Mallory Eagle says she fell in love with music “in the womb.”
The story goes that when her mother was pregnant with her, she attended a ZZ Top concert. Her mom told her later that “she kicked through the entire show – on beat.”
Eagle is still kicking up fun through her own music, which she describes as “roots country with Americana influence.”
The Oklahoma-City based artist, who has been working for about a decade in the industry, says her influences include Alison Krauss, Bob Wills, Marty Stuart and “the queens,” – Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire.
Eagle says one of her career highlights was when she performed with the bluegrass band Kate and Forrest O’Connor in a showcase for the International Bluegrass Music Association.
“All my heroes were there,” she says.
Another proud moment for her – and a goal for many musicians – was performing at the iconic Cain’s Ballroom.
“There’s just something about playing in a venue that you went to as a kid in your home state,” she says.
Eagle says that when on stage, her most consistent emotions are excitement and gratitude.
“It’s a joyful thing to be a songbird and get with other songbirds and make things happen,” she says. “It’s a gift, and I treasure it.”
Also OKC-based, Penny Pitchlynn says a bond forms between herself and fans when she’s onstage.
“It’s really energizing,” she says. “I think that’s the place I feel very connected to others. There’s a bit of peace once I’m up there.”
Pitchlynn’s audiences have varied from her performances at open-mic nights when she was in college to international venues while touring and playing bass with indie rockers BRONCHO. There are also her performances with LABRYS, her solo songwriting project.
Her audience has expanded to TV in recent years, as some of her work was featured on popular shows like Reservation Dogs and Better Things.
Alternative and classic rock influenced her growing up, but Pitchlynn says she’s “always listened to everything.”
During her 14-year career in music, Pitchlynn says an experience that stands out was during her international tour with BRONCHO.
“The opportunity to travel and play music everywhere we go never ceases to be amazingly fulfilling,” says Pitchlynn, who advises anyone with a musical dream to shoot for the stars.
“Just do it. Just make the music,” she says. “If you really work on your craft, it will pay you back eventually.”
Branjae has always been drawn to dynamic performers. Growing up, she was influenced by Michael Jackson, Prince, Diana Ross, Freddie Mercury and Tina Turner – inspired by their artistry, energy, vision and storytelling.
Those influences are apparent in her music and performances.
“I’m a multi-genre artist,” says Branjae, who describes her sound as “Black American music” that fuses genres such as soul, jazz, R&B and reggae. Performing brings her joy and purpose.
“I am my best self when I’m on stage,” she says.
Branjae has worked in the industry for 20 years, and says one of her proudest moments was performing at the famous Apollo Theater in New York City, soaking up the energy and appreciating the history of the artists who came before her.
She says another burst of pride comes for her “when I see young female artists and young female fans grow into their own artistry – that is the best accomplishment to me.”
Branjae hopes others take notice and support female artists who often face challenges in the male-dominated industry.
“I just really want people to pay attention to women. Listen to what we’re saying,” she says. “Women are making some amazing music.”
