Today, we’d like to introduce you to Britni Ariel.
Hi Britni, I’m so excited to have you on the platform. Before we ask about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed with your story and how you got to where you are today.
Throughout my lifetime, I’ve always had an affinity for music and the arts. From a young age, I participated in chorus, orchestra, guitar, voice, and musical theater with the goal of always following the music to determine my path. During my time in college (Georgia State University alumna), I interned and worked at various music companies such as A3C Festival & Conference, Lucid America Music, Patchwerk Recording Studios, Adella Thomas Management, and more! I worked on Georgia State’s Spotlight Programs Board and hosted shows and concerts with Future, Lil Wayne, Wild N’ Out crew, and more. No matter where the opportunities took me, I always found my way back to music.
After graduating, I worked for four years in music management, road management, music publishing and event production and got to shake hands and work beside some of the most notable names in music. I made a name for myself and got to step on stages that I’d never even dreamed of! I went on to take my experiences to develop my own entrepreneurship venture, called Britni’s Bandwagon, where I hosted writing, production, and recording sessions while helping develop some of Atlanta’s underground Hip-hop and R&B independent artists. I did this consistently from 2018 to 2019, but sadly, I had to slow down once the pandemic hit in 2020.
During that off-season, I attended writing sessions and started developing myself as an artist, and I finally released my first solo single, Secret Lover, in September 2020. The reaction to the music was more than I could have ever imagined, and it pushed me to return to the studio and continue to develop my sound and my pen. Throughout 2023-now, I spent time performing around the City of Atlanta at open mics and music showcases and continued to develop my live performance skills.
Last year and this year, I released two new singles, Smile, and Fears, all while still developing my sound and flow as a recording and performing artist. With every song, I aim to bring people together and send a message of hope, love, and fearlessness. With every release and performance, I continue to grow my artistry and leverage my music industry resources to develop myself and other independent artists.
This year, I will continue to release music and re-launch my Bandwagon Sessions to continue to develop myself and also assist in the development of other independent artists. I hope to leave my mark on this world through my music and helping others develop and express themselves in ways that will continue to help grow the next generation and beyond.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to success in music is long, but I know I have the endurance to make it through. Yes, I’ve worked with people who have done me wrong, but the show continues, and my journey continues. There are opportunities I let pass me by because I wasn’t confident enough or felt like I was ready. I’ve spent money and time on events and ideas that didn’t work out, but I continue to prevail regardless of what happens. I pride myself on getting back up and keeping going. There were many times when I wanted to quit, but I got back up and kept moving forward.
I’ve learned that it’s never about how far you get in a certain amount of time but how much you grow and get better every time. It’s easy to compare yourself to the next person, but the goal is to become a better version of myself, meet new people, and find ways to make others’ lives easier or more fulfilling. I’m learning to enjoy my journey instead of always focusing on the destination.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
I am most proud of creating art that brings people together. My biggest win has been finally releasing music as a recording artist in 2020 and continuing to be vulnerable enough to release my art into the world. As a creative, you want more than anything for people to love and admire the art projects you work on. Whether it’s my music or my Bandwagon Sessions, releasing them into the world and receiving love back is the biggest reward.
My music is very honest and something that encourages people to keep going and pushing through whatever it is that they’re going through. My sessions provide a safe environment for artists to build organic relationships and experiment with their art. I’m always proud when I can take an idea in my head, bring it to life and it has a positive impact on someone else.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory was performing musicals for my extended family on school breaks. When I was younger, we would visit my cousins in Portsmouth, Virginia, and we would develop a show that we’d later perform for our parents. Many were themed from Disney to Nickelodeon and more, and we would spend days practicing! We’d learn the songs, develop choreography, build set designs, and even style ourselves in the craziest costumes.
We’d always put on great shows that our families would never forget, and it was a great way to express ourselves creatively at such a young age. I know there are some wild videos lying around somewhere of me and my now grown adult cousins singing our favorite songs in my aunt’s living room! LOL.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.britnisbandwagon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britniariel/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/britniariel/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britnimann/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtDDR0kRSr0ImGdjOmr2h4g
Image Credits
Jade Forest and Niya Paige
