Soulful Americana-pop artist Brandi Olenyik opens up about turning grief into creative fire, exploring a bold new fusion of acoustic soul and hip-hop, and finding her place in Savannah’s vibrant music scene.
What first got you into music?
Grief, plus a burning desire to live a meaningful life.
What draws you to your preferred genre(s)?
I am drawn to any music that speaks directly to the soul- I love a driving, rousing beat, uplifting vocals, and great storytelling. Artists who use their platform to address social issues especially impact me, and I strive to keep my work fun, relatable, and relevant.
What’s a personal song of yours that holds special meaning?
“If (Gun Song)”
Grief, plus a burning desire to live a meaningful life — that’s what pushed me into music.
How did you get started in the Savannah music scene?
I had already decided to pick up guitar as a hobby, and was writing a piece for The Savannahian for the Return of Hip-Hop Nite. The night of the show I met so many people who I’d watched perform for years, and something began to click… a few weeks later, after my mother died, some friends heard my music and told me to get up on stage and do it. So I did.
What are your favorite Savannah venues to play, and why?
I have to say, I absolutely love playing music outdoors, so playing at Starland Yard and Eastern Wharf have been my favorites so far. I’d love to play the rooftop of the Common. As far as rooms go, I love the space at 208 Wine Bar, and feel so grateful that I get to play and hear beautiful music there each week at our Acoustic Open Mic.
Which Savannah artists and/or musicians would you love to collaborate with?
Rachel Shaner of Lulu the Giant, Susanna Kennedy, Lylie Mae Love, Uncle Tim Sandlin, Will Duncan, Skyler Kelly, Jake Menendez, John Roberson, Jacob Evans and Oliver Kidd come immediately to mind. Marquette Shaw, aka Soul Son is another artist whose work inspires me, and I’d love to work more with him. Bak Bond has been rocking my world lately on many levels, and I’m excited to work with him more in the coming year. I’d also love to meet and collaborate with more women in the industry- AJ Grey of the Maxines is an absolute powerhouse artist who inspires me to let go and really engage with the audience and rock out.
What are your thoughts on the current state of Savannah’s music scene?
It appears to be thriving like no other time that I can remember. Artists are laying their own paths outside of the typical gig circuit- Bak Bond is an artist whose drive to get the music to the people really inspires me in this moment. With so many big and small acts playing here, and the prevalence of family-friendly events like Porchfest, it appears to me that the Savannah music scene is thriving and vibrant.
What is your creative process like?
Grieve, write, repeat.
How do you prepare mentally for a live show?
I talk to my sons, who always help me remember my “why.” I also love to play around in my closet and create looks for the stage that are unique and fun. My late mother always loved fashion, so wearing her dresses onstage is a special way to stay connected to her.
Grieve, write, repeat.
What’s a “guilty pleasure” song or artist you secretly love?
“Faded,” by Soul Decision. It’s the perfect cheesy late 90s boyband bop, and it makes me smile and dance. I do my own cover of it sometimes.
What’s a non-music hobby your fans don’t know about?
Hanging out and goofing around with my kids is probably my favorite thing to do. I also love to bake, and am learning to sew, and I enjoy drawing the human figure from life. Everything we do is based upon the structure and movement of the body, and I find that fascinating to explore.
If you could play ANYWHERE in Savannah — even a weird location — where would it be?
I always thought it would be wonderful to play music in every room and on the lawn of the Savannah Railroad Museum. I feel lost in time when I’m there, and it brings back a lot of memories of when my children were small. It was always among our favorite places in Savannah.
What’s next for you—any new music, shows, or collaborations coming up?
Lots of new music! My goal for 2026 is to complete my first professional recording. I have some pending collabs that I’m keeping quiet for now, and I have a couple dozen original songs I haven’t performed for an audience yet. 2026 will be about taking more risks vocally as well as performing songs out of my comfort zone.
Are there any new styles, sounds, or directions you hope to explore?
Yes. I’ve always loved the intersection of elevated Hip-Hop with acoustic instruments, and lots of percussion. I recently stumbled upon a band called My Baby, who fuse blues and rave beats, and hearing their sound made me realize I could create the sounds I love from Hip-Hop and dance music with real instruments. I’ve got a lot of songs that, I believe, elevate the mindset while hopefully freeing the body to move, dance, express… so the next chapter of my music story will be exploring that sound and feeling.
What message would you give to your fans?
Everyday, we get an opportunity to look at the person who shows up for us even when things are hard- we can learn to love ourselves fully, just by being a good friend to the person we see in the mirror. Be kind to yourself, and if there’s a spark in your heart to do something you never thought you could do, tend that flame like your life depends on it!! Someone in the world needs your voice, your words, your art, your spirit. Being creative is divine work, and I truly believe there is something divine within all of us.
If there’s a spark in your heart to do something you never thought you could do, tend that flame like your life depends on it.
Love supporting Savannah’s music scene?
👇 Drop a comment, share this interview, and follow the artist on social.
Your support helps local musicians get discovered.
