Brieanna James Talks Kelsea Ballerini, Song Writing & Not Giving Up On Country Music

brieanna-james

Nashville native Brieanna James is a true southern girl…having some acting under her belt already, the up and coming star is ready to begin her career as a country singer. Her debut single, “Hot,” which was co-written with Kelsea Ballerini is a great place to start…we had the opportunity to chat with Brieanna about the new song, her biggest influences, her dream collaboration and more….

Get to know more about Brieanna James below!

Country Music Pride: You co-wrote your latest single “Hot” with Kelsea Ballerini – one of country’s biggest up and coming stars at the moment – can you tell us about that experience and how that came to fruition?  

Brieanna James: Working on “Hot” was an amazing experience.  Kelsea is such an inspiration and I was fortunate to be able to write and record with Mike Krompass, the producer and the other co-writer for the song.  It all came together fairly quickly and in a real and organic way. 

Country Music Pride: Can you tell us about your approach on songwriting?
What inspires you? 

Brieanna James: My approach? Well, for me I usually come up with the melody first and then the lyrics come second.  As for what inspires me, that would be love. As cliche as it is… I just love the idea of love! I think it’s such a beautiful and crazy amazing thing! There is nothing I like writing about more than love.

Country Music Pride: Who has had the biggest influence on your music?

Brieanna James: I would have to say that would be a mix between, Taylor Swift, boys, and my mom.  I grew up listening to Taylor Swift so in a way she was my teacher when it came to songwriting.  Boys, because almost all my songs are about the boys I involve myself with and my mom because she’s the one I would always come to for an opinion when I wrote a new song. She really helped me to improve on my songwriting when I first started writing.

Country Music Pride: Have you in turn received any accolades from any groups or persons that you highly value?

Brieanna James: I am very lucky that I’ve had the opportunity to work with some incredibly talented people who continue you to push me and inspire me.  Also, the support of the music industry community in Nashville.  

A lot of times it’s the people behind the scene that people don’t know by name that push you, mentor you and help to make your dream a reality.  

Country Music Pride: If you could collaborate with any artist who would It be and why?

Brieanna James: There are two people I can think of that I’d really like to perform and/or write with. Those two people would be Taylor Swift and Sam Hunt. They are both just so talented on so many levels!

brieanna-hot-single-cover

Country Music Pride: What would really excite you and encourage you that could be done by our readers and fans of your that would help bring your music to the top of America’s Country radio?

Brieanna James: One thing that they could do is to call their country radio stations and request “Hot.” Another thing would be to follow and share all my social media pages, which are under the name of brieannajames.  Thanks for asking! 

Country Music Pride: What are some of the “dues” you’ve had to pay for “paying your dues” as an up and coming artist? Have any almost pushed you far enough to almost quit?

Brieanna James: I’ve definitely become aware that the life of an artist is very different than just any normal life and there are definitely sacrifices you have to make and dues you have to pay. It’s writing sessions, recording studios, photo shoots, traveling, dedication and endless hours. You really don’t have the time to be a normal kid.

 Of course, there has been plenty of times where I just wanted to do what every other normal high school kid did. I wanted to have a boyfriend, go to parties and create memories that go along with all of that. The kind of memories people immediately regret, but one day laugh, tell stories, and write songs about. However, I always wanted to be an artist more than anything. It’s who I am and what I’m about. This is what I’ve always wanted to do with my life and I’ve accepted this life path. I chose music… and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Oh and… I’ll never quit.  I won’t give up.

Country Music Pride: What advice would you give for fellow up and coming artist?

Brieanna James: I mean, I’m still have a lot to learn myself as you’re always working to grow and evolve as an artist.  

One thing I’m sure anyone would say is that it is important to always believe in yourself, be confident and never give up. That may sound cheesy, but it’s so true… You can’t live a positive life with a negative mind. 

Country Music Pride: Where would you like to see yourself in the next 5 years as an artist?

Brieanna James: I would like to say I’m at a place where I can truly say “I’ve made it!” I’m constantly writing, not only for myself, but for other artists too.  I will have won an ASCAP Songwriter of the Year award because that is definitely one of my goals.  I would like to write a Christian album in the future and I’m surrounded by a great group of friends, fans, and family who love and support me.

Country Music Pride: What can fans expect from Brieanna James next?

Brieanna James: New music, live shows, an EP and a full length album in 2017!  Super excited to share what I’ve been working on and to play for people. 

Country Music Pride: Acting or singing/writing music or both?

Brieanna James: I love both and I would totally be open to doing more acting but music comes first and holds a special place in my heart! 

Keep up with all things Brieanna James by following her on her socials on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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