Beth Brandy: Grooves and Reflections on ‘Double Standards’
Emerging from the dynamic streets of London, Beth Brandy brings an electrifying mix of disco funk and soul-stirring ballads in her debut EP, “Double Standards.” This fresh release is an explosive entry into the music scene, promising to get your feet moving and your heart feeling every beat. With the help of Grammy-nominated producer Sam Hook, known for his work with stars like Miley Cyrus and JLo, Beth has crafted a sound that combines the sultry vibes of Ariana Grande with the retro-cool of Silk Sonic. Each of the six tracks offers something unique, from danceable beats to introspective lyrics, making “Double Standards” a multifaceted showcase of Beth’s artistic prowess. Join us as we dive into the creative process behind her debut and the journey of turning her musical dreams into reality.
Follow Beth @bethbrandy
Hi Beth, please tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Beth Brandy, and I am a 21 year old pop funk artist from Essex, just outside of London in the UK. I initially found viral success through posting Ariana Grande’s high notes in “Bang Bang,” which got me a following of 100k on TikTok overnight. I’ve recently released my debut singles, “Magic” and “Irresponsible,” and my new EP “Double Standards” is out now!
Describe your sound in three words.
Funky
Cheeky
Playful
Who influenced you, and why did you choose to make music?
ANDERSON .PAAK! I’m obsessed with Anderson .Paak and the way he can make any genre funky. I love Calvin Harris too; working with them is on my bucket list. I chose to make music because the ultimate way I’ve found to express myself is through singing and music. I love telling a story in my lyrics.
Do you play any instruments?
I found out I could sing at 17 so I’m late to the game! I would love to learn the piano or the guitar. I think if I took up the drums, I would pick it up quite quickly because I have rhythm, the patience though… not so much!
Do you ever get nervous?
In the past when I first taught myself to sing and realized I could sing, I was too embarrassed to sing in front of anyone—my parents or my friends. Even when I would sing for singing teachers, I would hold a hand over my mouth because I was so embarrassed that my voice was so powerful. When I was younger, I was nervous to get my picture taken, and didn’t even have my picture taken for the majority of my teenage years. Even though I was a very confident leader I would step out of group photos with my friends. I also was scared of being recorded while singing. Nowadays, I’m a lot less nervous and have gotten over those fears.
Tell us about your debut EP, “Double Standards.”
It is a six-track EP, with Double Standards being the lead single.
I worked with Grammy-nominated writer and producer Sam Hook on my EP, and he really helped me make my idea of what I wanted my sound to be come to life. I said to him I wanted my music to sound like “Ariana hopped on a Silk Sonic beat” and that’s exactly the type of music we made.
I feel like there are a lot of artists making sad pop or storylines about a breakup or a diss track. I wanted not only my sound to be funky and pop but also the topics of my songs to be fun and about not taking life too seriously.
What’s the story behind the songs?
“Double Standards” (my lead single) is written in such a jokey nature. In the pre hook I say, “you should love whatever I like, you know when I’m wrong I’m still right,” –I’m making it aware how difficult I am. But in the hook, I follow it up with, “don’t you feel so lucky? That you get to love me,” showing I’m taking the mick out of how almost unlucky he is that he gets to love me, essentially mocking myself.
“Irresponsible” is my most recent released single and my most mysterious, almost sexiest song on the EP. It’s about temptation. “Irresponsible” is about being unable to stop yourself from doing something you know you shouldn’t do. The whole mood of the song highlights the excitement and temptation of something or someone that makes you irresponsible.
I also have a few ballads on the EP where I write about the positives and the vulnerability of love.
Can you walk us through your creative process for this EP? How did the idea come to life?
I came to Sam Hook wanting to make music that sounded like Ariana hopped on a Silk Sonic beat. When he played me a few beats he had, I fell in love with a few straight away. The funk sound and pop mixed together was a match made in heaven. The word ‘Irresponsible’ came to mind pretty much straight away–I’ve not been able to say no to a few of my own guilty pleasures, but at the end of the day if it’s not getting you into too much trouble, what’s the harm.
Double Standards came pretty easily too, I wanted to write something that highlighted being a bossy girl and taking the mick out of myself whilst doing it.
Were there any specific experiences or emotions that fueled the writing and composition of this songs?
For “Irresponsible,” we wanted to make this song really funky and if you write funk, you need to have a fun storyline. The word irresponsible came to mind, as did the times of the night.
I feel like there’s a lot of sad or negative pop nowadays, so I wanted to make something more lighthearted. With my ballads “Butterflies” and “Magic,” I write about the positives and vulnerabilities of love. I guess that comes from the frustration that that side of love isn’t being spoken about today. “Double Standards” is written in a jokey nature and definitely takes the mick out of myself about having double standards. I’d like to think that quite a few people can relate to that but might be too embarrassed to say! So, it’s a jokey way of embracing that nature.
How do you usually start working on a new song? Do you begin with lyrics, melodies, or a concept?
Usually, I come with a concept and ideas with reference tracks. In the process we started with a few incredible beats from the producers and Sam, and I got to writing.
How involved were you in the production and arrangement of your debut EP, “Double Standards?”
Sam Hook and I did a 4-week songwriting session where we created 17 songs, recorded 12, and chose 6 to go on the EP. It was a fantastic time, and I learned a lot!
What advice would you give to your younger self, and why?
Trust your instincts, your instincts are incredibly clever and you really need to look out for yourself
How would your best friend describe you?
Determined, head strong and kind.
If you were a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
I Love My Double Standards – because it’s about not apologizing for who you are.
What’s next for Beth Brandy in 2024?
More music, finding new potential fans, more live performances, cheekier songs.
How would you explain your fashion style?
Clean and classy in the day, girly y2k in the evening.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Feeling completely satisfied, feeling like I have done all I can for people. Giving to people who need it.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Princess Diana, I think her class and resilience is so inspiring, there is so much to learn from her.
What would be your dream holiday, and who would you go with?
Anderson .Paak, Calvin Harris, and H.E.R. Maybe rent out a massive house with a huge home studio and make incredible music together. My family can come too maybe. I’ll think about it, tehehe.
Best advice ever given?
Make your past self jealous. For me this was massive, because it’s a reminder to make yourself jealous because that’s all that matter, you’re not in competition with anyone else and equally it’s yourself you have to answer to.
Do you support any charities?
Yes, I pay a small amount monthly to Dog’s Trust but it’s also why I keep going into my overdraft!
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years?
Touring worldwide, meeting new fans everyday, making new music I’m so proud of and working with artists I’ve always admired
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car or for karaoke?
This is a man’s world!!! “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” is my go-to karaoke song forever and ever.
Where can we follow you on social media?
TikTok @beth.brandy, everywhere else @bethbrandy
FAVORITES:
Book: Twilight (sorry not sorry)
Quote: “If you really want something, don’t wait for anyone or anything until you get it.” – Blair Waldorf (Gossip Girl)
Movie/TV Show: Gossip Girl
Album: An Evening With Silk Sonic
Favorite Food: scrambled eggs on toast. But there’s marmite on the toast. Don’t judge till you try it.
Travel Destination: my bed. Joking, joking. St Lucia.
Sports Team: ENGLANDDDDDDD