Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Brianna grew up living and breathing music and theatre from the age of 9. She went on to attend Pepperdine University, graduated with a BA in Theatre Arts and shortly after, signed a deal with a top Talent Agency in Los Angeles to be a voiceover actor.

You’ve got more of a solo thing going on, please tell us more on who makes that work:

Brianna Ruelas, Singer-Songwriter, On A Mission To Show Music Can Be Pursued At Any Age and Stage

Adam Pickrell, Band Director, Keys and Songwriting Composition

(St.Vincent, Nelly Furtado, John Congleton, and Cas Haley)

How long have you been working together?

Funny thing, we actually went to high school together for a hot minute, but didn’t reconnect and get on the same music page until 2008 when we met at a gig at the House of Blues Dallas.

We’ve been partnered up ever since and he’s become a brother to me.

Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

I write the lyrics and melody for my songs and then take them to my songwriter partner Adam to help me with the composition. The themes for my songs change but primarily center around overcoming life’s challenges, whether it be relational, emotional or situational.

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Currently, Brandi Carlile is a big inspiration to me, but lately I’ve also been drawing upon many of the women in music who shaped my listening preferences early on: Tracy Chapman, Annie Lennox, Tori Amos and P!nk.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …

I do have a specific set up performance day rituals that I put into place when I’m gearing up for a show. I start my day off early with a good walk/ run and listen to inspiring music. Afterwards, I stretch and take time to quiet my mind through meditation.

I try my best to take it easy most of the day and stay mindful, but when this is impossible, I limit stressful activities or things that will require a ton of mental space. I also stay aware of over-using my voice in order to protect it for the night’s performance.

About two prior to the time I need to leave for my show, I hop on the shower, start steaming and commence vocal warmups. I don’t over do, but I make sure I get my voice to a comfortable place where I’m confident inside my range.

This vocal confidence is key to my performance, because I don’t want to be second guessing whether I can hit a note or not in the midst of my delivery.

Lastly, before I hit the stage (or the virtual stage), I channel my inner Tony Robbins wisdom, become my own hype woman, and create electric energy through combining a fist pump and strong claps, positive affirmations and a “you got this Fedele.” (Fedele is my maiden name and whenever I need to call myself out, I use this)

Sounds super cheesy, but for me, it’s a consistent game changer that provides a source of energy I can count on over and over again.

What has been the biggest highlight of your music career so far?

Releasing my first original single at the age of 42. Although I’ve spent years songwriting and mentoring other artists, for a long time I resigned to the myth that “since I didn’t make it in my 20’s, there’s no place for me in the music industry.” Overcoming this false belief system and releasing “Thieves,” has been one of my proudest accomplishments, because this song not only highlights the importance of silencing the lies and negativity that pollute our minds, but also trusting we are capable and believing we will overcome life’s curveballs.

I am a believer that timing is everything I don’t think it’s an accident that “Thieves” is being released in my early forties. There’s a universal message of hope in here for everyone who wishes to dig a little deeper.

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

Definitely Brandi Carlile. For starters, she’s a complete badass. Secondly, I love how she bends genres. She’s got this rock edge, but appeals to the pop and country audiences as well. I used to cover her song, “The Story,” back in 2007 when I was gigging more with my band and there was something about it that truly made me feel like it was written for me. I’m a fan for life!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

You may not feel “READY”, but life is short and you’re never too old, too young, too tired or too busy to GROW, LEARN and MAKE THINGS HAPPEN for yourself. Pursuing Dreams is for everyone, at every age & stage.

XO, Brianna

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Unsigned Spotlight: Brianna Ruelas