Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Brett Hunter during the blind auditions on Season 14 of The Voice. (NBC Photo)

When we met the California-based front man for the Brett Hunter band, he had moved in with his brother so he could afford to do music full time.

Heck, they even shared a bed.

Then came The Voice. Brett landed a spot on Team Blake Shelton during the blind auditions. And though he was bumped from the show following a battle round match with Austin Giorgio, Brett calls his time on the show an “incredibly motivating” experience.

And now his brother is losing a roommate. Here is Voice Views’ exit interview with Brett.

Voice Views: I know the battles were filmed a while back. What have you been doing musically since then? Are you out on your own now?

Brett: Yes, the big news is I’m moving to Santa Barbara and getting my own place! There is nothing like sharing a bed with your 34-year-old brother to light a fire under you.

With a show like The Voice there seems to be a push that the next logical step should be bigger and bigger shows and hitting the road with the band. I really couldn’t disagree more. I have been focussng on exactly what I was doing before: small intimate shows. A lot of them with the help of Sofar Sounds (an intimate concert company).

My goal is the same as it was before the show: to connect with people, tell my story, and make my music sustainable. I really see my opportunity with The Voice as elevating my direction, not changing it.

Voice Views: Where do you see your time on the show leading you musically? And what’s next for the Brett Hunter Band? Do you envision releasing more music anytime soon and, if so, what can you tell me about that?

Brett: Going into this experience, I just had released my first full length record “Take Off.” The album hints to the beginning of something great, and shares a bit about the brand; it’s all about being a traveler as a state of mind, not an activity. More music — hell, yes. Expect new music to be eclectic singles that continue the story of the different places I travel to after taking off.

Voice Views: Do you think you grew as an artist as a result of The Voice experience? If so, in what way?

Brett: The biggest take-away from the show has been an understanding of how much talent there is out there. Luckily for me, this has been incredibly motivating because I understand how many other factors are just as important as talent (even though we all wish that wasn’t true). During the show, I was really able to see what made me especially unique — I am so much more than my voice. I have a powerful message and ability to connect with people everywhere I go.

Voice Views: Other than the new friends you made, what do you think you’ll remember most about the experience?

Brett: I will remember holding nothing back and fearlessly hitting the most epic note of my life at the end of my battle song with Austin Giorgio in front of Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys, and Adam Levine. It honestly was the most insane thing I have ever done. I hope The Voice will release the footage one day.

Editor’s Note: Brett was 30 when he auditioned for the show. For more on Brett and his band’s pre-show music, head here. His social media links follow.

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