Are there specific venues or festivals you dream of performing at in the future?
At this point in my career, although it’s early, I do see myself on the highest stages. But one venue that would mean a lot to me would be the Tabernacle in Atlanta. I have so many rap core memories there. From getting my dollar signed by J. Cole to seeing Kendrick on the Good Kid Maad City Tour, it really holds a special place in my heart. I haven't performed in another city in the year I've been grinding so I'd like to do that soon.
How has your musical style evolved since you started, and where do you see it going in the future?
I’m much more confident as an artist than when I started a year ago. By the time, my artistry began, I was already very comfortable and who I am and what I stand for, so I think as I start to record more, you can hear that come across in the music. As far as my style and where I see it in the future, I think I’ll definitely double down on where I am. I feel like I create a lot of fun, party records and I’d like to keep making those because I feel like they represent a lot of who I am. But in the future, I definitely see myself getting much more introspective. There’s a lot that’s happened to me and a lot that I’ve experienced that I haven’t had a chance to write about yet and I look forward to doing that. Just some of the relationships I’ve been in, people I’ve seen come and go in my life and think like that.
How do you engage with your fan base, and what kind of relationship do you aim to build with them?
For me, a lot of it has been going out and touching people in person, whether that’s at a show or a party or some other event. I think that in today’s social media age, real human connection is falling behind. I try to make it a priority to look people in the eye and tell them how much they mean to me, especially people who have been supporting my music. But online and parasocial relationships are important today as well. I can’t deny their importance as an artist. I’m pretty heavy on Instagram and Twitter, that’s where I do most of my time on the internet. My DM’s are always open and I love touching bases with people even if it’s only to wish them a good day or good luck.
Can you share a bit about your experience with music education and its impact on your career?
I’ve been educated on music for as long as I can remember. Especially starting at home. A lot of my knowledge of music comes from my father. He would play specific earlier in life, and those have definitely carried me and helped me to become who I am today. I also picked up instruments very early. Piano, drums and trumpet. Trumpet was the one that I really stuck with up until about the seventh grade when basketball started getting really serious. Wasn’t such a good hooper, I could’ve definitely seen myself in the marching band.
What are your thoughts on the role of nostalgia and retro influences in contemporary music?
I think your roots are very important as an artist, they help to make you who you are. I just started making music myself so I can definitely hear the music that I’ve been listening to my whole life in the music I’m making. And while influence is incredibly important, I think it’s also key that you don’t let it overwhelm your sound. As an artist you are who you are and that’s what makes you special. I think it’s only natural to sound like your influences when you’re just getting started, but if you care about the craft, overtime, you’ll work to create your own sound. One thing I don’t like is the trend of artists taking a popular song and pretty much serving us that same song and calling it a sample. I think the true genius and sampling kind of what I was referring to before. Taking something and making it something new is the true genius.
Are there any specific causes or messages that you are passionate about and incorporate into your music?
Love. I called the music I make lover girl raps because I do think that more love is the answer to everything happening in the world. Even with the title of my album, RnBre, it lends to how much of an influence rhythm and blues and love songs have had on me. Not only as an artist, but as a human being, I tried to take love with me everywhere I go and leave some behind when I leave.
What's your take on the importance of live performances versus studio recordings in building a music career?
I think, for every artist it’s different. I think it’s all about where you see yourself going and what kind of career you want to have. There are some incredibly talented artists out there who are comfortable with creating their bedrooms, uploading it to the internet and going on about their lives. and there’s nothing wrong with that. Conversely, there are artists, like myself, who see themselves on the biggest stages. And if you’re one of those artists, the live performance is invaluable. I was an avid concert attendee before I ever started making music and there were so many times when I saw an artist live for the first time it became a fan. It might’ve been for the opener, someone I never heard of before. But live shows are a chance to grab someone’s attention and build an actual connection off rip.
How do you adapt to changes and trends in the music industry while staying true to your artistic vision?
I think today more than ever it’s about finding what works for you specifically as an artist. You could have two artists use the same exact strategy and it might work well for one but have little to no impact for the other. For me, I try to double down on what my strengths are. While the business of music continues to ebb and flow, I think real artistry will always continue to rise to the top. I think it’s all about your creativity at this point.
Lastly, what legacy or impact do you hope to leave through your music? It’s still extremely early in my career and legacy isn’t something I’ve given him much thought, but I always want to be known as a good person so now that I’m an artist, I suppose that my short-term goal is to be known as a good person who makes really good music. I do hope to be much more successful over time. I hope that I can remain true to myself.
What are you bringing to the cookout and where can fans connect with you at? Honestly, these days I’m probably bringing Buffalo chicken dip to the function. I think sides are extremely important to the cookout, but dips and salsas often get overlooked. Good people can connect with me on Instagram @brestyle.mp3 or on Twitter @bre_style. I’m everywhere else as well!
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