Interview with Namoli Brennet

There are voices that stir the soul, gentle, fearless, and shimmering with quiet power. Namoli Brennet is one such voice. Since the first notes of her debut album in 2002, she has been crafting songs that feel like whispered confessions and radiant revelations, a delicate dance between vulnerability and strength. Through her music, Namoli invites us into a world where every nuance of feeling, every fleeting moment of beauty and struggle, is honored and transformed into something luminous. As a singer-songwriter, producer, and engineer, Namoli embodies the full spectrum of creative independence, releasing her work through her own Flaming Dame Records. Her artistry is a sacred space, a garden where stories bloom, stories of identity, resilience, and the quest for authentic belonging. 

 

Her music has resonated far beyond concert halls, gracing NPR, PBS, and the Emmy-winning documentary Out in the Silence, amplifying voices often silenced by fear and misunderstanding. Namoli’s songwriting is a journey inward and outward, a sculptor’s patient touch that reveals the truth beneath rough stone. She listens deeply, to people, places, moments both grand and small, and lets these impressions rise like tides from a hidden wellspring of creativity. The result is music that feels both deeply personal and profoundly universal, weaving themes of self-acceptance, love, and the search for peace into melodies that linger long after the song ends. Her path as an artist and as a transgender woman is woven seamlessly together, not defined by labels but by an unshakable commitment to living honestly. 

 

For Namoli, the act of creating is inseparable from the act of becoming, of shedding filters, embracing vulnerability, and finding freedom in truth. Her courage is quiet but unyielding, offering a beacon to those who seek to live authentically amidst a world that often misunderstands. Now rooted in the gentle beauty of Decorah, Iowa, Namoli continues to explore new musical horizons, evolving her sound with grace and curiosity. Touring across the United States and Europe, she shares her songs like gifts, inviting listeners to join her on a journey of healing, discovery, and hope. In Namoli Brennet’s music, we find a reminder that our stories matter, that even in the face of hardship, our voices can rise, delicate yet unbreakable, shaping the world with their tender strength. It is with profound admiration and joy that I welcome Namoli Brennet to this conversation, a true artist, a courageous soul, and a shining light for us all.

 

Namoli Brennet for Empty Sea Television (YouTube)

 

Monika: Today, I have the profound pleasure and heartfelt honor of welcoming Namoli Brennet into our conversation. Namoli, it’s such a joy to have you here, hello and welcome to my blog!

Namoli: Hi Monika! Thank you so much for that lovely introduction. I’m truly happy to be here, and honestly, it means a lot to me to be able to talk with such a remarkable transgender woman like you. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share this space and this conversation together. 

Monika: At what point in your life did you realize that music wasn’t just a passion, but the path you wanted to dedicate yourself to completely? Was there a defining moment that made you say, “This is who I am meant to be”?

Namoli: I’m actually one of those people who just always knew that I would do something with music. I’m pretty sure I knew I was a musician before I knew I was trans. So I didn’t have to think about it too much, except for what form it would take. I had always felt like I wanted to write, record, and tour, but I think in part I was underconfident, and I also hadn’t begun to deal with transitioning yet, so I felt kind of stuck. Seeing the show RENT when I was 29 was a pivotal moment that made me feel like, “I need to do this, now.” The theme of that show is “No day but today,” and it was exactly what I needed to hear at the time. That experience gave me the courage to step fully into my creative life and embrace who I truly am.
Monika: You’ve been remarkably prolific, releasing ten albums since your debut in 2002. What fuels your creativity? Where do you find the inspiration that keeps your music fresh and alive?

Namoli: For me, I feel like a big part of my job as an artist is noticing things, whether it’s people, situations, majestic beauty, or small details, just noticing all these things and filing them away. Then, when I sit down and start trying to write, I kind of like to let the ideas surface organically and lead me rather than the other way around. Songwriting for me is often more about discovery than intention, kind of like sculpture, starting with this rough idea and chipping away at it until what’s underneath is revealed. The inspiration is kind of an internal thing, a desire to create, and a big part of it is this mysterious process of tapping into some kind of creative wellspring, something that seems to come up with better ideas than I could think of on my own. It’s a deeply personal journey that unfolds differently with every song.

Monika: Looking back over the past twelve years of your musical journey, how do you feel you have evolved as an artist? What changes have shaped your creative voice and approach?

One thing is, I’m always seeking out new sounds, tunings, ideas , when I make a record, I feel like on some level I need to be doing something I haven’t done yet. So there’s that evolution, of trying and experimenting, of constantly seeking something that feels new. In general, though, I feel like maybe now, as opposed to ten years ago, I’m a little more confident about having something interesting or meaningful to say, and more assured in my own ability to say it well. This growth has allowed me to connect more deeply with my music and my audience.

Photo by Harold Miller.

Monika: Your music was featured in the Emmy-award winning documentary Out in the Silence, which shines a powerful light on the struggles of a gay teen growing up in rural Pennsylvania. Could you share your thoughts on being part of that project and its impact?

Namoli: Sure, that was a movie Joe Wilson and Dean Hamer approached me about, a documentary about gay teens who were experiencing harassment and bullying at this high school in rural Pennsylvania. In this case, some of the staff and teachers were kind of complicit, and there was some anti-gay sentiment in the community too, so they weren’t really taking it seriously. I think this documentary really made a difference and started a conversation that needed to happen. Being part of a project that gives voice to marginalized experiences is something I deeply value.

Monika: As a transgender artist, how do you see the relationship between your identity and your creative work? In what ways, if any, do your experiences as a transgender person shape your music and lyrics?

