Today we’d like to introduce you to Briana Tyson.
Briana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It’s been quite the journey. I started out as a vocalist at the age of five, performing at school talent shows and local competitions. From there, I ended up getting into the fair and festival circuit, opening up for Blake Shelton when I was a tiny little 13-year-old. After being offered a deal with Sony Records at 14, we ended up making the move from Southern California to Nashville! The deal quickly went sour due to a very unfortunate management deal, and we were back at square one.
By the time I was 19, I was a flagship artist for the WME unsigned artist program, being one of the first independent singers to join their roster. They had me in the road with Clint Black, Neal McCoy, Vince Gill, and Craig Morgan, as well as a plethora of solo shows at smaller venues. But the whole time, something felt off. I wasn’t home. I wasn’t where I wanted to be.
I ended up quitting music at the age of 21. I was unhappy unfulfilled, and the industry had run me ragged. From basic issues like deals going sour to horribly catty and shocking situations like label executives intentionally degrading me in meetings due to their relationship with past boyfriends, I was quite jaded and over the industry. But music was something that never left me.
A few years later, I found myself singing demos for writers and producers in town and met a man named Jeff Green. Jeff believed in me as a singer, and asked one of the most life-changing questions I’ve ever been asked… “Do you produce?”
I’ll be honest, I didn’t. I dabbled for fun in ProTools, but I wasn’t a producer. But I made the crazy decision to say, “Yes, yes I do.” And it changed the course of my life.
With the help of a friend, I produced my first track for him. He loved it and asked that I do more for him. I got more comfortable producing on my own, and he started recommending me to his friends to produce their demos. Before long, I was a full-time producer, and Jeff had become my business partner.
After Jeff passed away unexpectedly in December of 2018, he left me with the tools and clientele to make it on my own as a producer. Because of him, I am now making a full-time living as a producer and mix engineer. I owe him a great deal.
On top of production, I never stopped singing and writing. I have been able to produce, mix, and master my own music, and whenever I get wild hair, I will release a song or two. My production business has changed my life, and being a business owner has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life.
In 2024, I will be releasing a full EP, my first full release in over a decade. I have multiple records with other artists that are set to release as well, and I am staying busy with creating for other people. I am incredibly blessed.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being in the music industry is hard for anyone. But being a woman in the industry isn’t just a whole other ball game. It’s a different sport all together. Especially in the business world.
I have had managers tell me I’m too fat and withhold food from me until I looked how they wanted. I’ve been told people only wanted a “male” producer, as if my skill set was lesser than that of a man. I have been asked for body measurements before companies would book a meeting. It’s been an interesting road.
On top of that, there have been many curveballs, including but not limited to my business partner passing away, losing record deals and publishing deals, shady managers, my agent retiring, and the list goes on. However, those problems are not exclusive to me or even to the music business. Life and careers are hard. But also incredibly worth it. On top of the craziness, I have been blessed with experiences I never could have dreamed of. The bad makes the good that much better.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I identify as a mixed bag of things in the industry. I am a singer, a songwriter, a producer, a background vocalist, a booking agent, a social media manager, and an artist. I feel what sets me apart from others is this vast skill set. I never focused on just one area. I always wanted to do it all. And as a female producer, I am a big fish in a small pond. It’s estimated that only about 2% of producers worldwide are female. I’m proud to be a part of that.
What I’m known for is actually my artistic career. I’ve been able to do some really cool things in my life and work with some wonderful people. I’ll always have that, even if I’m not actively pursuing an artist career!
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I don’t know how I feel about luck. I think it plays a small role in everyone’s lives, but for me, I have worked. I walked through any door possible. I met people and cultivated relationships. I had a great team around me. I had talent, and I worked at it. So, while luck is always a part of the equation, I think it’s only a small part of the puzzle.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.breelomusic.com
- Instagram: @brianatyson
