Washington native Britnee Kellogg is a country singer songwriter whose love of country music began at an early age after seeing Johnny Cash and his wife June Carter Cash perform. While she’s fairly new to the scene, Britnee has a wide fan base both here at home, playing Portland area bars and music venues, and abroad through various social media outlets like TikTok.
Britnee’s notoriety doesn’t stop there. She has opened for country megastars like Kane Brown, Keith Urban, and Blake Shelton to name a few. She’s been on both Seasons 11 & 12 of American Idol and has two previously released singles, with “Back of My Mind” gaining 2 million views. She’s set to release the highly anticipated “Hey Mama” which has garnered over 8 million views tomorrow, September 17 (pre-save here). Through all her accomplishments, her songwriting, along with her rich and raw vocals, are built from personal experiences in the hopes they reach each and every fan on any level.
The Country Note recently caught up with Britnee to Get to Know her better:
CN: Could you please talk a little bit about yourself for our readers?
BK: I am a married momma of 3, trying to juggle my babies and this crazy career. Born and raised in Vancouver, WA and still living there today. I commute back and forth to Nashville, and try to get out there at least once a month.
CN: Your love of country music started at a young age, after seeing Johnny Cash & his wife June. What was it about their performance that drew you in?
BK: I can literally remember every single moment of this night. The smell, the weather outside, the clothes they were wearing. They were just captivating. The way they looked at each other when they sang. The way their eyes lit up as they performed. I knew instantly it was my career path.
CN: When did you start singing in front of audiences?
BK: I have been in love with singing since that night at the concert. Since then, I performed anywhere I could. I started taking lessons at age 9, and started singing professionally when I was 23.
CN: You’ve been a contestant on both Seasons 11 and 12 of American Idol. Could you tell us about your experiences? What did you learn and what have those experiences taught you?
BK: Being on American Idol was one of the best experiences to date. I met so many incredible artists and learned a ton about the industry. I think it was the first time I realized that this industry was very political and was not only about your talent, but so many other factors. One of my favorite parts with being about to connect with Jennifer Lopez. As a mama, she seemed to connect with me in a different way, and would check on me often to make sure I was doing ok being away from my babies.
CN: Do you have any advice for someone trying to get into the business?
BK: The biggest advice I have is to never give up if its truly what you want. Its an incredibly challenging business, and you have to have thick skin. People will be unkind… Fans, industry people, media. You have to believe in yourself and know that FAME does not mean success. Being able to make a living doing what you love is success.
CN: You write your own songs that seem to be drawn from within. Can you explain your writing process?
BK: The writing process for me varies quite a bit. Especially with the pandemic, sometimes it looks a little bit different. Typically I have something really pressing on my heart that I need to get off my chest so we pull from that. I’m very personal about my writing, and I want to make sure I stay authentic in that. Its important to me that when people hear my music they can relate to something that I have been through.
CN: One tune that I’ve been drawn to is “Hey Mama” that looks to celebrate and encourage single mothers. Can you share the inspiration behind the song?
BK: Hey Mama has been on my heart for quite a while. I was a single mama for quite a while with my two boys, and then struggled with PPD after having my daughter. There have been so many days as a mother that I have just sat and cried because I feel like I’m failing my babies and myself. When Michael and I were writing another song, we took a break and I was singing the Hey Mama melody in my head. I went back to the writing room, and said okkkkk don’t hate me but I think we have to chase this. And we did!
CN: You have opened for some big country names. What have you taken away from that experience?
BK: I have been so grateful to have opened for so many incredible artists. I’ve mostly taken away how incredibly lucky I am to get to watch them perform and take from how they interact with their fans, good or bad. It has helped me stay humble and know that I want to always make sure to be kind and grateful to those that come to see me.
CN: Will you be heading out on the road this year or next?
BK: YES! I would love to start touring more and being able to get to states I have yet to play in. Stay tuned :).
CN: “Hey Mama” is being released on September 18. Is there an album in the works as well?
BK: I have SO many songs I want to get out, so I have definitely been thinking about getting that process started!!
Pre-save “Hey Mama” here.
To find more information on Britnee Kellogg, please go to her website: www.BritneeKellogg.com