We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Penny . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Penny below.

Alright, Penny thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

The world is fully saturated with talent. Our phones give us access to millions upon millions of people who have a craft and want to share that craft with the world. Today, the biggest people in our industry all have one thing in common: they stand out. Which is what I have set out to do. Being primarily a writer for so long, I always envisioned the hurdles and obstacles that I would face heading into artistry. I thought that if I went for it, who would listen? Who would care? Who would I touch with my talent. The more these thoughts crowded my mind, the more anxious I became. It wasn’t until I realized just how precious my gift was, that I decided to embark upon this journey. Where I was comfortable, and most desired is now put in the back, while my true passion is being displayed. Not only is that scary, but it’s invigorating. The thrill I get from even making my own music is like nothing I’ve ever felt. Writing will always be a huge part of my craft. But I’m so glad I’m now taking the risk, leap, and initiative to pursue my true passion: sharing my music with the world.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a singer / songwriter based in Atlanta. GA. The services I provide are what I’d call “all inclusive.” With me you get a writer, vocal arranger, vocal producer, engineer, and vocal coach all in one. It’s my duty to not only make sure the song is great, but that the client, or artist sounds great as well. I strive for absolute excellence. So wether you are a client like Lyrica Anderson, Kehlani, or just someone needing direction and push, everyone gets the same treatment. I started this whole thing because of one of my biggest inspirations: Breland. Breland was a writer I looked up to more than anyone. After we came into contact, he took the time out of his busy schedule to guide, lead, and push me. There were also others who helped me along my journey. People like Will Gittens, Troy Taylor, Stevie Mackey, and more truly believed in me and gave me the tools I still use to this day. It all started from there: being a student. From there, my career took a more serious turn. Where I started working exclusively with APG (Atlantic Publishing Group). Those days were extremely important, because it taught me how serious the art of good songwriting was. I explored genres I had never even thought about doing. Genres like country, top 40 pop, and rock were nowhere in my repertoire at that point. And yet, I went for it. I strived to be just as good at those new genres as I was at R&B. Some time had passed and I was feeling like I needed a fresh start. This is where Made in Memphis (MIME) came into view. Still with MIME to date, I have flourished as a writer in ways I could never dream. I am allowed to explore in many ways and dive into a creative space I’ve never reached before. I am so proud that I can share all this knowledge and experience with my clients. I not only write the song, but explain the song and why it sounds the way it does. And this is all thanks to my origins.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One thing I’ve definitely had to unlearn was being too receptive of others opinions. When you make music or do anything creatively, it’s all up to interpretation. One person can come along and think what you did is the best thing they’ve ever heard. And then another could absolutely hate it. At the end of the day, you have to have supreme confidence in yourself and believe you are meant to do what you are doing. No one ever made it far who didn’t believe in themselves. So now, I will always continue to bet on myself and show the world exactly what I’m made of.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Since I was a child growing up in Louisiana, I’ve always wanted to do music. And in a big capacity. A few goals of mine are lofty but extremely attainable through hard work. I’d love to be a part of a number one album, get nominated for and win a Grammy, have the number one song in the world, and own my studio one day.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @pennyhitaway

Image Credits
Stevie Mackey Troy Taylor Lyrica Anderson Leila KShiday