North Philadelphia-bred singer-songwriter Brianna Castro, formally Brianna Cash, brings her subtle yet stunning vocals and soul-baring songwriting to every song she performs. Involved in the church choir and school music programs as a youth, she began songwriting at the age of 15 and hasn’t looked back ever since. The songstress is known for her honeyed vocals and sensuous melodies.
Shortly after meeting producer Pop Wansel (Kehlani, Arianna Grande), Castro lent her vocals to Tory Lanez for his 2016 song “Question Is.” He later returned the favor on her commercially issued single “Numb,” which amassed a bit over half-a-million views on YouTube. Recently signed to Interscope Records in 2020, Brianna proves to have a promising career ahead of her. Her latest record via the major label, “Do It Again,” finally finds her own sound and establishes her identity as an artist with themes surrounding love and much more. Now, steadily working on new music and preparing her next full-length project, she has the goal in mind of creating unforgettable records that resonate with the soul.
We spoke with emerging songstress Brianna Castro about her Philadelphia upbringing, songwriting process, and new music amongst other things! Read below.
You’re from North Philadelphia, can you express how being from the city has influenced you career-wise and on a personal level?
I love Philly so much. Everything about home is inspiring to from the sports, people, music, food, and culture.
When did you realize that you wanted to become a singer and songwriter?
It was always something I loved to do, but I didn’t realize I wanted to pursue it as a career until I was about 20-21.
Can you take us back to when you dropped your debut single “Numb,” what was it like for you after releasing it?
It was an exciting time. I had that song done for a while before we released it so I was so happy to put it out. It was crazy though because after we released it the whole world kinda shut down so that was definitely a unique experience.
What’s the process like for you in the studio? What is your songwriting process like?
In the studio I might go through some beats until I feel it and then just start recording some mumble melodies, then I’ll revisit to write after I listen back and put the parts together…It all kinda depends on what it feels like sometimes I write fast sometimes it may take me a little longer…
A lot of your music is about love. Is that a theme that resonates with you the most?
I love love. I like to capture all my experiences with love, and sometimes others around me.
You recently got to perform at H.E.R.’s ‘Lights On Festival’ in the Bay Area not too long ago! Tell us about the experience.
It was really a great time. There were so many great artists that performed I was just grateful to be a part of it.
If you could pinpoint your music as a specific genre or style of music, what would you choose and how do you want to impact listeners through it?
I’d say a mix of R&B and hip-hop. I’d like to impact listeners in a positive way at the end of the day, I just want you to feel good when you listen to it because it feels good to release it.
What has it been like receiving such a positive reception to your new song and visual? Can you share any projects you’re currently working on?
It’s been really great—I’m really appreciative of the love. I have a whole project that’s been completed for two years, and I’m currently working on new music in the meantime.
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