of my biggest aspirations is to make a difference in the Latin American music industry. There are few women in music production, and I think that needs to change. I want to be part of that change. I love telling stories through my songs, sometimes personal experiences and sometimes stories from others. My first song was written for my sister Amanda, who has epilepsy. Sharing her story and expressing how much I admire her was very powerful for me. I also wrote a song for a Salvadoran woman, a refugee with her two children, whom I met during my exchange. Recently, I showed her the song over video call and she loved it.
In our interviews, we often discuss the lack of women in music production. So you’ve noticed it too?
Definitely. It’s something I hope changes. Although we’re starting to see more women in production, it’s important we continue to come together to generate an impactful and meaningful change. Equality should be present in all professions and opportunities.
Do you think the way you develop your projects has changed over the years?
Yes, in the beginning, I would seek others' opinions for guidance. Although it’s always important to have support from other producers or engineers, today I trust my own judgment and what I want to convey. I know what tools I need and what I want to achieve with my songs.
What do you enjoy most about working in music?
What I enjoy most is the ability to express emotions. Music has the power to reach anywhere quickly, to move and create emotional connections. In November 2021, I lost a friend I considered a sister. We have a close group of long-time friends who are like family, and her older sister has always been my best friend. It was a huge blow but I managed to create a song in her honor and, in a way, give her family another memory of Sam’s essence. I feel like this is the power of music: when you listen to it, it becomes a memory, it transports you to unique places and moments.
Who are your favorite artists and do you think they’ve influenced you?
I greatly admire Elton John, in fact I started playing piano just to perform his songs. I also like Freddie Mercury, Billy Joel, Pink, Bruce Springsteen, Adele, Bring Me The Horizon, Paramore, and MGK.
How would you describe the music industry in Ecuador?
I feel our industry is growing more and more which is encouraging. However, in terms of opportunities, there’s still a lack of support for emerging artists, especially culturally. I think it’s important to convey the value of music as a legitimate profession that should be fairly and promptly compensated. If we gradually change this aspect in our country, various talented artists in different genres can grow and have better opportunities.
What are your future projects?
Currently, I’m working on an EP with the songs I’ve loved creating and producing the most. One of them is called La Burbuja and has incredible energy. I’m very excited to record the music video and promote it. I’m also collaborating on a metal track, a genre I love but have never sung before, along with EDM and house projects.
Do you have any advice for those who want to become singers?
Start as soon as possible, look for online or in-person lessons. It’s never too late to start, and music is a great form of expression and therapy.
Could you recommend a song from your country to our readers? It can be your own!
Of course, I recommend my song Viene, which has that pop/rock sound I mentioned. Also, Prefiero by Camila Pérez, a great Ecuadorian artist.
You can follow Brenda Román here and listen to her music here: