We had the good fortune of connecting with Brigitte Mena and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brigitte, is there anything interesting you’ve read recently that you can share with us?
Yes! Back in March when we went into lockdown, I came across an article from “Psychology Today” about the pressure to be productive and creative during the shelter-in-place orders from the COVID-19 outbreak. As someone who displays a Type-A personality, I have felt this “productive pressure” go into complete overdrive during this pandemic, as I already deal with it in my regular daily life. The article talks about how although it’s okay to discover new pursuits and be creative during this time, it is also okay to be “unproductive” in a sense. Everyone is dealing with this pandemic in their own unique way, and it’s important to acknowledge that and not feel like we have to be the next Van Gogh during this time. Personally, I spent quarantine finishing my second album and am very thankful to have had that extra time.
I’ve also learned that it’s okay to not give into this kind of productive pressure and be okay with spending some of my time doing other things, or simply doing nothing and just “be.” Funny enough, relaxing is definitely something I’ve always struggled with. Recently, I’ve spent more time outside and practicing yoga, getting in touch with myself and discovering connections with life in different ways.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’ve been writing songs since I was in eighth grade and released my first solo album back in 2018. My new album, “Element” is set to release August 21st, which I am super excited about! I classify my music in the pop-rock genre, but you’ll find some inspiration from country and blues on my upcoming record.  I worked with several different musicians on it, so naturally, there will be a shift in the sound compared to my last album. I’m looking forward to sharing all of my new material super soon!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d start out by taking my friend to dinner at my favorite restaurant on Lower Greenville called Thai-Thai. My friends and I discovered this place by accident – we had planned to go to another restaurant across the street, but the wait was extremely long, so we stumbled across Thai Thai! They’re also BYOB which is a huge plus. After dinner, I’d take her to TCBY – the country’s best yogurt of course ;). I probably go to this place at least once a week. They have a huge selection of frozen yogurt and their flavors change every week! I know, basic right? But who doesn’t like fro-yo?? During the week, we’d bike around White Rock Lake, maybe catch a concert in Deep Ellum, and check out the Arts District downtown – many of the museums are free to attend, so it’d be fun to show her some of them.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family is definitely who I’d like to thank for my success in music. I was lucky enough to grow up in a household where my family encouraged me to follow my dreams, even if that meant taking risks being a musician. My mom in particular has attended countless shows of mine and has never once doubted me. And my older sister has always been right there with me to offer advice and simply listen. Their support has definitely been crucial to my career. It’s already difficult enough making a living in the arts, and I don’t know where I’d be today without the encouragement of my family.

Website: www.brigittemena.com
Instagram: @brigittemenamusic
Facebook: @brigittemenamusic
Youtube: Youtube.com/brigittemenamusic

Image Credits
Ashley Highberger Chris Howell Bess Ophelia Emily Berger

Nominate someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.