Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Hill
Hi Beth, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Btw– I was Beth Brennan until I recently married SEPT 3. Now Beth Hill.
I would like to tell the world that you should never define yourself by timelines or standards expected by others. I balance in a world of corporate life – Sr. Director of Marketing at SAP Concur for 15+ years, as well as not only singing, recording and performing, but doing so with an impact.
I thought I had passed my expiration date in entertainment. I was late 30s, happily in the corporate realm and making ends meet, and finding a way to play music. I didn’t take myself that seriously. And I didn’t expect others to do that. After some attempts at original music, I hanged it all up… until 2009 when I started seriously competing in karaoke. That gave me the guts to send my contest winning video to a band looking for a singer. I’m still with SUGAR BUZZ today after that fateful audition.
Musically, I didn’t take many chances for years. We played only about a dozen times per year. But I was hit with the competitive bug again. I entered and placed in several local and national competitions. I’ve had the honor of competing internationally – winning 2nd in duets in Helsinki, Finland in the Karaoke World Championships in 2017, and again as a soloist, winning Grand Champion in the iSing international content in Stockholm Sweden, 2019.
Then COVID hit. Things changed for me. I doubled down on work, but really needed to get out in music. For so long we were without live music. So, when the open mic in Fridley, MN started (Mad Mike’s Open Mic), I was all-in.
I realized that you have to get OUT THERE. Out amongst people – out there frequently. If you do the work: which means studying those who are successful, taking in the feedback and honing your craft, you’ll find your own success. Side note: I’ve also met many people in this area who are inspirational, talented and want to see you succeed. A lot has changed from that point forth. I have since been hired to record locally, even nationally – mostly after 90K people noticed my open mic song on youtube. (Steelheart’s I’ll Never Let you go)– I earned the nick name “MegaBeth”.
Sugar Buzz also ramped up our schedule. So now I’m recording and performing at really amazing venues like The Plaza outside of US Bank Stadium prior to MN Vikings games – most recently on October 20th vs Detroit- opening for national touring acts such as Hairball and then playing at all the coolest summer festivals and local nightclubs. I’m also now the lead singer of a Queensryche Tribute Band and I’m learning to just say YES to the challenges I’d never thought I’d want to conquer. My newest project: I am the singer on a symphonic metal 5-song EP called “Ascension” scheduled for release late November 2024 for a band called “Rise Above Instinct”. It’s really exciting to tackle a new genre and to have the connection come from across the miles. A mutual friend connected me with the writer, a talented guy living in Indiana, to take on the project. And, “symphonic metal” ? Sure! Why not?!
All this juxtaposed against the fact I find myself returning from a work conference in NYC only to take the stage the next night. Tired, but grateful!
This is the VERY short version of the balance of life here, and I’m still inspired to keep this going. I think about when I was in my 30s… what would I think about myself at 40+ doing all these wonderful projects- and people STILL wanting that kind of production from me and seeking me out purposefully. In September I recorded a country song at Minnehaha Recording for someone who saw me on the internet and said “I think she’s the one who can do this”.
The corporate world keeps me grounded. The music world keeps me dreaming. My heart fills when people come up to me and say “your passion, your energy shows through onstage. You inspire me to keep trying harder”.
I also believe that all the videos I’ve made, the songs I’ve recorded – are my legacy. They will be here far longer than me.
OK, that’s the short version of my story. I’m still going to say YES and I’ll keep taking whatever stage I’m handed. I don’t feel anywhere near done yet. There’s a big part of my that does NOT want to disclose my age, as I do believe there is prejudice in “oh I don’t want to see some woman XXX age doing THAT. ” — But at the same time, I do wish to inspire and share that at middle age+, I’m putting out what I feel is my best work yet. It’s possible.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not always smooth. I don’t disclose my age for the discrimination factor. I do believe I am one of the most energetic performers, one of the most energetic PEOPLE you will meet. I hid / hide my age for that reason. I want people to see the youth in my energy… not gaze with wonder at my age.
Additionally, Sugar Buzz is not agent represented. That made it harder for us to seriously make progress and a name for ourselves in the music scene. But we wanted to play WHERE we wanted and on our own schedule — to where it was still fun for us every time we take the stage. We only wanted 2 or so shows per month, to keep it fun for ourselves and our local crowd. We ramped up after several bandmates finished the child raising so we could free up schedules.
That comes at a price. Getting into venues took cold calling, showing up with card and video in hand, showing up over and over again : open mics were a big help.
In the midst of all this, I divorced and went through a lot of the COVID craziness.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
It’s hard to choose here. I feel very attached to my marketing career and I’ve worked hard to develop my expertise. But, my heart and all my soul show through in performing.
I’m known as a singer about town: Sugar Buzz, Queen of the Ryche, some work in the Blue Rain Band as well as the open mic scene and several recording projects.
I’m proud of the way I stayed true to who I am : energetic, outgoing and creative. Most in the local cover band music scene know me. That fact is a bit surprising as I toiled in obscurity for many years before really digging in. I’ve had other people say they appreciate who I am in this realm and that’s validation for me to staying true to the authentic me (I’m the same persona offstage as on)– and I’m encouraged that being ME and not pretending to be anything different really resonated with people. So the advice to all reading this is please be who YOU really are. Don’t hide what makes you unique – you’ll find your fit, I promise!
I’m proud that my voice and personality is known, and surprisingly, actually somewhat respected in this scene. I’m always stunned that this girl from small town Aitkin MN could hold her own in this music market. I’m now officially over the imposter syndrome and comfortable in my path.
To those who had a hand in helping me, supporting my music journey, I humbly thank you. I hope that I can pay that forward.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Come to a show! look me up on the socials !
www.getsugarbuzz.com
https://www.facebook.com/getsugarbuzz/
https://www.instagram.com/getsugarbuzz/
Queen of the Ryche:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089921156948
https://www.instagram.com/queen_of_the_ryche/
Hey! I’ve also made a side hustle singing national anthems at various festivals and events. Check out my FB/ Insta and Youtube for that!
Beth Norris Brennan online. (Soon to be changed to Beth Hill. BTW- I met my husband at an open mic night! and he’s a bass player 🙂
Follow me for fun.
https://www.youtube.com/@bbrenna1169
https://www.instagram.com/bethnorrisbrennan/
https://www.facebook.com/beth.n.brennan/
And support all artists. Be it music, comedy, theater, sculpture, whatever! Art gives color to life…. and it keeps us young.
