Jonathan Brenner Exposes The Superficialities Of Social Media On Vintage Soul-Pop Jam ‘Instagram Success’

Jonathan Brenner was somehow writing songs before he was writing sentences, as he wielded the gift of carrying a tune at a young age.

Brenner has written songs since the age of five, when he penned the epic composition “Goin’ to the Beach,” while skipping down the hallways of his auntie’s condo in Miami Beach, clad in water wings, sandals, and floppy hat. Unfortunately, it was panned by critics, who attacked the predictability of the lyrics (“Goin’ to the Beach/Goin’ to the Beach/Goin’ to the Beach”), the lack of a bridge, and the sparse harmonic rhythm.

Some years later, the natural born songsmith has returned with his newest single, “Instagram Success,” which remains on point with his fun quirky charm, and delivers a staple of Brenner’s artistry: delightful genre-bending with sticky melodies and fun, modern lyrics.

The soulful horn-heavy intro sweeps listeners into the upbeat vintage world of the track, introducing smooth groovin’ drums and guitar that adds a funkified dimension.

The singer-songwriter’s lyrics are clear and playful as they mock the falsified, glamorized happiness modern influencers portray online. “And I don’t have a lot to say / But people listen anyway / Because I’m all the buzz / I’m a phony and a fraud / That’s what it takes to be a God / And that’s what I’m gonna be,” Brenner croons.

Accompanied by the track’s optimistic Billy Joel-like groove and soul melodies, these words engage with a sometimes hidden sense of relief to not be famous, or an “Instagram Success.” The single’s funky sound creates a beautiful and unique celebration of being normal, and perhaps not what some would consider a “success” at all.

“Instagram Success” is accompanied by a vivid music video, which further serves the message of social media’s superficial imaging. In the video, the Atlanta-based artist sings on a livestream, during which the comments praise him for his success and encourage him to expand his “brand.”

The color-changing lights and exaggerated facial expressions add to the familiar sensations of watching an online content creator as well as the desire to distance oneself from their absurdity. The video pushes this sentiment further as Brenner sings in front of a projected image of a beach, plays guitar through a dark and narrow lens in an empty warehouse, and ends the video by leaving his “streaming room,” which turns out to be a storage closet, complete with mops resting against the door and unfinished walls. 

“Instagram Success” leads the way for Brenner’s sophomore album of the same title, to be released May 3rd. With a sound that defies a singular identity and influences of the likes of Elton John, Billy Joel, and Cole Porter, the singer’s single and past work would suggest a record full of modern philosophies explored in tracks that are simply fun to listen to.

For now, one can enjoy “Instagram Success” as a cheeky escape from the modern technological world and a celebration of an unedited, filter-free life.