We had the good fortune of connecting with Brendan Pegg and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brendan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I didn’t exactly choose to pursue an artistic career, it felt more like it chose me. From a very young age, music was a constant in my life. My mom signed me up for classical piano lessons when I was six, and my dad was a drummer, so creativity and musical expression were naturally apart of my upbringing. In high school, I started writing songs, and that changed everything. Songwriting became the one place where I could be fully honest, even when I didn’t have the words in everyday life. It helped me process emotions I couldn’t always talk about out loud. What started as something I loved slowly became something I needed. At some point, I realized that if I could create music that made other people feel seen or understood, the way music had always done for me, then that was something worth dedicating my life to. Once I began performing and playing in bands, I was completely hooked. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I remember a professor in college once told me, “If you’re meant to work in music, it will find you, and it won’t let you do anything else.” That stuck with me, because that’s exactly how it felt. Music didn’t just become a passion, it became a calling, and in many ways, an obsession.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My music lives in the space between reflection and vulnerability. It’s quiet, honest, and built for people who feel things deeply, even if they don’t always talk about it. I’m not chasing trends or trying to make noise, I’m trying to tell the truth. I think what sets me apart is that I’m not afraid of emotional stillness. I try to write songs that give people permission to feel without judgment. What I’m most proud of is that I’ve stayed authentic to that vision. I recently released a single called ‘Good Night’ that really captures that intimate, late-night honesty. And on June 6, I’m releasing a new song called ‘I Can Tell’. It’s not part of my upcoming 9-song album “Be OK,” it’s a standalone piece that I felt needed to live on its own. Getting to where I am today hasn’t been easy. There have been long stretches of doubt, creative blocks, and moments where I questioned whether I was making any real progress. But I’ve learned that the most important work often happens when no one’s watching. I’ve gotten through those challenges by staying close to the reasons I started: the love of writing, and the hope that my music could make someone feel understood. What I want people to know is that this isn’t just a career for me, it’s something I care about deeply. These songs are part of my story, and I hope they become part of someone else’s too.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting LA, I’d want to show them the side of the city that’s creative, low-key, and meaningful, not just the tourist stuff. We’d probably start in Silver Lake or Los Feliz, grab coffee, then walk around Echo Park Lake or hit a record shop. I’d want it to feel chill, like we’re just soaking up the atmosphere. For food, definitely Koreatown. Quarters or Park’s for BBQ, and then maybe drinks at Gold Line in Highland Park, they play great music and it’s not overhyped. If we’re in more of a rooftop mood, Mama Lion is cool too. I’d take them to Malibu one of the days, probably El Matador or somewhere less crowded, just to reset and breathe a bit. I’d want to catch some live music too. Hotel Café, Moroccan Lounge, or even a random open mic, LA’s full of hidden gems and it’s always cool seeing someone new. And of course, late-night food runs, Canter’s Deli or taco trucks is always a good move. Honestly, what I love most about LA is how every day can be completely different. You can have a deep talk in someone’s backyard one night and be at a random warehouse show the next. It’s a city that meets you where you’re at, and I think that’s what makes it special.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s no way I’d be where I am without the love and support of my parents. My dad was the first person I wanted to play new songs for. He didn’t just listen, he gave real feedback, and his opinion meant everything to me. After he passed, my mom stepped in and did an unbelievable job filling that role. She supported me emotionally, and even financially at times when I needed help getting through. I owe her a special thank you. She deserves all the credit in the world for keeping me going, and believing in me. I’m also incredibly grateful to the music teachers who helped shape my voice and how I understand songwriting, especially my college professor, Jim Anderson. He mixed and mastered my first EP for free, simply because he believed in what I was trying to say. That kind of support is something I’ll never forget. So this shoutout goes to the people who believed in me when no one else had a reason to, the ones who stood behind me, lifted me up, and helped me find the courage to keep making music, and never give up.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendan_pegg?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-pegg-7b8712109/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067448239421&mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@brendanpegg?si=g9gnyc–UUHJMRHH

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0zXBeESkjqNEltUC7Y0cyS?si=_D-s8ISXRNeAWGNTPhUWbg&nd=1&dlsi=b8cf79bf3a3b46d2

Image Credits
Hannah Bixel

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