Starting with a humble 35 Twitter followers, in the past few months senior Brayden Sternklar has exploded to over 1000 followers. After branching away from his original profile, he created his new profile to focus on his music life.
“I have been able to gain so fast by word of mouth,” Sternklar said. “People hear about me and then they tell others about me and the process continues.”
Through Twitter and other social media sites, Sternklar shares his music with the world. Since getting a solo part for the “On the Rocks” a cappella group, Sternklar began to record with sophomore Josh Mannis, last year.
“About five months ago Josh asked me to come over because he had recording stuff and we just made a couple of covers,” Sternklar said. “My popularity shot up with these covers and there was a need for my music on iTunes.”
After a positive reception for his cover of “Say Somethin” by Austin Mahone, Sternklar decided to put it on iTunes, and the demand for his music increased. After the release, he and Mannis decided to start writing their own music. On Jan. 15, Sternklar released “Head Held High,” a song written by Sternklar and produced by Mannis which has sold over 1000 copies so far.
“I think I’ve helped him because I’ve used my knowledge about music to help him write songs that are now on iTunes,” Mannis said. “Also I’ve used my knowledge about music production to help him put videos of him singing on YouTube for the world to see.”
“Head Held High,” took two days to write, record, mix, and produce according to Sternklar.
“Josh and I just wanted to write something with an inspirational message,” Sternklar said.
Sternklar credits pop singer Jake Miller’s concert he went to in November in Saint Louis for his success. From there, he started to build up his first Twitter following with people he met at the concert.
“After the show Jake meets everyone that went to the concert,” Sternklar said. “When Josh and I met Jake, we showed him a song that he thought was so good and he wanted us to email it to him.”
Recently Sternklar and Mannis emailed a mix of five different Jake Miller songs for him to listen to. Despite connections with Miller that could potentially prolong his music career, Sternklar will put music aside as he goes to college in the fall.
“Unless I get signed this summer, I will be attending Bradley University where I will be studying business,” Sternklar said. “I will still try to live my dreams on the side.”
When at home, Sternklar’s sister, sophomore Shaun Sternklar, notices the work Brayden puts in and how it affects him.
“I see that he’s really passionate about what he writes and sings,” Sternklar said. “He always wants to show me and my family what he’s been working on. He’s been really happy since he’s been working with music.”
Right now Sternklar is just plans to focus on his music and school.
“I’m able to do something that so many people only dream of and I am able to make it a reality,” Sternklar said.
In the upcoming weeks Sternklar plans to release his third single to iTunes.
“I think my fans will really like it,” Sternklar said. “This one is more upbeat and is more of a dance song.”