Singer-songwriters Jeremy Zucker and Chelsea Cutler are more than just a dynamic partnership or a revolutionary collaboration; they're best friends.
Zucker and Cutler embarked on their musical journey together 6 years ago with the release of “brent.” The platinum-certified, lead single “you were good to me” set the tone for the album, marking the beginning of everything that “brent” would become.
In 2021, the two followed up with “brent ii,” earning two songs the title of certified gold. Last November, they took on their most ambitious project yet, “brent iii.” With 11 tracks beautifully woven together, “brent iii” embodies a unique magic–one that can only be born from years of two artists growing together.
The strength of the duo’s artistry lies in their ability to convey specific emotions through songwriting. Both artists attribute this gift to their collaborative process, where they can be vulnerable and open with each other.
“We vent to each other about things that are going on in our lives individually, so the songwriting process is partially therapeutic. If one of us is writing about this specific thing, the other one is there to help get it out of them, help support them, and help translate it into a song,” Zucker said.
“brent iii” was born out of a similar authentic experience as many of its tracks were written on a cathartic trip to Big Bear, Calif.
While staying in an a-frame, they wrote multiple fan favorites, including “and the government, too!,” A-frame,” and “i miss you.”
During an 1824 press conference, the duo recounted moments from their trip, describing it as “cozy and beautiful” and a place where they created “crazy, palpable magic.”
Cutler highlighted their experience writing “and the government, too!” where Zucker said, “I would scream at the stars for keeping us apart” and then yelled “and the government, too!” Cutler responded encouragingly, saying “hell yeah man let’s just say that and be so real with that.”
“brent iii” is a mosaic of similar beautiful, giddy moments where the two connected and believed in their creation.
Zucker recounted a moment where both were seemingly “watching” a movie, but rather than tuning into the film, the two were writing. They were “zoned out” of the film but “locked in” to songwriting as if they were on the same wavelength.
“We have so many amazing moments that get attached to these songs that grow and live with us for so long,” Zucker said.
Just as “brent iii” is a compilation of memories, it is also a mix of genres.
Zucker and Cutler come from different musical backgrounds, Zucker being more indie-pop focused while Cutler leans towards electronic sounds. Despite their differences, Zucker doesn’t see genres as boundaries, but as starting points.
He likens genre’s to food cousine’s, comparing songs to meals and ingredients to influences. Just as food takes ingredients from other cousine’s, songs take inspiration from different genres to curate their own sound.
Overall, “brent” as a universe is constantly evolving.
The original project came together by accident, covering themes of angst and insecurity. brent ii became a symbol of hope, focusing on love and relationships, while “brent iii” delved into more niche topics with introspective lyrics that unpacked both Zucker’s and Cutler’s life experiences.
“In the beginning we were writing really simple songs that were really powerful for that reason and now it’s a bit more nuanced and a little bit more specific and honest in a different way,” Zucker said.
Still, despite its growth, the root of the “brent” universe is magic.
The duo’s deep passion and love for their craft binds them together. Zucker even referred to producing their songs as “bottling the magic” that was sparked when creating them.
The two share so much love, especially evident in the way they praised each other’s talents.
“Jeremy is insanely, special-level, talented at creating these sonic palettes and textures that really put you in the world,” Cutler said.
Zucker followed suit by complimenting Cutler’s writing capability.“Her creativity is inspiring and she’s very free.” and that “it’s admirable how much she writes.”
Both artists also attempt to learn from each other.
Zucker mentioned that he has caught his partner trying to snatch incognito photos of his plugins, software used to create sounds.
“I want Jeremy to think I’m good at production, but he’s light years ahead of me,” Cutler said.
Though the pair does not know what the future entails, they are sure it contains one another.
After wrapping up their Brent: Forever tour, which took audiences across all eras of brent, the duo concluded what seems like the final chapter in their story. However, both encouraged that they will “never say never,” when asked about another “brent” project.
Cutler reassured listeners that they will “always want to be a part of each other’s careers,” regardless of what that looks like.
Keep up with Jeremy and Chelsea!
Jeremy:
Chelsea: