What is your name?
Bri Oglu
What is your genre of music?
Cinematic Pop, Pop, Alt Pop
Give us a little bio about you.
Hi! I’m Bri. I’m a singer-songwriter and cinematic pop artist currently based in Los Angeles, but I had a pretty nomadic childhood. I grew up between two musical worlds: my mother’s midwestern roots of country and pop, and my father and adoptive mother’s love of classic rock, 80s pop, and jazz. While moving around a lot and as a kid, I was always writing songs and emulating the artists I heard. I remember feeling like the singers I listened to were my peers. Initially, I moved to LA to pursue acting—not music. I think there was a little fear there. After working in a karaoke bar and gigging around town, I started booking way more as a singer and went with it.
What made you go into music?
I was fortunate in that I always knew what I wanted to do. I can’t remember a time when singing didn’t feel natural and right.
Who are your influences?
Because of my background, I grew up listening to such a range of artists. Vocally I’d say Ann Wilson (Heart), Amy Winehouse, Amy Lee, Dido, Adele, Etta James, Britney Spears, Idina Menzel… so many more.
You are set to release your new single ‘Slowly’, tell us more about the single.
I started writing “Slowly” in 2019 and then shelved it because I couldn’t quite figure out its voice. I had just professed my feelings to a close friend and was in the period of (torturous) suspense before his response. I remember feeling like I was free-falling but finding a strange comfort in it because I was still living in the possibility of him feeling the same way. I wasn’t ready for a response quite yet. I ended up getting exactly what I asked for in my lyrics: he responded slowly. A year later in fact. We got together, the song found its voice and he ended up producing the track written about him (and killing it). It was a wild full-circle experience.
What is the meaning behind the song?
It’s a piece meant to embody what you feel in the moments after you profess feelings for someone and before you’re given a response. The strong hope, juxtaposed by the overwhelming fear that makes you want to prolong the time before they say something.
What was the writing and recording process like?
I wrote the chorus on keys a few years back. It was initially a ballad, but I felt the hook was strong and really lifted when we upped the tempo. As a serial ballad-writer, I challenged myself to rework some of the ideas I initially had for the verses to fit the new vibe. At first, I didn’t think any of the production ideas we had were working, so I put it down for a few months. When it came time to finalize the EP, I decided that I wanted a third original to balance the covers. We revisited it and everything came together.
Describe the track in two words.
Moody. Epic.
Who did you work with on the single?
I collaborated heavily with artist/producer Will Snyder on this one. He co-wrote, produced, and engineered. Tim Latham mixed it and Idania Valencia (Shawn Mendes, Sam Smith, X Ambassadors) at Sterling Sound mastered it.
Will we see a music video for single “Slowly,” what can we expect from the creative process?
It’s a secret! For now. 😉
Will we see an EP or Album and if so, can you give us a teaser of what to expect?
Yes! My EP Somewhere Else is set to be released at the end of the year. It’s a collection of 6 tracks—3 originals and 3 covers. It was co-written and produced by artist/producer Will Snyder, mixed by Ben Burget and Tim Latham, and mastered by Sterling Sound. It’s my debut as an artist.
Do you have any live shows or a tour coming up and if so let us know where we can catch you at?
I have a couple of exciting prospects happening at the end of the year and into 2023 but I can’t reveal them quite yet.
What else can we expect in 2022?
More releases! Stay tuned.
Will we see any collaborations and if so, can you tell us more about them?
Nothing on the horizon as of right now, but I’m definitely open to it.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Writing music for tv & film, touring and having the resources to really give back in the way I want to.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
I’m a Disney girl so “Just keep swimming” was the first thing that came to mind. It’s so easy to overthink things or put too much stock in other people’s opinions. It’s crucial to put blinders on, stay in your own lane and just keep going.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Coffee with honey. Room temp water. My Uggs or Birkenstocks (depending on weather) to slip on before & after. My vocal steamer. Snacks!
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
IG and Tiktok
