I met Scarlett Brais during my “comeback to the music scene” era in 2018. Her dad introduced her to the piano at just 5 years old and she began singing at 12 with her choir in middle school. Since then, she’s been completely immersed in music. She’s a teacher, music director, and musician all in one. Constantly on the move, I see her playing at her church, with an all girls trio group and with her band while helping other artists grow and develop their craft. Most importantly, she is probably one of the most down to earth friend’s I’ve had a chance to get to know throughout the years. I’ve been inspired by her since day one and I’m happy to share her story.

Based out of Los Angeles, California, Scarlett, as the lead keyboardist and singer/songwriter, formed her music group Scarlett & the Fever back in 2014. They are a new-soul and classic R&B group which I must add, has a lyrically romantic feel to it as well. Here is her insight on what it’s like being in the industry this long and staying true to her authentic self:

“Returning to the “why?” 

I think we lose ourselves trying to make it in this business. The pressures of social media and competing for gigs/exposure/listeners, etc becomes a chore and we become more concerned about promoting our art versus creating it. It’s necessary to promote yourself, of course, but you gotta stay true to the why? Why do you create, how does it serve you emotionally, spiritually…what gift can you bring to the world through your music? I think holding true to my why helps me stay more authentic to my vision.”

In terms of the business side of things, the experience itself has brought her great success in managing her time efficiently. She’s learned to separate both the business and the art, as she describes it, in seasons, so she can continue to create. She explains that being resourceful, resilient and disciplined has helped her form her career, but it’s the time where she focuses on life’s lessons and “creating” that help her develop her craft.

So let’s talk truth from someone who’s in the thick of it. What difficulties do artists face in the music industry that needs immediate change? You guessed it. STREAMS!!!

“It’s sickening how little an indie artist makes from their digital streams. Yet it’s the primary method consumers use to get music. And we know that the consumers would prefer their contributions go directly to the artists they support – not the mega corporations that profit off of them.  It’s incredibly discouraging when you put so much work (and time and money!) into your original music and wind up with a $5 check at the end of the year. It’s unsustainable and exploitative”.

I whole heartedly agree. Music is such an important part of our life but for some reason, we have not caught up with the understanding that paying those creating it contributes so much to your day to day activities. Without artists, our lives would be pretty Sour. So how do we keep going against the current?

“You’re always going to find reasons why you should stop, pivot, pick something else to do that’s “easier”. You’re always going to compare yourself to others or feel like you should be further along than you are. At the end of the day, though, what matters most is that you keep returning to your art simply for the joy that it brings you. The art you create may never be “top-selling” or “award-winning” but it STILL MATTERS, because it is YOURS. And in this world where so many people have lost themselves, where AI is replacing human touch, where people suffer so much because they’ve buried their inner child so deeply that life has lost meaning…YOU are the chosen soul to be that beacon of light and inspiration so that others may carry on.”

Fun tidbit:

If you could choose to be anything else, what would it be?

“A farmer.  Complete with food crops, fruit trees, a barn and farm animals to care for.”

Much love to this empowering woman and thank you for being my very first Spiritual Story.

M.