Prior to her discovery by The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, singer-songwriter Brittany Guerin, known simply as Britti, had an extensive knowledge of New Orleans’ music scene history to embody southern Americana in all its soulful glory. Through her relatives in Louisiana, Britti was exposed early on to local music legends like Dr. John and Allen Toussaint, both of whom her relatives knew through performing around the New Orleans area.
But her true aspirations were in Nashville, the country mecca of the world that continues to be a source of inspiration for her singular sound. Eventually, after uploading an acoustic cover of Auerbach’s song “Whispered Words (Pretty Lies)” online, she caught the ears of none other than Auerbach himself, who met with her in Nashville and decided to produce her debut album, Hello, I’m Britti.
Each passing single leading up to the release of Hello, I’m Britti showed growing promise from the New Orleans revelation, reveling in tasteful mergers of 60s folk and modern-day country over R&B pastures. Songs like “Lullaby” encapsulate the crackling lightning in a bottle feel to the eleven songs released under her name so far, where her inspirations come together for timeless songs, untethered by genre, aiming straight for the heart.
True to its name, “Lullaby” is Britti showing off how she acts as a bridge between the impassioned past and her emotionally raw present. The lush Dolly Parton-inspired serenading would be enough to earn praise, but the dusty guitar and piano meet electronic inflections in a steadily electrifying display of soulful country. “Lullaby” is not unlike “Nothing Compares To You” in the sense that both tracks take elements from decades before, with the former finding a middle ground between classic jazz and sophisti-pop.
Among her early accomplishments, back-to-back live TV appearances on CBS Saturday Morning and TODAY rank high. For both broadcasts, she gave equally compelling performances of “Keep Running,” a bouncy blues-stricken guitar ballad that calls back to Dolly Parton more than “Lullaby.”
Although there is no word on any tour plans, Britti recently made her SXSW debut with a performance alongside The Black Keys. There’s a clear precedent for her natural stage presence that wrangles your attention toward her distinct voice. But more importantly, Britti’s music, while captivating as a testament to her ability to combine varying genres and deliver impressive vocal displays, acts as her way of keeping her family’s soul alive.
“If I am the matriarch of healing for my ancestors, I want to know what my lineage went through so I can do that healing,” said Britti.
Words: David Sosa
Hello, I’m Britti by Britti is out on streaming services. For more on new music and potential shows, follow her on Instagram and TikTok.
