Brianna Mcgeehan

Born in Oregon to a music teacher father, she began studying music around age 5, playing piano then violin, but it was singing that captivated her most. Harmony was a revelation. McGeehan knew she’d spend the rest of her life doing it. Her music studies have taken her to as far reaching places as India and Tanzania.

She was influenced by a grab bag menagerie: Lauryn Hill, Radiohead, The Cranberries… Dad’s Beatles, Aunt Kitty’s Irish folk tapes. Growing up in the 90’s in the Pacific Northwest, grunge was one of the building blocks of a healthy musical diet, but rainy afternoons also lent themselves to Beethoven on the piano.

Brianna picked up the guitar in her early 20’s and started writing songs. Moved to New York and played some gigs. Got pregnant and had a baby, returned to Portland and became a single mom. She wasn’t about to quit music though, so she put a band together with some friends from the Music Therapy scene. She let that go to join forces with Drew de Man – now her husband and musical partner – and the two formed a band, calling it Pretend Sweethearts. They spent the next few years touring the US and Europe playing their version of Americana, that was as poetic and political as it was spiritual. “Heart Hunters' music might sound delicate on first listen, but it packs a heavy punch.” – No Depression

McGeehan has shared the stage with the likes of Allison Russell, Rising Appalachia and Peter Case. Her voice – effortlessly powerful and delicately beautiful – resounds with the talent of a genius and the skills honed in rigorous vocal training. She is an activist and community organizer who feels called to do social justice work through music.

With deep Irish roots, McGeehan draws heavily on her heritage to inform her music. The resilience of her ancestors, who emigrated from County Tyrone to Maryland generations ago, serves as a recurring theme in her songwriting. This connection to her lineage will take center stage as she embarks on a tour of Ireland later this year (currently in the works), retracing the steps of her ancestry. Set for fall, the tour will focus on intimate performances that highlight McGeehan’s storytelling and connection to community.