Conversations with Brenna MacMillan

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Brenna MacMillan.

Hi Brenna, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I grew up in Winchester, Kentucky, and began playing banjo at the age of nine. My mom, grandmother, aunt, and great-aunt were all amazing classical singers, and from an early age, my mom sang to my siblings and me when we were babies, which allowed us to easily step into harmonies early on. Banjo was a little bit different in terms of genres, but being the only Kentuckian in my family, it made sense for me to learn! As soon as I learned my first song, I fell in love with it.

I loved reading the tablature and figuring out the different patterns for these beautifully lonesome songs. Fast forward to college, I was given a great opportunity to play with the bluegrass ensemble at Berea College under Al White. That lit a new fire and passion for playing professionally. When I moved to Nashville in 2018, I started a band with one of my brothers, Theo, and we toured and made two albums together over the last five years.

Now we are both taking a step away from that as we are pursuing our individual music interests. I will be releasing my first solo album this year and it’s ten originals of mine plus a sad traditional bluegrass song.

Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
There have been a few times in my life when I stepped away from playing for different reasons. My first banjo teacher, Floyd Faulkner, was like an uncle to me, and we had a special bond. He wanted me to move on from what he had taught me and recommended me to a few other teachers who did not necessarily have a gift when it came to teaching younger kids.

Some of the intensity pushed me away from wanting to learn for a while. When Floyd passed when I was 15, I decided that I would continue playing because he would want me to. When I made the decision to play for him and for me, I began to find joy in it again. Through college, it was definitely difficult to keep up chops of any sort while pursuing my chemistry degree, but I’m really grateful for the patience of the bluegrass band there and to Al for giving me such a great experience.

I also had a physical setback in 2020 when a drunk driver hit me head-on. I now have to play a lightweight banjo. I don’t know how long I’ll have to play a lighter banjo, but I’m very grateful to Randy Wood for providing me with the banjo, which is only 7 pounds and has an amazing tone!

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I reckon that I am known for my harmony singing, banjo playing, and now my songwriting.

I am very grateful to bands here in town calling me to fill in, and that is something that has caused me to grow a lot as a musician since moving to Nashville. Learning to improve and learn songs on the fly has been integral in helping me grow confidence in performing. I also worked hard to learn how to play and sing at the same time so that an element of rhythmic support didn’t just go away during choruses and stuff!

I tend to get along with anyone/everyone (I think I could have a lovely chat with a brick wall if needed), and I think that has allowed for even more opportunities without feeling like there’s any competitive elbowing going on. And I guess that is what I am most proud of… making genuine lifelong friendships that end up allowing me to play some music when the opportunity arises.

I am really proud of the community I’m surrounded by, watching all of my friends achieve goals and bring their creative talents to people all across the world. And I’m proud that we’re doing it all together!

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Well, some folks see me and assume I’m just a stereotypical American blonde, but I’ve got chapters in my book that make me feel like I’ve lived several different lives throughout the time I’ve been alive. And that is what I draw from when I’m writing, when I’m playing, and all of these life experiences have shaped who I am.

I have 11 siblings, almost 20 nieces and nephews now, I’ve been to 10 countries, I was a cannabis chemist for five years, and I grew up with Liberian culture in the heart of Kentucky. It’s been crazy, and I’m looking forward to the next few decades of crazy, too.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brennamacmillan.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brennamacmillanofficial/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Brenna-MacMillan-100089484241246/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSEoxDWjdCtsduluwB10qcg

Image Credits
Emma McCoury, Aaron Fishbein, Lauren Crownover, Sophie Clark, Thomas Beck, Gary Hull, and Oceanna