Upcoming Artist at Jenks: Brennan Garrott
By: Liam Ford
Brennan Garrott, one of many seniors at Jenks High School, is a self-made singer-songwriter in the making. His passion for music began when started playing in the Jenks Orchestra, and what he did not yet know was that he'd eventually choose to expand his musical endeavors outside of school and extracurricular activities.
"I started Cello because I just wanted something to do," Garrott said. "It was just offered in sixth grade."
After playing the Cello through middle school, his participation in the orchestra came to a halt during the first Quarantine lockdown in the spring of 2020. However, Garrott was persistent, and would not let it hold him back. During this time, his love for music began to flourish.
"I like getting good at things, and having something to improve myself upon that I have control over. It was comforting in a way," Garrott said. "I can [play music] and get good at it, and give [give] worth to myself. It was important to me."
Eventually, Garrott expanded his prowess to new instruments, picking up the guitar nearly 3 years ago, and the piano about 2. In doing so, it was Garrott's goal to learn to write, play and sing his own music as well as others.
"I wasn't completely sure what I wanted to do with my life, in any way," said Garrott. "I am now. I want to be a singer songwriter."
Garrott performing an original at the JHS Talent Show
He now writes music about emotion and romance, and sings covers from his inspirations and popular artists like Cavetown and Joji. Garrott also shares that, further on in his career, he'd like to pick up the violin and even the banjo. But to get here, like all of us, Garrott had to start at square one.
"When I was young, I wanted to play guitar," Garrott said. "So my parents got me one. But I never played it… It just kind of sat there for 12 years."
"Finally one day in 2020 I was bored, and I tuned it," Garrott added, "and I just played along to some music I was listening to. It took me forever to figure out the basic chords."
Throughout his journey, Garrott always looked to his number one supporter and girlfriend.
"She is always very encouraging, and she thinks it's great that I like music," Garrott shared. "She's the biggest support in my life. We've been together for 3 years."
When asked how music has changed him, Garrott claims playing music on stage has made him more confident. Now, he performs with/for friends when asked. Additionally, Garrott and his friends have begun to hold small music festivals together in the Downtown Jenks Commons. Sometimes, he likes to play by himself at open mic nights.
And, over halfway finished with his last year at Jenks High School, Garrott also shares his future career visions and aspirations in music.
"As for the future," he said, "I want to go to college and get a bachelor’s or associate’s degree in music business. It's given me a direction in life."