Briana Piedra is a singer and songwriter who was born in Portland, Oregon, although she now makes her home in Los Angeles, California.
Dreamy voices and ambient vocal layering are two of Briana’s favorite methods to fill the space she creates with her music, which falls at the junction of calm pop and alternative r&b genres. Her music may be described as being at the intersection of calm pop and alternative r&b.
Her rich voice and entrancing harmonies will wrap themselves around you and make you feel as though you are being embraced by sound.
2019 was the year that Briana officially launched her career as a singer with the release of her first song, which was named “Something To Believe In.” This was a critical first step that sparked an interest in her among people in the Pacific Northwest.
Since making her debut, Briana has released five singles, five music videos, and a five-track extended play (EP).
As long as Briana keeps her foot on the throttle, she will continue to generate momentum, and there is a good chance that she will achieve huge breakthroughs.
Melodies and vocals in In My Head by Briana are both quite pleasant, and the song’s rhythm and production are also high quality, making it a hit that can stand beside the best of today’s pop music (and even sometimes brings to mind Ariana Grande’s sound).
I had the pleasure of doing an interview with her to learn more about this track and her future plans.
The details of these are provided below.
1- Where did you come from, and where are you based now?
I grew up in Portland, OR, and lived there for most of my life with my family. I’m currently based in LA, I moved here close to the beginning of 2021.
2- Why did you move to Los Angeles?
Once I decided I wanted a career in music I knew I needed to move to a bigger city with more opportunities. LA was always where I wanted to go. Portland is beautiful with a lot of creative and talented people, but it moves very slowly. I found it tough to break through there with not many opportunities for myself and what I was looking for in a creative team. I had some family and friends already in LA, and it just always felt like it was calling me home. Also, who doesn’t love sunny weather, right?
3- Why did you decide to become a recording artist?
For me, music is something I’ve lived and breathed since I could remember. I started writing my own songs when I was 11, not really thinking about it as a career but just something that helped me cope with my feelings. As I got older I started hanging around other artists who recorded, then eventually started recording my own work. From there, I just fell in love with creating music and never really saw myself doing anything else. Music fulfills me in ways no one or anything ever has. It’s my life’s purpose.
4- What is the message behind In My Head?
“In My Head” is an anthem for overthinkers. It’s about an inward/outward battle between logic and emotions. One moment you’re falling in deep and the next you’re triggered with anxiety. The message behind this song is basically exposing built-up trauma and trust issues. Overthinking leads to pushing people away because your gut tells you it’s not safe, or maybe it’s truly all just in your head.
5- Could you explain the difference between your 2019 single and this new single?
When I dropped my debut I was still learning about myself and hadn’t yet found my style and sound as an artist. While the song is still good, you can hear the differences in confidence and writing styles. Fast forward to today where I feel like I’ve learned who I am and how I love to write. I think the differences are loud and clear when you listen to both. Every new song I put out feels more like me, and my goal is to always do better than my last song.
6- How did you develop your musical style?
I take a lot of inspiration from my life and artists I look up to. Over the years I’ve learned a lot just from being in sessions, creating with other artists, and seeing how they make music. Through that, I’ve been able to shape my sound and style around what I like and what feels closest to my heart. I think that’s the most important thing, is making music you’d wanna listen to and that’s truly authentic to who you are as a person.
7- What motivates you to make music?
Myself really. One day I’ll be feeling a certain way and I’ll just wanna write about it. Making music for me is therapeutic and a place when I truly feel safe and heard. I love being able to get my thoughts and feelings out through art. It’s like drawing with my voice, choosing the colors, and how I wanna shade and highlight everything.
8- What are you most passionate about right now?
My music and building my career. I’m basically my own business so every day I put my time into creating and getting better. Finding new ways to market myself and exploring my voice.
9- If you could go back five years, what would you change about your future?
I would have kicked into gear faster for sure. Over the past 2 years, I’ve made building my music career my main priority. I wish I would have wasted less time figuring myself out. But I do believe everything happens for a reason and I try not to focus on the past so much and things I can’t change.
10- If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?
I’d say take your time figuring out what makes you happy, it’s so important. Don’t be afraid to be yourself and don’t let other people make decisions for you. We only have one life to live so if there’s something you’re passionate about you have to follow that. Always trust yourself and remember that anything is possible when you work hard and do your best. Believe in yourself and love yourself first, that’s the key.
11- What is next for Briana Piedra?
Currently, I’m working on a lot of music behind the scenes with my team. Local performances here in LA are in the works, along with talks of travel. I’m an independent artist as of now, but am speaking with some management options. Right now I’m focused on my career, growing my audience, and showing everyone who Briana Piedra is and that I’m here to stay.
The Hollywood Six 