Meet Bethany Lynn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bethany Lynn.

Hi Bethany, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born and raised in Rhode Island. I started singing when I was just a toddler. My family was always musical. My grandmother was a singer, my father and uncle were both multi-instrumentalists in gigging bands – as well as luthiers for the Guild guitar factory in Westerly RI, and my sister was a pianist and theater performer. I had my first on-stage solo at the age of 5. It was a kindergarten graduation show.

From then on, I knew I was meant to sing on stage. My parents put me in piano and singing lessons, and I started performing at various talent shows around the state. I recorded my first single when I was 9. Because I struggled in school and was so young, my family decided it was best to have me finish school before I professionally perused a career in music. At the age of 10, I was in my first musical, Annie, at the Stadium Theater in Woonsocket, RI.

In my preteen years, I continued music and theater in school, performing in the school band and drama club. I first picked up a guitar at 13, it was my instrument. I practiced until I was ready to perform on stage. 2 years later, I played my first talent show with an instrument in front of my high school. It was one of the scariest moments of my life.

With much struggle, I finally graduated high school and had to choose what to pursue next. I had experience in cosmetology but no license. I worked as a lifeguard while I went to CC as a music major. I had a hard time balancing work and school, so I dropped out my first semester. I continued singing, making money with cash prize karaoke competitions.

One day I was working expo at a restaurant and Miranda Lambert’s tour bus rolled in. I remember bagging up their chicken, thinking to myself “what is the difference between her and me, other than I haven’t tried and put in the effort to become successful.” From that day forward, I vowed to do everything in my power to become a successful singer.

I started writing my own songs and worked hard on the guitar. I began booking my own shows in 2016, with a band and solo. In 2018, I made the decision to move to Florida with my parents and continue my music there. One of the best decisions I ever made! The first open mic I performed at, I was offered a show at Pierced Ciderworks in Fort Pierce, FL for a Jeep Crawl festival. It went so well, that after that the opportunities started pouring in. I made the choice to focus on performing as my main income because any job I had would get in the way of my performing schedule. I made a point to play as much as I could, often times filling in for bands who were lacking a lead singer. In 2021.

I played my first festival in 2020 and opened for Rodney Atkins. A year later, I released my first single “You Knocked Her Up” which had 25,000 plays on Spotify in the first month. 4 years later, I was playing 5-10 shows a week in South Florida. With much help from my family, friends, and fans, I grew the courage to move out to Nashville, TN. I was tired of being told “you’re too good to be singing here” or “you belong in Nashville”. I came to the conclusion that the only way to become a bigger fish was to swim in a bigger pond.

I saved every bit of cash I had made in the last 3 years, solely performing income, and got my own apartment. Everyone told me I was brave, moving out on my own for the first time nearly 800 miles away from everyone I know and love. I personally felt it was never my choice, more so a fate that I can’t escape from. That God has to lead me on a path to do what I was created for. I felt spiritual, that Nashville was the next step to grow and fulfill my destiny.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Life always has its ups and downs, certainly more downs than ups lately. Starting off in Rhode Island and Florida, the hardest part was finding a band that had the same musical drive as me. I struggled to find young players that liked playing old music. I often performed with retirees, because they were the ones who had the time in their schedules. But unfortunately, when it came time to fill the schedule, they only wanted to play once a week, and that just wouldn’t cut it for me.

When I auditioned for the part, I made it clear that I wanted to make a career of this and I wouldn’t say no to any gig. I reaffirmed with them that they had the time and energy to fulfill this project. In the end, our visions didn’t align. I got called a diva many a time by people who are now “following my journey and wishing me the best of luck” lol. The younger bands I auditioned with were always looking for a male lead, so regardless of how well I performed, I wasn’t the right fit. The music business can be extremely sexist. I’ll admit, I’d like an all-male band to play with but if the shoe fits and there’s a girl who shreds on lead guitar, I’m not gonna say no to them because of their biology.

It’s been a huge change coming to Nashville and having to re-evaluate myself. I haven’t worked a “regular” job in about 5 years. Before that, I was teaching swim lessons. I don’t have much experience in the job market around here and my work resume, to say the least, is not up to par. I knew coming here, that music would no longer be my main source of income but I had no idea how hard it would be piecing together a band and getting shows.

The people I know in this town play an instrument proficiently like a lead guitar, bass, pedal steel, etc. so they’re all extremely valued. Everyone needs a bass player, but not everyone needs a lead singer. It’s not like I can just pop into an already established band and start singing their songs. I have to search for players that are new to town and not already touring with another band. It’s physically and financially draining to go out every night and search for people to play with. I don’t even have a place to practice in.

My main focus has been songwriters nights, but even those are a struggle to get involved in as there are so many songwriters in Nashville. It’s usually the seniority rule here, where whoever has been here the longest gets the spotlight. That’s why they call it a 10-year town. But I’ll be damned if I have to wait till I’m 60.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Singing is the main thing I do and what I’m proud of. It’s what sets me apart from the other performers. I sing each word of each song as I believe it in my soul. I channel my emotions from my past into the songs I sing. I sing words in a way that nobody does; focusing on the meaning of each word and applying a vocal technique to coincide with that word. I like to say when I’m performing, it’s like another worldly being takes control of my body and spirit.

There have even been times when I’ve cried because I got so caught up in the lyrics and melody. Singing to me, is a form of mind, body, and spiritual meditation. I always feel “healed” after a performance. I get a lot of my vocal inspiration from cultural music. There are so many things to learn that other forms of music can teach you. I never stop expanding my repertoire. I believe that I am never too good to learn and practice a new or old skill. Although I know I can never be the best, I strive to be better than I was yesterday.

Another thing that sets me apart is my songwriting. I am by no means a traditional person or a traditional songwriter. I’m not afraid to tell it how it is. I write the way I would speak it, and if I wouldn’t say it aloud, I won’t write it. If I think someone sucks, I’ll put it in a song the way I’d say it. It’s okay if you don’t like it, chances are I don’t either. I’ve struggled in the past to find my songwriting voice, but I’ve found being genuinely myself is when I come up with the best songs.

I have the ability to make people laugh and cry just by being me. It’s an incredible feeling. A fan favorite is my song “You Knocked Her Up”, you can guess what it’s about. There is no written rule for what you can say in a song. It’s a wonderful way for me to be able to express my deepest emotions and desires. I believe my realistic approach to songwriting is what makes my songs relatable to my listeners.

How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
If you’re interested in working with me, please just send me an email at [email protected]. I’m open to just about anything!

If you’d like to support me please check out my website bethanylynnofficial.com.

I have 2 songs out on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, but plenty more I’m seeking to record. I’m also on social media!

Instagram @bethanylynn_official
TikTok @bethanyeeehaw
Facebook – Facebook.com/bethanylynnofficial

Thanks so much for your support! I look forward to connecting with you!

Contact Info:

• Website: bethanylynnofficial.com
• Instagram: @bethanylynn_official
• Facebook: Facebook.com/bethanylynnoffical
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCv0n-jI0b89vdejqNzp_kag

Image Credits
Nothing Negative Company