Today we’d like to introduce you to Bre Janelle.
Bre, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m almost sure I began singing before I could really talk. My parents have told me stories about how I used to mimic my pastor when he started singing in his sermons. I was so young that I wasn’t even worried about if I sounded good; I just knew I liked music. In kindergarten, I had my first solo and that’s when I actually realized I had a love for singing and performing and that I was good at it. I was enrolled into my elementary’s school magnet music program where I began playing clarinet and I continued to study the instrument all throughout grade school. Within those years, I also picked up on the piano and got involved with the gospel choir and musical theater programs at my school.
After high school, I attended Florida A&M University and found a way to still be involved in music and the arts despite being a public relations student. I performed in several talent shows and pageants on campus and became a 2014 initiate of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity. Shortly after graduating, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in songwriting while working in public relations and marketing. I honestly had no intention on performing the songs I began writing but starting a career in sales gave me the confidence I didn’t know I needed to begin attaching my own face and my own voice to my music.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road hasn’t been smooth at all. Between a little self-doubt and poor time management, it’s been really hard. But I think my biggest struggle thus far (and I’m pretty sure most artists can agree) has been finding my purpose. As artists, we get these gifts and talents, and often times we’re not sure what God wants us to do with them. Everyday we wake up looking for (and working toward) our “why.” Why am I here? Why did He give me this gift? What does He want me to do with it? Who does he want me to help? I know I’m always trying to figure out who I can help through my music, especially in this era of “popcorn music” where most of it has no true impact. Overall, it’s the pressure of wanting to be a voice for others but also wanting to make my music personal and reflect who I am as an artist.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Bre Janelle story. Tell us more about the business.
More recently, I’ve become known for cover videos, features, and remixes. All three have helped people to see my ability as a writer and creator. What sets me apart from others (aside from loudly colored short cut) is my lyricism and flow. Every song I touch, I make my own. My style embraces 90s-2000s R&B but gives the genre a modern twist.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I’m pretty scared about the future of the music industry, but over the next 5-10 years, I see people shifting toward more REAL music and live shows. I think people are finally beginning to grow out of the “turn up” phase and are looking for artists who have substance and real talent. These days, artists generate streams and a following from doing outrageous things on the internet. It’s not good for their growth as a person or performer and it takes away from the true art of the industry. In the years to come, it’d be great to focus more on music and less on who’s doing what.
Contact Info:
- Email: bremakesmusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: bre.janelle
Image Credit:
ChassinDreamz, Cardinal Visuals
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