Singer Songwriter and Animal Activist, Stephanie Braganza releases video, Chains of Silence
Stephanie Braganza is a Canadian singer, songwriter and animal activist. She has released the official music video for her new rock single, ‘Chains of Silence.’
Braganza has been an avid animal activist for over two years, participating in Toronto Pig Save’s events with fellow animal activist Anita Krajnc, and performing her music at many Veg-friendly festivals.
The new single is a jaw-dropping story of an alien abduction with a surprising twist. The thought-provoking video houses a powerful message and promises to incite discussion amongst its viewers. ‘Chains of Silence’ also marks Braganza’s first foray into the rock genre.
I had a chance to speak to Stephanie and learn more about her music career, here’s what she had to say:
Why did you choose to be in the music industry?
I wouldn’t say that I chose to be in the music industry. I would say that music chose me. Growing up, I was told that my voice was a gift. Later on, I guess my voice was a gift I wanted to give back and make a career using. I wish it was that easy in the music industry itself. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of experience, hard work, and the courage to follow your passion to the dark places where it leads, and not give up.
Who/what inspired you to get into this industry?
I would have to say my high school teacher, Mr. Bernie O’Connor, really inspired me. I felt like I would see him at his happiest when he was performing or talking about music, and I realized that it was the same for me. He encouraged me to pursue getting a degree in music, and by that time, there was just no other option for me. There was nothing else that I wanted to do more! I would say that my biggest musical influences growing up were Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston. Currently, I’m a big fan of Journey, Heart, Paramore, Amy Winehouse, and Sia, to name a few.
What kind of music do you produce?
To date, my music has been a blend of pop and dance music. I have a lot of experience singing top 40 music, so there are so many genres that I love that it’s difficult to pick just one to focus on. Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of powerhouse singers like Queen and Journey, and my co-writer, Kolin Stewart, grew up listening to a lot of metal like Megadeth. We both totally went with what was natural this time and that’s partly how “Chains of Silence” came to be!
Tell me more about your latest music video, Chains of Silence.
The film is a commentary on the meat and dairy industry, using the female body is an analogy for how cows are treated. I wanted to tell a story that put me in that position, but with a sci-fi tone to it (ode to X-Files, a favourite show of Kolin and myself). If humanity were to exchange lives with the animals they eat for just a few moments, maybe people would make the connection between the cellophane-wrapped meat they buy at the grocery store, and the feeling, thinking, sentient animals that only want to live out their lives like you and I.
What would you say is your greatest accomplishment? What was your biggest challenge?
What comes to mind is my latest project, “Chains of Silence”. This was by far the most ambitious and challenging song and music video I have ever done. It was the first time I wrote a song, drawing on feelings of pain, helplessness, empowerment and hope as an animal activist. It came from a really raw place, a place I usually don’t talk about with friends and family. So I really opened myself up on this one. As for the video, from pre-production right up to the last minute of post-production and publishing the video – it was a challenge. I whipped up the video concept in about 2 nights, not thinking too much about the logistics until certain things were brought to my attention by music video director Chris Strikes, and so we had to tweak a few things. A lot of technical and set emergencies happened last minute, so the whole experience was a bit chaotic but I’m so proud of the final product.
What are your goals for this year?
My main goal this year is to really promote “Chains of Silence” as my way of reaching people using activism through music. I will be continuing to write, perform, and participating in animal activism.
More about Stephanie: StephanieB.ca
‘Chains of Silence’ Video: https://youtu.be/9Ng_cszNKuw