Laura Bryna: Making Wishes that Come True
Last week I had the pleasure of speaking with up-and-coming country music star Laura Bryna, and truly, it was a pleasure. We didn’t have too much time together but Laura answered all of my questions with grace and humor and didn’t make me feel at all as she had somewhere else she’d rather be.
Laura is a self professed “girly-girl”. A throwback to the days when Tammy Wynette and Lorretta Lynn ruled the stage with their big hair and glittering dresses. And though she clearly professes an interest in getting into fashion, there’s more to Laura Bryna then her beauty. Right now as we speak, Laura’s single “Make a Wish” is one of the top ten most streamed songs according to Billboard. Even more important, Laura has made valuable contributions of time and more to the Make a Wish foundation. She says she feels like pinching herself because she’s able to live her dream, but to give of yourself in this manner makes dreams of fame a lot less frivolous.
I asked Laura of her influences. I knew from my research that she’s a major Patsy Cline fan, but Laura also loves the Judds, Celine Dion and because she’s a “fashion nut,” Dolly Parton. Other divas on Laura’s playlist re Etta James, Beyonce and Christina Aguilera. Defining her own music style as “Countrypolitian,” Laura is also a big Elvis fan. Especially because of his daring fashion sense.
Because She Plays Music is a positive perspective of women in music, I asked Laura about her involvement with “Make a Wish” and if she felt it was important for entertainers to be involved in charitable causes and be positive role models. Laura couldn’t speak for others, but she’s happy to work with “Make a Wish” as a tribute to her father who passed away, and her brother who thankfully is still with us but suffered from a brain aneurysm. It’s through her brother’s illness that Laura learned of Make a Wish and began to work with them.
It wouldn’t be a Laura Bryna profile without talking about her beloved birds! Laura has three birds. Snuggle, Harmony and Tyler are more than just pets, they’re family and Laura is planning on building a sanctuary into her tour bus so her three “kids” can come with her on the road. Laura talks of her birds on her blog and is often amazed how her fans care so much for her and her birds. When she isn’t on the road or spending time with her birds, she likes to “throw my hair in a baseball cap and dabble a bit in archaeology.” In fact, Laura recently found an arrowhead in her parents back yard and likes to “get to the bottom of things.”
Laura has some advice for women starting out in the music business, and really this can apply to anything we set our hearts on. “Just follow your dreams. Don’t stop, don’t give up and keep having that direction. No one should stop you.” Laura also recommends networking and doing whatever you can to “get your name out there” and learning as much as you can about the business by reading and researching. “Be the smart singer and not the dumb singer”. She should know, she took courses and worked internships to learn everything she can about the industry. Laura wants us to “live life to the fullest. Life is good just keep at it.”
What’s next for Laura Bryna? A new video and single called “Life is Good” which is a “top down up tempo summer song.” During her down time Laura hopes to get more involved in other aspects of the entertainment industry including acting, dancing and fashion. If she tackles those areas with the same determination as her music, she’s sure to be a success.
She Plays Music is pleased to give you an opportunity to hear Laura’s music for yourself. I have five copies of Laura’s CD “Trying To Be Me” to give away. Want to win? List your favorite female role models - and why - in the comments and I’ll pick five random winners on April 15th. Good luck!
Album Cover Shot — Dana Tynan - Photo; Art Direction - Lorna Leighton
Skirt Shot — Dana Tynan - Photo; wearing Wolford top and Cavalli skirt.
Images courtesy of Howard Rubens Public Relations. Used with permission.
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Laura Bryna
12 opinions for Laura Bryna: Making Wishes that Come True
dh
Mar 25, 2008 at 9:13 pm
When I was a teenager Helen Reddy’s song I am Woman inspired me. I came from a long line of intelligent married women who worked and raised a family. We were raised to believe we could do something if we put our minds to it and I thought this song and the singer were inspirational.
Cool Giveaways and Freebies Around b5Media
Mar 26, 2008 at 8:30 am
[…] She Plays Music five lucky winners will receive a Laura Bryna […]
Giveaways and Freebies Around b5Media
Mar 26, 2008 at 8:34 am
[…] She Plays Music five lucky winners will receive a Laura Bryna […]
dv
Mar 26, 2008 at 12:03 pm
My favorite female role model is my mom, she’s not famous but she encouraged me to be indepdent and think for myself. I find that to be an important lesson to have learned growing up in todays world.
Lindsie
Mar 26, 2008 at 2:00 pm
My biggest female role model would have to be Loretta Lynn. If she can come from a small coal mining town and still be making music today, I can do anything!
Wess
Mar 26, 2008 at 8:21 pm
For me, that’s easy.
*looks around…how did I get HERE???
1-4: The Donnas
5: Deborah Harry
I like them because they rock. I’m a musician too, and they have influenced my style more than…almost everyone.
Yeah, a lame comment. Let the firestorm ensue.
MMC
Mar 27, 2008 at 4:10 pm
My role model is Hillary Clinton. She worked hard to break that glass ceiling and she’s still working hard. You rock Hillary!!!
Lisa Keen
Mar 27, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I find my role models to be teachers, parents and big sisters. Those are the people I admire.
mch
Mar 27, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Mom of course is the biggest role model even if people won’t admit to it, but right after mom comes the likes of female rockers like HEART, (Ann and Nancy Wilson), Pat Benetar, Joan Jett, Chrissie Hynde and Deborah Harry. Female rockers that kick butt… and are still kickin it today…
dp
Mar 29, 2008 at 3:35 pm
My mother was a great influence in my life. She taught me how to think for myself and be independent. She also taught me how to be a better parent to my children.
Eleonor Roosevelt is another role model. She wasn’t content to sit home and read reports, she went out and saw for her self, she did things no other first lady had ever done. After her husband died, she continued to do great things.
Shirley
Mar 31, 2008 at 11:48 am
My role model is my cousin Linda. She grew up across the field from me and always encouraged me to experience things outside of our community. Because of her today I’m a RN Educator, I’ve traveled the world and experienced things outside of our small farming community. She lives in NYC & France and has become a successful self taught artist in paint media.
Lauren
Apr 8, 2008 at 1:01 am
I look up to Barbra Streisand. She’s just so strong. She’s never been one of those women who sings pathetic songs about how she’s nothing without a man, because she’s never believed that. She’s got a reputation for being difficult, but we all know that’s just another way of saying she knows what she wants and won’t settle for second best! And a career as long as hers has to be admired. Super smart, multi talented, and gorgeous to boot without ever going under the knife - what’s not to look up to?
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: