Music is Medicine: Meet Brei Carter
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Meet local singer-songwriter and U.S. Army veteran Brei Carter, who's doing her part through her mental health-focused blog, Music is Medicine.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and it’s particularly inspiring to see how various Nashvillians are moved to shed more light on the often taboo subject. Local singer-songwriter and U.S. Army veteran Brei Carter is doing her part by launching a mental health-focused blog, Music is Medicine, addressing the healing power of music. From addiction recovery to PTSD, she explores how music impacts and benefits our well-being, opening the door for more self-awareness and self-care. Please welcome Brei Carter.
You were raised in Monroe, LA. How has the South influenced your music and lifestyle?
All of the musical styles that came from the South — but especially country — have influenced me. The stories I hear in that music are the stories I’ve also lived.
What inspired your music career?
Deep down, I knew when I was a little girl that I was destined for music, but somehow didn’t have the courage and felt I should do something a little more practical.
Can you tell us about your newest album?
The last album I recently released was Brand New Country. I think you get a little bit of everything from that album because I’m still trying to define my style and who I am. Plus, there are a lot of different producers, which means there were a lot of cooks in the kitchen.
What led you to your mental health- and music-focused blog, Music is Medicine?
I’ve been in the medical field for a while, while also doing my music, and I see so many people suffering. I want to help educate, be a resource, and give people hope that there are options. In addition to that, I was recently speaking to a friend [about it] and realized that as much as the blog is for others, it’s just as much for me.
In your opinion, what is it about music that offers such healing power?
I think it’s the fact that music touches the inner essence — the spirit of who we are. It also teaches us to release and be vulnerable. By letting down our guards and releasing all inhibitions, we are able to let go, release, and be free to rid ourselves of issues and problems — to allow our cells to regenerate and be rejuvenated.
You are also an Army veteran. What did being in the Army teach you when it comes to self-care?
Honestly, the Army wasn’t as much about self-care as it was about the Corps. We learned to put our issues behind us for the greater good of our country and fellow soldiers. There wasn’t much time to think of self-care because we had to be tough and make sure we focused on the mission at hand.
What do you do for your own self-care, and what do you suggest we do to infuse music into our own self-care routines?
For me, self-care starts daily with prayer, followed by meditation, affirmation, and music. These things are essential even if nothing else gets done or it falls short. Also, I try to quiet my mind and connect with nature by being outside and shutting the phone down. There’s nothing like prayer, music, and connecting. This also allows me to reset my body, mind, and spirit.
What’s next on the horizon?
More new music — music to touch the world and share stories through songs that are relatable and thought-provoking.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Never give up, and trust The Lord!
Outside of faith, family, and friends, what are three things you can’t live without?
I can’t live without music, my phone, and a good conversation that involves laughter.
And now, for our Lightning Round!
Favorite Nashville restaurant? It’s a toss-up between Taqueria del Sol, O-ku, and Hattie B’s, depending on the mood.
Go-to shop or boutique for gifts? I feel bad for saying this, but Amazon — only because they have everything you need.
Last book you read? Actually, I’ve been given a few books lately, and I’ve started one called Your Best Life, but I put it down because I’ve been writing my own book called Hunger For Life!
Favorite place to take visitors? Music Row. It’s off the beaten path, you get great music, good food, and you’re out of the hustle and bustle.
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Nashville is filled with dynamic women. Meet more of them in our FACES archives!
Jenna von Oy Bratcher
Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Lead Nashville Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.