Single Premiere: Jerrika Mighelle, “Be Brave”
The Minneapolis-based singer-songwriter is releasing the title track to her profound new album tomorrow. Hear it first here!
Jerrika Mighelle’s “Be Brave” single artwork.
Bravery isn’t just about facing acute danger—although there’s plenty of that feeling to go around these days, especially for queer folks. It can also mean overcoming more amorphous or intangible fears: The unknown. The possibility of failure. Imposter syndrome. Our own perceived limitations. The implacable resistance of systems built for cis straight white able-bodied men against letting others in or giving them room to express themselves honestly.
As a queer woman who grew up closeted in a Mormon family—and has spent years navigating a music industry built for straight men—Jerrika Mighelle knows all about the importance of finding courage. On their new song, which drops tomorrow, June 16 (and will be the title track off their new album due out July 7), the Minneapolis artist (recently relocated from Eau Claire, Wisconsin) decided to confront all of those fears head on with a clear rallying cry intended for us all: “Be Brave.” We’re honored to present the exclusive premiere of this new single!
The song, as well as most on the album, was written after Mighelle faced a hard decision of their own: quitting drinking in the midst of the pandemic lockdown shortly after their 39th birthday. Not long after, Mighelle says, the songs started coming. “Within a month of sobriety, as the fog was lifting, a creative floodgate opened and I began the journey of feeling all the feelings I had spent years drinking away. This new journey of self discovery manifested itself into song after song.”
Jerrika Mighelle. Photo credit: Tom Smouse.
Mighelle says the meaning of “Be Brave” has evolved and expanded from the song’s origin. “When I wrote it, I was thinking about my nieces and nephews,” they say. “I don’t want them to be afraid, because it stopped me. So many people get lost in fear and live a life that’s different from what they want.”
Mighelle hopes the song will have positive repercussions for anyone who’s struggling with fear. “I want people to hear it and come out, go to a protest, stand up to someone, whatever they need to do. If there’s a fear locking you in, I hope it inspires you to break free anyway. My favorite line is ‘When you do the things you fear, everything else becomes easier.’ Because when you do that, now you’re at a place where you can raise that threshold and grow. Every new thing we learn leads to something more.”
“Be Brave” showcases Mighelle’s powerhouse vocals, a midtempo country-rock sound and expressive guitar solos. The album represents a sonic evolution for Mighelle. They give ample credit to the band and co-producer Evan Middlesworth for that: “This group of people connected so well. You can feel the tight connection, the beats landing at the right moment, the expression of what my lyrics are trying to convey. I’m an emotionally driven artist, so my focus is sharing lyrically. The band brought life to my singing and lyrics—I didn’t tell them what to do. I bring my heart; I wanted them to do the same, and they did.”
Listen to “Be Brave” now!
Song Credits
Jerrika Mighelle - Co-producer, lyrics, vocals, acoustic guitar
Evan Middlesworth - Co-producer, mastering, mixing, recording, electric guitar
Lauren Anderson - Bass
Matt Happala - Drums, percussion
Elizabeth Steans - Vocals
Carol Roth. Photo credit: Dan Lee.
Carol Roth is a full-time marketing copywriter and the primary music journalist and social media publicist for Adventures in Americana. In addition to studying the guitar and songwriting, Carol writes self-proclaimed “trashy” novels under the pseudonym T.A. Berkeley!
