With an endearing personality and a fresh, stunning face, it’s unexpected that the raspy, soulful voice and edgy pop-country melodies could radiate from such an eloquent woman. When you listen to Bri Anne Michelle’s music you will hear the winding river of her hometown roots and feel the closeness of the family relationships which permeate her spirit. “Bri Anne Michelle is a musical breath of fresh air. Very unassuming and striking on and off the stage, she effortlessly entwines beautiful, heartfelt lyrics with an extraordinary voice.”- John Alagia | Music Producer - Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Jason Mraz
“One of my favorite things about being a musician is that it gives me the ability to touch people I otherwise may not connect with. My biggest heartache is that I tend to feel things that occur in other people’s lives more than my own, but the rawness of the feelings is what gives me the ability to express the music I create.”
Coming off of her debut album, “Surround Yourself,” Bri Anne Michelle has received a string of praise showcasing her ability to grow and adapt while remaining original as an artist. Recognized as much for her songwriting as her powerful singing ability, “Prayer on Your Knees” was recently nominated for best country song by the Independent Music Awards http://www.independentmusicawards.com/ima/artist/bri-anne-michelle/ (IMA) and “I Believe” was a semi finalist in the 2010 International Songwriting Competition (ISC). Recently, "Love Is a Language" was featured on MTV's Generation Youth Campaign to relaunch their new Logo. Bri was also given the honor of singing the National Anthem before the opening pitch at AT&T Park, where the San Francisco Giants played the Colorado Rockies.
After traveling abroad for six years pursuing a successful modeling career, Bri found herself back in the vast landscapes of her hometown, Grass Valley, performing for friends and family in her parent’s living room. “I used to write songs without knowing they were for an album or any sort of release for that matter. It was just me sitting by a piano sipping tea expressing dreams and heartaches; nothing commercial about it.”
As Bri’s music has shifted into a more mainstream environment, she has managed to retain her rootsy charm; each song is a familiar sound, your favorite pair of boots, a county fair and the people you love. Her knack for words and her understanding of human nature have allowed her to achieve a balance of wisdom and youth that is rare. Honest, unfettered, and sometimes painful, when you listen to Bri sing, you instantly hear the songs you wish you had the courage to write.
Written on napkins and receipts over thousands of miles of touring, every song is a rest stop. “I've learned so much about myself and the people around me from touring different cities and cultures. Ultimately what I’ve come to realize is that in all of our differences we're just trying to be understood. Music is a global language that helps me feel closer to every person I encounter.”
Most closely associated with the pop country genre, Bri Anne has the ability to transcend conventional boundaries as you will realize when you hear the raw pedal steel guitar flow over swirling mallets in “The River” (written in memory of her uncle). “When everyone knows how to express themselves through different mediums; singing, songwriting and painting have become my words. I try to create music that translates from one heart to another like a vulnerable river that rushes into other people’s lives without barriers.
“One of the greatest things about being a songwriter is having the ability to collaborate and work with other inspiring artists.” On Bri Anne’s recent and upcoming releases she has had the pleasure of writing with Chris Seefried (Rebound, Lay Me Down, I Believe), Paul Freeman (Turns Me On), Ross Grant (Slow It Down, Heartbreak Train, We’ve Got Each Other, Sweet Thing), Reid McNulty (Quick Fix, Ol Blue) Jesse Tyre Karp (Movin On), and David Potilla (The River).
“I’m continually grateful for the amazing people that keep supporting me and pushing me along in this profession. Whether it is other musicians, videographers, friends or family, I’m reminded each day of their love and support. I hope that my fans are enjoying my journey as much as I am!”
“Bri Anne Michelle is a musical breath of fresh air. Very unassuming and striking on and off the stage, she effortlessly entwines beautiful, heartfelt lyrics with an extraordinary voice.”
- John Alagia | Music Producer - Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, Jason Mraz
"Once in a while you come across an artist that is one with music. When you feel this it stirs the emotions inside and you too become one with the music. Bri Anne Michelle is a true artist. Her music moves, motivates and inspires me. I love music because of artists like Bri."
- Kent Hertz Music | Producer Engineer - Steve Miller, Beyonce, Michael Jackson
"Bri Anne Michelle's voice has me in awe. I have never heard a young woman with such a unique command of her voice. And it compliments her keen ability to write melodies and lyrics. She will not only command much respect amongst musicians but will succeed commercially. I'm sure of it."
- Adrian Grenier | Actor - HBO's Entourage, Drummer - The Honey Brothers
"Bri Anne is a gem among singer/songwriters. She captivates those who come to hear her music with her unassuming grace, song and beauty every time."
- Davis Factor | Founder Smashbox Studios and Smashbox Cosmetics
"Pop-country singer-songwriter Bri Anne Michelle is not the kind of performer who sits around hoping to be discovered."
- Nevada County Prospector
"A native daughter will sing the national anthem and “God Bless America” at AT&T Park before the San Francisco Giants play the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, Sept. 15."
- Grass Valley Union
If we citizens, do not support our artists, then we sacrifice our imagination on the altar of crude reality and we end up believing in nothing and having worthless dreams
woo hoo! I’m back from Sayulita and we finished filming Lay Me Down. Can’t wait to start editing!