Interview with Brooklyn Van Zandt

Give an introduction to yourself, how you got into music, where you are today, and where you'd like to be.

I’m Brooklyn Van Zandt and I’m a 14 year old professional actress, model, social media influencer, and recording artist from Texas. Music has always been at the center of my Universe and everything I do is preparing me for the next level. I have huge goals and ultimately want to become the next Taylor, Beyonce, or Ariana… I won’t stop until we can add “Brooklyn” to the list! To support that goal I’ve worked every day since I was 10 years old to gain over 9 million followers on Social Media apps including TikTok, Likee, Instagram, and YouTube under the username HouseofBrooklyn. Between this and my modeling/acting that I started professionally at 6 months old, I’m completely able to fund my own career which is amazing! Even though I’m constantly working, I try my best to balance it all with AP classes, varsity cheerleading/cross-country, family, and friends. 

Music and songwriting comes naturally to me.  I’ve been singing since I could make a sound, and I’m able to learn new instruments pretty fast (except for the drums! How the heck do y’all do that!?)

I’ve released three songs so far, but I have enough written to fill a couple of albums. All my songs are in different stages of production and I’m waiting on a few until I can get in the studio with a live band. My plan now is to just experiment and drop the songs I feel are ready. I’m really excited about the future and look forward to start performing live gigs and meet & greets once the pandemic is over. 

Tell us about your latest release, what's it about?

My latest release is dropping on 3rd March 2021 and it’s called “Perfectly Imperfect”. It’s really about self-love and acceptance. It’s about knowing that you have flaws but being able to embrace them. You have something different to give to the world. You were created this way for a reason and you should embrace it.

You should believe and realize It’s ok to not be ok sometimes. I want all of my fans to know that they can accept themselves just the way they are! I see so many negative comments on social media … we really need a positive vibe! I originally wrote Perfectly Imperfect on my guitar. I started playing it on my live streams and my fans really loved it so I decided to record it.

How did you record it?

I have a small home-studio where I lay down the basics and record my voice. I send it off to a professional to mix and master everything.

How did you distribute it?

My dad helps me with this part of the business. We use CDBaby and love them; they really make everything easy. I know when I submit through them I will have everything covered and I never have to worry about royalties.  They also have lots of great advice on their site. 

How did you promote it?

I am constantly promoting and cross-promoting. I mention my music on live streams, all of my social media platforms, and then we also do sponsored ads on Instagram. I plan on submitting a press release to a ton of blogs and getting as much exposure as possible. I will also ask other social media influencers to use my sound in their videos. 

The music industry is in a state of flux right now, where do you see it heading?

I don’t know but I know I want to be a huge part of it!

What's the most important thing missing from Songwhip?

Songwhip is so great! My dad and I have been using the Pro version the last couple of weeks and it is so awesome. We love that we can see where our clicks are coming from and which services are most popular. The only thing we really want is the ability to embed it easier on my website and also some more reporting filters/options on the dashboard. 

Which artist do you look up to the most and why?

Taylor Swift. I love everything about her! I love that she loves her fans, speaks her mind, and fights for what’s right.  

What artist tools/services can't you live without?

CDBaby (Publishing), Songwhip (Smart Music Links), LogicPro (Recording) & all social media platforms, Shopify (web/merch), AirGigs, Soundbetter (Production) & Canva (for images/album art).

What is your advice to other indie artists to help fund their work/produce music?

There are a ton of ways to make money with social media. I’ve made enough to self-fund 100% of my business (my parents have not paid a dime for my projects) … and I’m only 14. Don’t get discouraged and have faith that it will eventually start making money … but you have to treat it like any other job … it’s a lot of work!

Anything else you'd like to plug?

Please go to BrooklynVanZandt.com and follow me wherever you stream music.  Buy some merch, and follow me on all social media @HouseofBrooklyn … oh yeah - and do something nice for someone today :)