Interview: Cariah Brinae Talks Influences, Hard Work as an Artist, Full Band Debut
Reviews by: Andy Ellis, Writer @andysmileyjay
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, owner/editor @PlaylistTC
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Photo Credit: Emilie Zibble
Cariah Brinae’s voice is the kind needed to turn heads among fellow musicians and fans. It’s smooth, steady, and flawlessly fits into any song. More importantly, you’ll know it’s her.
She’s also preparing for that career-changing next step of putting a full band behind that voice. She’ll debut her much-anticipated fuller sound in collaboration with the Kelz Musik Band during her Birthday Bash concert on Friday, May 26th, at the Hook & Ladder Theater. Hosted by Kiara Badu, it will also feature performances by Lewiee Blaze, Zay Starr, and Don Wonne.
If you’re there you’ll be in for a treat. With silky smooth ballads such as “The Space” and the bedroom-ready “Freak Me (Featuring BenSap Grimm),” there’s no question adding that full band energy will make it a night no one will forget.
I had the pleasure of talking with Cariah Brinae about her upcoming 28th birthday show, her influences, new music, and more; find out for yourself below. The interview has been edited for clarity and readability.
When you look back at the time period when you released 2019’s “The Space” to now where you are about to celebrate your 28th birthday, in what ways do you think you’ve evolved most as an artist?
I feel like I am forever evolving, forever learning and experimenting with this music. It has not been an easy road, but I can say I am way further than I was last year. I am very thankful for music.
Within that time was the pandemic, which gave creatives of all kinds a lot of down time. Were you able to use that period to work on any specific part of your artistry?
Yes I did. The pandemic was such a great time to focus on music goals that were pushed off to the side. I was able to shoot content with a wonderful photographer named Shaina Lacey. Also, I started voice therapy to help my voice sound stronger.
For those who are just discovering you, who do you look to as your biggest influences in music?
My biggest influence is Michael Jackson. Following would be Brandy, H.E.R, Jhene Aiko.
Can you pinpoint the moment you realized you wanted pursue music seriously as an artist?
Watching back to back Michael Jackson music videos and performances at a young age I soon realized I wanted to do just that.
What is your most memorable performance you’ve had so far?
My birthday concert in 2021 was so memorable because the energy in the room was insane. People really enjoyed the show and so did I.
As an independent artist, it’s not a lifestyle for the weak. What’s the most challenging thing you’ve had to deal with or get used to?
You are your own support system. Getting a few views and shares at the beginning is fine. You have to start somewhere. Trust the process.
We live in a world where it seems artists need to be constantly putting out new music. What can you tell us about the new music you’ve been working on?
I’m actually in the process of [making] an album. No release date yet, but something’s cooking.
The most recent song you put out, “Freak Me,” is a collaboration with BenSap Grimm and Twiss Smith. You play really well off BenSap Grimm in a way it comes off as a musical number. For a song like this how does the writing process work? Are you working on it in the same room as BenSap Grimm and Twiss Smith?
One of my favorite songs. We were all actually sitting in the studio together at a songwriting camp put together by my manager TWAIN. Twiss Smith played the beat, I started free styling and BenSap [Grimm] followed along. I enjoy the freestyle R&B method I do because I get to play with the beat first then create the magic.
R&B is known for its collaborations, especially these days. Who do you have on your list of artists, locally and beyond, that you want to collaborate with?
From the cities I would love to collab with Ashley Dubose. She’s wonderful. Others on my list would be Usher and H.E.R.
This birthday bash you’re throwing at the Hook and Ladder is also the debut of you performing with the Kelz Musik Band. How are you feeling about that?
My first time with a band, so this is exciting. A dream come true really.
What has it been like playing your songs with them? Are there any songs you feel you were able to breathe some new life into with these additional musicians?
I think having them on stage with me will make the crowd go wild. It’s a new look for us.
When you were looking to start performing with a full band, what were you looking for? Did you look at any of the band’s you were influenced by?
So much research went into choosing a band to play with. With the help of TWAIN we were able to agree on working with Kelz. Heard so many good things about him. So this should be a show you don’t want to miss.
Will we hear the band on any of your new music?
I plan to work with them in the future for sure.
You’ve got a pretty stacked lineup for your birthday show. What were you looking for when you were looking for the artists you wanted to help celebrate your birthday with?
I am a fan of ART. Art is expressed in so many ways. All artists were handpicked. All are unique in their own way and will put on a dope show.
What can people expect from the show?
People will get to enjoy live music. MINNESOTA made music at that. We are putting on a show for the city. I hope you guys enjoy.
