EP 59: Music as a Lifeline with Brittany Atterberry

Welcome back to another engaging episode of The Jazz Flyte Podcast! Today, Darrell is joined by the incredibly talented Brittany Atterberry—a dynamic saxophonist, songwriter, and national recording artist in contemporary jazz and R&B. Brittany’s love for the saxophone goes beyond just music; it’s been her saving grace. She didn’t pick up the sax to compete—she picked it up for the pure love of its sound, inspired by legends like Dave Koz, Grover Washington Jr., Candy Dulfer, and Kirk Whalum. In this candid conversation, Brittany takes us through her journey of finding her voice in a male-dominated genre and the obstacles women face in the jazz world. She calls for more support and unity among female musicians and speaks openly about the pressures to “look and act the part” just to be taken seriously. Brittany wants to see more women breaking barriers in jazz, and she’s not afraid to be at the forefront of that change. Brittany also touches on the complexities of being an independent artist in today’s music landscape. While owning your masters is empowering, she’s faced the hurdles of reading through contracts, negotiating terms, and balancing creative freedom with industry demands. As she shares her personal experiences, Brittany reminds us that success isn’t just about the destination—it’s about enjoying the journey along the way. She takes a reflective look back at her time as an intern in the music therapy program at Metro Health Hospital in Cleveland, where she discovered the healing power of music. Brittany’s career highlights include performing with the all-female jazz group Jazz in Pink, navigating the highs and lows of being on the road, and creating a space for herself in the jazz scene. As the episode draws to a close, Brittany teases us with exciting updates on new music in the works and a thrilling upcoming performance in her hometown of Cleveland, featuring a show-stopping 7-foot-tall saxophone. This episode is a must-listen for aspiring artists, jazz enthusiasts, and anyone who believes in the transformative power of music.