Today we’d like to introduce you to Brie Gillum.
Brie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Hey I’m BRIE a Singer, Songwriter, and Actress. I started my career in my hometown of Detroit where I got my first taste of the stage from dancing. I’m a technically trained dancer having stepped into my first dance class at three years old. Since then, I have gone on to study ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern, hip-hop, and salsa. From there I started acting and I began traveling with my mom auditioning in NYC and LA as often as I could. At about 13 while on one of our LA trips I switched gears and began recording music. I had been writing songs my whole life but never recorded until then. Now I’ve found a way to do all three of my loves, interchanging them whenever the opportunity presents itself.
I moved to Atlanta to pursue my dreams and higher education and I am a proud graduate of Clark Atlanta University. Since college I’ve continued my pursuit and have gone on to sing back up and tour with Kandi Burruss on Fantasia’s Back To Me Tour, Iggy Azalea, Jennifer Hudson and Nick Jonas. As an actress, I have been seen on stage in Kenny Leon and True Colors Theatre’s “ Holler If Ya Hear Me”, “The C.A. Lyons Project” and Mark. E. Swinton’s “U Don’t Know Me The Musical”. On television, I have appeared on BET’s ” 106 & Park Wild-Out Wednesday”, and OWN’s “ Greenleaf”. I’ve been featured in films including “The Lottery Ticket”, Tyler Perry’s “For Colored Girls” and starred as Cheryl in the 2018 Netflix Original Film “STEP-SISTERS”. Most recently I’ve been blessed to tour with Tyler Perry as Robin in Madea’s Farewell Play Tour.
As an artist I’m not one to be put in a box musically. I have created a unique sound that blends the soulfulness and vulnerability of R&B with the bounce and energy of Pop. I released my first EP in 2012, titled “VAMP” and this summer I released my second EP “HARD 2 LOVE” available on all digital music platforms. This project gives a more intimate look into the makings of me and reflects the vulnerability, freedom, struggles, honesty, and experiences of the modern day woman.
Has it been a smooth road?
I wish, lol. Actually, I don’t. I know it sounds cliche but I wouldn’t change a thing. Every setback, disappointment, rejection has gotten me to where I am now. At the moment, I may not have seen nor appreciated it but I like to believe that within every failure there is a lesson to be learned. You take those lessons and let them be building blocks to get you to your next destination. Being a woman in this industry is a whole other beast. You have to develop a thick skin because people will be disrespectful and hurtful. You have to rest on who you are and WHO’s you are to get through. Being a woman does not make you weak or secondary. I have to remind myself that if someone doesn’t see the vision it’s their loss, not mine.
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
My favorite place to be is on stage performing, it’s just as much my escape as the audiences’. It takes perseverance, trust me there have been many times when I’ve contemplated quitting and finding a traditional 9-5 . Every time I doubt myself though God reminds me of my purpose on this Earth. I was born to create, to change perspectives and speak to people through my art. I’m most proud of my courage and willingness to fight for my dream. What sets me apart from others is my hunger and ability to tap into an honest and vulnerable place. I think people connect with you more when you lay your guard down and allow all of you, the beauty and the flaws to be seen.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think Atlanta is a great city to get a start and excel in! This is the black Mecca, a place where we thrive and achieve our goals. It’s a beautiful sight to come to this city and see so many African American people doing well for themselves. Not only has the music industry seen an increase since the ’90s, but most recently ATL has been a top contender with LA and NYC for television and film production. If I were to give the people of ATL any advice, it would be to continue to support their local artist even more. There is so much talent in this city and most of us just need a stage to shine on!
Contact Info:
- Website: Iambriemusic.com
- Email: brietunes@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/brietunes?igshid=1j3wo7w099j3n
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BRIETUNES/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BRIETUNES
- Other: https://soundcloud.com/briemusic
Image Credit:
Headshot Photo by @shotbysed
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