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Houston remains synonymous with game-changers. From Beyoncé to Pimp C, countless icons call “Space City” home. Given the town’s hustle and heart, it continues to provide a platform for ambitious talent. Meet Bria Jhané. With a big, bright, and bold voice, she adds a touch of timeless soul to 21st century R&B on her 2019 debut EP for RadioKilla Records/Republic Records.
Underneath the striking and stunning surface, she offers an inspiring message of her own.
“I’m just a girl from Houston,” she states. “However, I want to show everybody it’s possible to achieve your dreams, no matter how big they may seem. It’s important for other girls—especially—to know that. Hopefully, I can be proof for them and an inspiration.”
Bria began working towards accomplishing this goal as a child. She grew up spending countless hours listening to neo-soul icons such as Jill Scott, and Lauryn Hill, and Jazmine Sullivan with her mother in the car. Despite “not having much money and moving around a lot,” she found solace in singing and studying her favorite artists. While attending high school, she started to record videos of herself singing in the stairwell between classes. One of those videos went viral on Twitter and caught the attention of VH1 who cast her in the 2017 hit series Signed, jumpstarting her career and placing her in front of audiences everywhere in the process.
Capturing the hearts of millions, she emerged victorious on Signed and inked a deal with RadioKilla Records handpicked by its founder and legendary artist, songwriter, and producer The-Dream. Her debut single “Over You” clocked nearly 300K Spotify streams and earned acclaim from Rated R&B and more straight out of the gate. Now, 2019 sees her vie for stardom with the new single “Back Bone.” Its throwback production underscores a downright show-stopping vocal performance.
Bria’s voice resounds with unstoppable and undeniable power at the center.
“‘Backbone’ is simply about somebody supporting you and having your back no matter what happens,” she goes on. “I feel like we all need this support system. It’s time to be vulnerable especially with people we care about and love. It’s all about honesty and being real.”
Bria’s ”What is Love?” EP exemplifies such honesty across the board. Not only does it highlight her impressive range, but it also spotlights an emotional delivery. Achieving “a sultry and soulful vibe,” the project illuminates her dynamic artistry. It also maintains a conscious connection to her home.
“No matter where I go, I bring Houston with me,” she says. “It’s ingrained in me. We’re about our hustle down here. I love that.”
Most importantly though, Bria makes a statement that kicks off a legacy of her own.
“I feel like God gave me a gift,” she leaves off. “I’m able to share a moment with listeners. I believe I’m just a vessel to teach people how to go through life as I go through it with them as well. I really want to give back with everything I do.”
