by Kathy Dumbleton

Fresh from performing her original song Pit Stop at the Brisbane Ekka, I was lucky enough to catch Brittany-Elise Johansen perform at Gladstone’s Crow Street Creative last month.

Brittany-Elise has had a successful year in music, from the Tamworth Country Music Festival to the Gladstone Harbour Festival, to performing at the annual Ekka Country Music showdown.

She looks upon each performance as important opportunities that drive her to continue her hard work in this industry.

“It was an amazing opportunity and so much fun to play one of my originals with an incredible band to such a vibrant, supportive crowd, as well as seeking feedback from some of the industry’s best.’ Brittany-Elise said.

Brittany-Elise is no stranger to the stage, performing in her first talent quest in Mackay at age seven, singing I’m Little But I’m Loud on the suggestion of a family friend.

“I received the encouragement award that year. This was the start of my musical journey.’ Brittany-Elise said.

Learning guitar quickly followed at nine, tand violin and piano by the time she was 11. At 12 Brittany-Elise achieved every country musician’s dream performing at country music capital Nashville.

Now 24 and based in Boyne Island, her passion for guitar and music sees Brittany-Elise with a full gigging schedule for the next six months performing at events including Boyne Island’s Under the Trees and Tamworth Country Music Festival.

She is also getting ready to release her first album by the end of the year working alongside producer Simon Johnson in his NSW recording studio.

“He was one of my mentors at the 2018 Senior Australian Academy of Country Music Excellence that I attended in January,”’ Brittany-Elise said.

After the launch of the EP Brittany-Elise plans to return to Nashville in December to continue performing and writing music into the new year.

“This is my passion and even though it takes a lot of hard work, it’s worth it!” Brittany-Elise said.

Make sure you catch her performing at Under the Trees this weekend.