Namoli: The distinction I would make is that I think of myself as an artist who happens to be transgender. Being a creative person is the most important, vital part of my identity as a human being. That being said, it’s hard to create any kind of meaningful work if you’re not living authentically, so coming out and transitioning was an important step for me to take, if only because it meant I was no longer filtering myself in such a destructive way. And it freed me up to create in a way that I just plain was not able to do before. Very little of my music is overtly about being trans, but there are ideas, trying to find a sense of place, some kind of self-acceptance, inner peace, whatever, those are tied into my identity. I feel that living my truth deepens the emotional honesty I bring to my songs.

Monika: During your transition, did you find any transgender role models or trailblazers whose journeys inspired or guided you? How did their presence, or absence, shape your own path?

I had a pretty great support group in Tucson, Arizona, where I was living at the time. There were a lot of trans men and women at different stages of transition, and also a willingness to be creative around gender and presentation. So I had these people who were just starting out, and others who had transitioned years ago, who were just living their lives, and it made me feel like it was possible. They kind of helped to normalize the trans experience for me. As far as being a touring musician, though, at the time I didn’t know of anyone else doing that. Their courage quietly encouraged me to keep forging my own path, even in uncharted territory.

Monika: In your journey of coming out, what was the most challenging hurdle you faced, was it internal, external, or a mixture of both? Could you share what tested you the most during that vulnerable time?

Namoli: Just the day-to-day explaining, the misgendering, having to stand up for myself, risking ridicule, being misunderstood. It was exhausting and often lonely, but those struggles also steeled my resolve to live authentically.

Monika: Your Irish grandmother sounds like a remarkable woman who left a lasting impression on you. How did her independent spirit and love of travel influence the person and artist you’ve become?

Namoli: Maybe so? She passed away when I was maybe 14 or 15, but she was a very independent, nomadic soul who loved to travel. So I guess I kind of take after her in that way. Her restless spirit feels like a quiet guide in my own journey, inspiring me to keep exploring both the world and myself.

Photo by Harold Miller.

Monika: In your view, how would you describe the current landscape for transgender women in American society, the strides made and the battles still left to fight?

Namoli: I think that in some ways, things are much better than they were even ten years ago, in terms of acceptance and visibility, having role models, and a sense of hope. At the other end of the spectrum, there’s still an unacceptable amount of violence directed at trans women, particularly trans women of color; access to healthcare is difficult, and finding a job is a challenge, in many places, you can be fired for being trans with no recourse. Then there’s poverty, just being able to afford transition is a huge obstacle, and it’s not an even playing field at all. In many ways, we’re still misunderstood and constantly working to correct people’s misperceptions, to just be treated with respect and dignity. But progress is happening, even if the road remains long and uneven. 

There is a resilience and courage within the community that continually inspires me. Despite the setbacks, I see people fighting not only for themselves but for future generations who deserve better. The conversation around transgender rights has entered public awareness in ways that were unimaginable a decade ago, creating new spaces for empathy and understanding. Still, the backlash and ignorance are powerful forces that threaten to undo this progress at every turn. Education and visibility remain our strongest tools in breaking down barriers and dismantling prejudice. I believe that art, activism, and everyday acts of living authentically are quietly revolutionary. It is through these combined efforts that we will continue to push forward toward a world where transgender women are truly seen, valued, and safe.

Monika: Do you see transgender rights as the next vital frontier in the ongoing struggle for human dignity and equality, or is this part of a broader tapestry of social justice movements?

Namoli: I would say it’s one of many frontiers, I mean, as a society we definitely haven’t conquered injustice in all its other forms. So I think we’re somewhere in the mix, and I believe raising tolerance for difference is a good thing. But I also realize that there are many different ways that human beings suffer, and some of those are probably much harder than being trans. And some of those struggles also intersect with being trans. So it would be hard for me to say we’re the new frontier, but I do think we’re part of a growing movement to recognize the humanity of groups that have been historically marginalized. Ultimately, this movement calls us all to a deeper empathy and a broader understanding of what it means to live authentically.

Monika: Are there any new creative ventures or projects currently inspiring you, perhaps something fresh on the horizon that you’re excited to share?

Namoli: I’ve been writing material for a new CD that I’m hoping to start recording later this year, and I’m also planning some touring in Europe this summer. It feels invigorating to explore new musical directions and connect with audiences in different places once again.

Monika: Many transgender women choose to share their journeys through memoirs, offering powerful insights and inspiration. Have you ever considered putting your own story into a book?

Namoli: It’s crossed my mind, but I don’t think I’m quite ready yet. Maybe after I live a little more. There’s something about waiting until the story feels fully mine to tell that matters deeply to me. 

Writing a memoir is such an intimate and vulnerable act, and I want to make sure I can do justice to the complexity of the journey. My life is still unfolding, and there are chapters yet to be written, moments of growth, challenge, and discovery I want to experience first. I believe a memoir should be more than just a timeline; it should capture the emotional truth behind the events. When the time comes, I hope to share not only the struggles but also the joys, the triumphs, and the lessons learned along the way. For now, I’m focused on living authentically and creating through my music, which tells parts of my story in its own way. Perhaps someday, I’ll find the right words and the courage to sit down and write it all out.

Monika: Namoli, from the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for sharing your time, your stories, and your incredible spirit with us today. It’s been a true honor to dive into your world and hear your journey through music and life.

Namoli: You’re so very welcome, Monika. It’s been a genuine pleasure to speak with such a thoughtful and inspiring woman like you. Thank you for the kindness and care you bring to this conversation.

Photos: courtesy of Namoli Brennet unless specified otherwise.
Main photo by Harold Miller.
© 2014 - Monika Kowalska

  

Some documentaries with Namoli Brennet:

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