Meet Cynthia Brando | singer songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Cynthia Brando and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cynthia, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
When I first moved to L.A. in late 2013, I worked really hard for years at doing my music and getting involved with the independent music scene. I also simultaneously had many jobs, as I was new to L.A. and did what I had to do in order to survive. It was an extremely stressful time but also one that was full of accomplishments and joy in being able to get to do something that I used to constantly dream about. Over time, instead of Los Angeles being a place where I relocated to follow a dream, it became a home and I wanted to enjoy the nice life I had created, without working so hard all of the time on my music. I also had new circumstances I was dealing with; like Covid uprooting the groove I had created and getting older and having health issues. It didn’t feel balanced anymore to work so hard at music. I had gotten into the habit of solely trying to reach goals and milestones, that I forgot to celebrate and appreciate how far I have come, and slow down to actually enjoy the process of my creative life and how it fits into the fabric of my larger music identity. I started to focus more on health and self care, slowly trusting the process that this will allow my music to gracefully transition to a different level of flourishing. Now I don’t focus on music first, but on myself-how am I feeling, what do I need, and not forcing myself, out of FOMO or any other comparison, to feel like I need to do so much with music. Music is now starting to come naturally out of the balance of more self love, and it feels more sustainable and nourishing.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
When I moved to Los Angeles at almost 40 years old, I had a lifetime struggle with music which included about 10 years of stage fright. It took me a long time to get good at what I do, and I still had so much to learn when I arrived in L.A. At first, it was a confusing time of trying to find, “my sound.” I met producer and musician Dave Osti, and he encouraged my vibrato, something other producers tried to suppress, and sat with me and explored a soundscape he helped me develop which felt, “right.” With his encouragement, I felt like I was finally finding a unique sound of “acoustic folk rock” which was distinctly mine with my more spiritual based lyrics, vibrato and rock guitar rhythm. At 40, I put out my first album and wanted to go on tour. After navigating the booker scene and almost being victim to predatory practices, I decided that I could book my own tour. It was a ton of work. I did 30 dates on my first tour, and continued touring and booking a lot of shows over the years until Covid hit. Besides losing my third tour to Covid, I have had a lot of challenges that I have overcome along the way, like losing my day job and getting by with street performing, getting ripped off then finding “my community,” starting a business and failing and recently, going through a mid life crisis and navigating a whole new world of music possibilities. I have learned to stay true to myself, listen, learn and not take it all so seriously; that the music dream will never die in the face of challenges, and that there are always new horizons to explore. My brand is definitely being open about the challenges of being an independent musician, and to be an emotional support to others on the path.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love taking people to my favorite beach spots in beautiful Malibu, and then to Lily’s for the best fish burrito I have ever had. I love listening to live music in small intimate venues, like McCabes, Wine and Song in South Pasadena where I live and the Coffee Gallery Backstage. My favorite restaurant is Pine and Crane and sister Taiwanese restaurant in Highland Park, Joy. I also love just walking on York Blvd in Highland Park, and trying amazing street food. The outdoors are my thing, and I love the serene community of Mt. Washington and hiking in Malibu and the San Gabriel mountains.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I was completely blown away by the support, encouragement and love that the Los Angeles independent music community and folk fans gave me when I first moved to Los Angeles. They are still there, encouraging me along the way, coming to shows and looking out for me. I dedicate my work to them.

Website: https://www.cynthiabrando.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/cynthiabrando

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/cynthiabrando

Image Credits
Christopher Lockett