Today we’d like to introduce you to Briana Richel.
Hi Briana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Young Outlaw Music was built directly out of my own experiences—and frustrations—as an artist navigating the music industry. I went through the trial and error, the pitfalls, and the reality of learning everything the hard way. I don’t think most people truly understand how much work it takes to be an artist today. And I’m not even talking about songwriting or production—that’s honestly a fraction of the job.
The larger battle happens everywhere else. Artists are expected to be their own PR teams, social media managers, graphic designers, brand builders, business strategists, and legal protectors of their music. Somewhere in there, you’re also supposed to build a fan base of real people, not just numbers on a screen, while keeping up with platforms that constantly change the rules.
I had always dabbled with the idea of owning a label, but everything became clear one night in 2020. I was injured, awake at three in the morning—like many of us were during Covid—staring at the ceiling when I heard God whisper, Young Outlaw Music. No business plan. No PowerPoint. Just clarity. Since then, it’s been a constant, intentional build.
Today, Young Outlaw Music is an independent label rooted in an artist-first model. We believe in real music, real people, and making a better way forward—one where artists are supported, protected, and empowered rather than exploited.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
If by a smooth road you mean a field full of hidden land mines, then sure—it’s been smooth. In all seriousness, it’s been one challenge after another. Building an independent label means learning in real time, adapting constantly, and sometimes figuring things out the hard way. But every challenge has also brought the right people into our orbit. Along the way, we’ve built meaningful relationships, strong industry connections, and acquired major tools for our artists—most notably major distribution.
Early on, I actually thought the biggest challenge would be finding artists. Ironically, that’s been one of the biggest blessings. Because we offer a genuinely artist-first program, connecting with the right artists hasn’t been the struggle I expected. We stand firmly behind what we do, and our artists aren’t just signed—they’re partners. And in a real partnership, where everyone is aligned and invested, failure really isn’t an option.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Young Outlaw Music is a small, independent label, but we operate with major tools—and we use every single one of them to help our artists move forward. We specialize in artist development that goes beyond just releasing music. Our focus is on long-term growth, sustainability, and helping artists build careers that actually make sense in today’s industry.
We are a completely female-owned and operated label, run as a mother-daughter team, which naturally shapes how we work. The industry is filled with family dynamics behind the scenes, and we genuinely enjoy working with artists and teams who value trust and partnership. My mother, Christine Dolan, is a 20-year Wall Street veteran, and she brings an incredibly valuable perspective to the table. She mentors artists by helping them develop business acumen—teaching creatives how to think strategically, understand contracts, and treat their art as a business.
On the creative side, I’m an artist myself. I understand the creative process, the emotional investment, and the realities that come with making and releasing music. That allows me to support and nurture artists in a way that doesn’t typically exist in the industry—balancing creativity with clarity.
I’m also extremely proud of our team. We’re only as strong as the people and partners we build with, and over time we’ve developed an incredibly strong global network. We have great relationships with producers and creatives around the world, and we work closely as an arm of MIG Media with producer Mr. Mig, who has worked with artists such as Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, to name a few.
What sets Young Outlaw Music apart is the balance we’ve created—creative understanding, business intelligence, and real partnership. What I’m most proud of is that we’ve built a label where artists are genuinely supported from every angle, with a team and network strong enough to help them grow at every stage.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that you’re only as strong as your team. Nothing meaningful is built alone, and the way you communicate, collaborate, and show up for the people around you matters just as much as the vision itself. Clear, honest communication is everything—it prevents misunderstandings, strengthens trust, and keeps everyone moving in the same direction.
I’ve also learned that relationships are the foundation of every successful business. The music industry, like life, runs on connection. How you treat people, how you listen, and how you carry yourself will follow you far longer than any single deal or win. And above all, it takes far less effort to be kind and gracious than it does to be anything else. Kindness doesn’t weaken leadership—it strengthens it, and it’s one of the few things that consistently pays dividends over time.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://youngoutlawmusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngoutlawmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YOMMusicistry
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Youngoutlawmusic
