written by Tahnee May on behalf of Pla~neT KiDeSo          Pla~neT KiDeSo - All Rights Reserved © May 2011 Brettina; A beautiful name for a beautiful lady. Brettina epitomises beauty; deep, soulful, energetic & lustful.  The jazz singer is a native of The Bahamas but now resides in the United States. She grew up in a musical family (Uncles - Theo and Kirk Coakley (from the funk and disco band T-Connection) – and her mother gospel singer Leona Coakley). Obviously she had lots of talent around her constantly; so it is no wonder that quite effortlessly she is able to produce such a seductive sound. Brettina’s music has been described by critics as “first-rate jazz” with “emotional beauty”.  She is as pure inside as the sound she serenades us with. She models (also winning competition after competition throughout her life; whether it be beauty or talent), she sings and she’s a very humble lady – no diva behaviour from this senorita. If you haven’t heard of Brettina; check her out now, you won’t be sorry you did. Get your favourite beverage, kick off your shoes, lay back in your sofa and allow the sound of ‘Paradise’ or ‘Bahamian Girl’ or any other of your choice to flood over you. One not to be missed. See Full Interview Below How did you get started in music? Getting started in music?...hmmm:)  Music was all around me!  I don't think I really had a choice..lol!! My uncles are The T-connection (a funk/RnB group) My father plays a mean saxophone and my mother is a traditional gospel singer! Somewhere along the line I developed this unique sound and couldn't shake it if I tried!! Where are you from/ where did you grow up/ where do you reside  now? I was born in Nassau, Bahamas. I spent a portion of my youth there and in Chicago. Later we returned to Nassau (my mom wanted to make sure that my brothers and I experienced our culture/heritage. We returned to the US and made Seattle,Washington our home! I now call Los Angeles home! Which/where do you prefer? I can't say I prefer one place over the next.. sometimes I'm so homesick for the Bahamas that I literally try to find American comfort foods that are similar! Or I'll jump in the kitchen and make a 'heart stopping' curry chicken!! What was life like growing up? My life growing up was not the norm... If I told the entire story, I'm sure your readers wouldn't believe me! But lets just say I was able to experience two different cultures and Countries, which groomed Brettina. How would you describe your music? My music would best be described as 'organic Brettina' creating my way through contemporary and straight ahead jazz with an Island under tone sound. What/ Who inspires you in music and in life? My inspiration has always been my mom. I grew up listening to an artist who sang so deep within, that she would get lost and sometimes forget where she was! I'm inspired by artists who go against the grain! who have no problem taking risks, even if they fall short. Who know's what new genre could be created through risk? Who would you like to be compared with/to? I can't say I would like to be compared to anyone.. maybe just influences/nuances. I would like to be compared to my last body of work. To see the growth and risk! Name your  most memorable live performance My most memorable live performance would have to be the Kirkland Washington show (KPC) in November of 2010. Seeing friends and associates I haven't seen in years... sitting in the audience (along with ex boyfriends...lol) was so surreal! I was able to infuse vintage jazz tunes with contemporary and although the audience was quite diverse and range in age, they all seem to enjoy the song selections. Name your most embarrassing /frightening live performance I have a few embarrassing live performances..lol. I just pray they never see the light of day or youtube!!! But the most recent embarrassing moment would be, being asked to sing the Bahamian National Anthem at our Independence Day celebration in Los Angeles last year and butchering it!! I saw Bahamians there and my nerves got the best of me!! I'm beginning to think that whenever my people are around I freak myself out...lol. What keeps you grounded?   Messing up keeps me grounded... Also hearing a recording of myself ten years ago and now! What do you do to relax? To relax I normally take my (blue nose) pitt bull to the dog park and watching how dogs interact with no care for anything else but sniffing each others butts, that interaction takes away all life's woes for the moment!! Do you write your own songs? Yes, I write the majority of my songs! I've been criticized for having so many original tunes on my debut cd, but what did they expect from an artist who is just now being heard? What did they think I was doing all these years... (writing..duh...lol). I also enjoy collaborating with other artist who may hear 'Brettina' differently! When writing, I usually come up with a beautiful melody (normally in my sleep). I'll wake up with my heart racing as I'm searching in the dark for my recorder. Do you play any instruments? I wish I was more diligent! I think I tried to play every instrument for about two seconds..lol. I strum the guitar and bang on the piano just enough to find my beautiful melody! Can you describe a day in the studio? A day in the studio...is where I lose myself! I'm a story teller who enjoys listening to the stories, so they have to grab me!! In the wee hours of the night at (Wishing Well Studios in Burbank, Ca.) is when my creative juices are running. If I could make my bed there ...I would! I pull from deep within and sometimes surprise myself with the outcome! I'm excited with the new material for the sophomore album! Do you have other family members in the music industry and what do they do? My uncles (The T-Connection) are still making sweet music. Uncle T (Theo-Coakley) has amazing instrumental jazz cd's out! My mom (Leona Coakley Spring) performs/records only for her ministry (Terrilee Ministries). You’ve won a few awards/titles over the years – can you tell us anything about that?  Yes many moons ago I was a Miss Bahamas Talented Teen and a Miss C.I. Gibson (my middle school in the Bahamas) a few American talent shows and I've performed for the Queen of England as a pre teen (a memorable moment) You also model – which do you prefer out of singing and modelling? I don't model as much anymore...I think my agent thinks I've chosen my love of music...lol. I hope she knows I could still use the money!! Are you promoting any music at the moment? 1I'm currently gearing up for an International European tour with my band. We are promoting my current cd 'Brettina' Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? Where do I see myself in five years? My mom would like to see me married! I would like to be on my fourth album and writing Kideso, because you all are still interested in Brettina! I want to do this music for the rest of my life! To have the longevity of a Nancy Wilson? Now that would be worth it! What’s next for Brettina? 20) What's next for Brettina? Enjoying the moment... first! Living here in L.A., I'm able to witness amazing talents that may never be heard, so to be given the opportunity is a major blessing that I refuse to ever take for granted! The band and I are excited to jam in Europe and experience places I've only dreamed of going! I'm beyond humble to say I have a facebook fan page. What keeps me moving forward are the awesome friends/fans that leave comments about the songs (that I was a little reluctant to bear my soul in) and how it touched them. Thanks for wanting to know more about me!! Take Care, Brettina Brettina - Smooth & Creamy...   Global Inspiration... Hi Kideso!! Thank You for inquiring about 'Brettina'... I so enjoy your website! It's very informative and entertaining! I'm not very comfortable talking about myself, my mom does a better job..lol. Pla~net KiDeSo Reserves All Rights  -  Copyright 2006 -2012 This is a part of the Pla~neT KiDeSo network F.A.Q         Accessibility           Privacy Policy               Terms & Conditions Brettina Twitter Brettina Facebook Brettina Website Brettina MySpace