Having been born in Surinam – a northern country of South America – and raised in The Netherlands, Mitchell Brunings had a plethora of musical influences from all over the world. Reggae, bossanova, samba, soul, rhytm and blues, calypso, country, salsa, merengue, Surinam’s own traditional music called Kaseko, and a host of other styles have lent their authority to Brunings’ raspy and soulful music style.

Both of Brunings’ grandfathers were singers and his father a musician. His mother, a fan of country music, would weave these influences into her  favorites. With a musical family, Mitchell was exposed to these various melodic techniques from a young age daily. Mitchell admits that his main influences have always been reggae, soul and rhytm and blues. As a teenager, The Netherlands based musician spent time in clubs imbued with R&B notes and classic Motown. If he had to choose, reggae music would be his greatest love and driving force. Mitchell says, “The one drop, stepper rhytm, the heartbeat of reggae are hypnotizing to me. The consciousness of the lyrics in most reggae songs has always been of great inspiration to me.”

As an artist, Brunings hopes to represent pure reggae with clear and soulful influences and feels that he provides a combination between American singer-song writer Marvin Gaye and reggae legend Bob Marley and more contemporaries like John Legend and bands like Morgan Heritage. “This allows you to see different sides of my personality,” Mitchell exclaims.

He continued by saying, Ï want my music to be lyrically conscious and pleasant to listen to, yet at the same time may it stimulate the brain and drift you off into thought to merge with the melody.”

In August of 2013, Mitchell had the opportunity to participate in The Voice of Holland – the original which other countries, including America, now base their own competitions known as The Voice.

The Voice of Holland catapulted Brunings into the spotlight. Nearly winning the competition as the runner up, Mitchell’s YouTube videos continue to put him in the limelight,even bringing him in contact with the Marley family. In 2015 Mitchell played the leadrole in the Marley Musical at Baltimore’s Centre Stage theater.

It sold out before the end of its run, was the highest-grossing and best-attended show in the company’s history.

Continuing to grow and hone his craft, Mitchell now brings his voice and music to stages around the world.