Bri Oglu
Los Angeles-based artist Bri Oglu has just released her debut single “Slowly” and it is phenomenal. Bri Oglu is kicking off her career with an instant smash.
Although “Slowly” is a pop record, we can totally hear some r&b influences when you listen to the captivating melodies. While the production is edgy, big, cinematic and anthemic, the harmonies and background vocals bring so much depth and strength to the record. Bri Oglu took the song to the next level with her powerful and emotional vocals. And let’s be honest, the mix of this song is absolutely amazing.
“Slowly” is introducing Bri Oglu as a promising artist. It is definitely one of the biggest pop records of 2022 and it is my favorite new release of the week.
Go stream it now !
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
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 distinct musical worlds: my mother’s midwestern roots of country and pop, and my father and adoptive mother’s love of classic rock, 80s music, and jazz. As a kid I was always writing songs and emulating the artists I heard on the radio and around the house. I remember when I was little feeling like the singers I listened to were my peers. :)
I initially moved to LA to pursue acting instead of music because I think there was a little fear there. I began working at a karaoke bar and gigging around town and ultimately booking way more as a singer and went with it.
What did you grow up listening to?
Literally everything, which I think is so important! Classic rock, country, pop, 80s music, metal, jazz, alternative and even Turkish music as a kid. Then as a teen I joined a gospel choir, musical theatre and later started getting into R&B & soul. Artists that come to mind are Ann Wilson (Heart), Dido, Amy Winehouse, Shania Twain, Jennifer Hudson, Etta James, Beyonce, Britney Spears, Amy Lee, Stevie Nicks, Alicia Keys, Idina Menzel… so many more.
When did you start writing songs?
The first song I wrote was actually about 9/11. I was too young to even know how to process what I was seeing, but remember how affected the adults around me were. I wrote lyrics in my little pink diary and hummed a melody to myself in bed one night. I ended up performing it at my elementary school choir concert and when I was done, I remember the crowd erupted. It was scary and overwhelming at the time but something I look back on super fondly. From then on, I used songwriting as an outlet to process and express feelings that otherwise felt a bit trapped. It evolved from there.
When did you know you could sing?
I can’t remember a time when singing didn’t feel natural and right, but there was a distinct moment for my parents when I was 4: they were listening to some old school Celine in the car, and I remember singing along. My Dad parked and let the song finish and I remember my parents being uncharacteristically quiet after. I think at the time I thought I was in trouble. To this day they retell the story (ad nauseam) and cite it as the moment they knew I could really sing.
At what point did you know you had to be an artist and release your original music?
I was fortunate in that I always knew what I wanted to do. The perfectionist in me never felt ready to release, but I came to terms with the fact that nothing will ever feel perfect and that releasing and showing your process as an evolving creator is important. The pandemic and industry shutdown provided the space to focus on it.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
My mom and dad. I am SO incredibly lucky to have parents who recognized and validated my talents from day one. They never once made me feel like I should have a “plan B,” which I am deeply grateful for. I think if I hypothetically ever were to tell them I’ve decided to become a surgeon or attorney, or anything actually stable they’d be secretly disappointed.
You're getting ready to release your debut single "Slowly" - how does it feel?
Oh gosh, all of the things: vulnerable and scary because I’m putting my art out there. Gratifying, because I saw something through and showed up for myself. Exciting, because I get to discover how my vision is received and if it touches people in the way I hope. Not going to lie though, it has even been a little exhausting at times.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for "Slowly"? Who helped you create it? What's the inspiration behind this 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 their 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 them 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: they 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's your favorite thing about this song?
I really love the lyric “why is it that right before the rise we feel so small” .. I’m proud of how it articulates something deep and universal despite its simplicity. I also love the production in the breakdown and the harmonies! Will (producer) really helped this song find its voice.
What made you want to release "Slowly" as your debut single?
Initially, I wasn’t going to record “Slowly” or have it on the EP because it wasn’t ready. We tried it a couple of ways and I ended up getting frustrated with the process, so I had 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. When sharing the tracks with close friends and loved ones, the reaction to “Slowly” in particular suggested that it was the standout. It’s often hard to be objective when it’s your own art, so I’m trusting my loved ones on this one.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
When brainstorming ideas for the cover art for the EP, I came across a mixed-media collage artist online that I loved. I started thinking about images that represented each of the tracks on the EP that could be used in a final collage. I wanted a young woman falling for “Slowly” to represent the feeling of absolute vulnerability felt when professing feelings for someone, especially in the moments before their response.
What's your goal for this first single?
I want it to find an audience of people who enjoy it and are moved by it.
What can you tell us about your upcoming EP?
Somewhere Else is a collection of 6 tracks—3 originals and 3 covers. When thinking of a title, I was looking for a theme that each of the songs shared. I noticed that all of my originals were the product of not being present, of living in the past or in heavy scenarios I was creating in my head. All of the covers had an other-worldly, dream-like quality to them.. hence “Somewhere Else.” It was co-written and produced by artist/producer Will Snyder, mixed by Ben Burget & Tim Latham and mastered by Sterling Sound. It’s my debut as an artist.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
The industry has evolved so much and continues to do so, especially after the pandemic. I love the opportunities for independent artists that technology and social media have created. Labels can be great, but they’re not the only way anymore. I also love that more and more women are becoming producers, engineers, and execs. If I could change one thing it would be to get more feminine energy up in the positions of power—create more balance.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
In a broad sense: communication. Kindness in our day-to-day and meaningful dialogue between people, especially those who walk in different shoes. I think it all starts with the one-on-one and ‘ripple effects’ from there.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
A big one I’ve taken away from the last few years is to carve out your own path, stay the course and be selective about who you take advice from. We’re all human with a range of experiences and at times it’s impossible not to project them onto others. If you have a dope idea, try not to overthink it. Chances are: if you like it, someone else on this planet of 8 billion people will too. You may not think it’s “perfect,” but it may be exactly what someone else needs to hear.
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