Today we’d like to introduce you to Brianna Ruelas.
Brianna, we’d love to hear your story and how you got to where you are today both personally and as an artist.
I was born and raised in Richardson, Texas and started performing at the age of 9.
I started getting a taste for Hollywood shortly thereafter when I auditioned for the Mickey Mouse Club. I auditioned twice for that show over a two year span. It was the second time I auditioned, as a 12 year old, that I got really close as a Top 10 Dallas Finalist. They chose two to go to Orlando for the last round. That was a rough blow, but I learned to identify REJECTION’S sting at a very young age. It served me well in my music journey.
I continued to pursue music through participating in community theatre and school musical productions. I secured lead roles throughout my high school musical career and went on to attend Pepperdine University to study Musical Theatre. I was on top of the world when I left Dallas for Los Angeles at 18.
In college, my self-esteem took a MASSIVE nose dive. Suddenly I was a LITTLE FISH in a HUGE pond. No one knew me or that I could sing, nor did they care about my talent. I constantly felt the need to prove myself to others and show I belonged. Unfortunately, I did not have a music mentor to remind me that I am UNIQUELY me and that there is no need to “try so hard” for acceptance.
I believe the idea of ACCEPTANCE is universal. Whether you care if everyone “LIKES” you or not, we all want to be well received. When our TALENT or CREATIVITY, or MUSIC come into question, suddenly, things can become VERY PERSONAL.
I found my way through college, but music took a seat on the back burner. By my senior year, I hadn’t even defined my SOUND as an Artist, nor did I have an understanding of who I was as a vocalist, because I had spent so much time focusing on roles or playing a part. I was burned out of musical theatre, and realized it was time to explore being a Solo Artist.
I got involved with the praise band at a large church in Los Angeles and this changed the trajectory of my life.
I auditioned for American Idol. Three Times! I finally got a shot and became a Top 100 Finalist on Season 4. Out of 100,000 who auditioned cattle call style, I was 1 of 100. When my “Idol Journey” came to an end, it was tough to bounce back. Although I knew I did my best, I learned that sometimes OUR BEST is NOT ENOUGH! I also learned that they were casting a reality TV show and sometimes talent is irrelevant.
My Idol experience opened me up to explore my career in music as a Performing Artist.
My heart for music and mentoring young Indie Artists, led me to write “Performing Artist Pathway: Navigate the Highs and Lows On Your Music Journey.” It is a practical guide that speaks to the real life stuff we experience as artists.
Today, I stay very busy between my Performing Artist Consulting Business, Vocal Coaching and Speaking. I also plan to hit the studio this August to lay down some new Original Music. I am also a mom to 3 beautiful girls and support my husband and our Dallas family restaurant, Victor Hugo’s.
We’d love to hear more about your art. What do you do you do and why and what do you hope others will take away from your work?
I am a Singer/Songwriter, Performing Artist Consultant and Author to “Performing Artist Pathway: Navigate the Highs & Lows on Your Music Journey.”
My vibe as a Performing Artist is rock/soul with a Texas twist. I have always resisted being put in a “box,” as it pertains to my genre, but I think most artists prefer to experience and grow in their craft without conditions.
I am positive and passionate about helping others grow, both personally and professionally. As a performing artist consultant, I customize plans for each client based on their unique needs. I love watching them evolve and supporting them in creating a clear cut plan of action to reach their music goals.
I believe there is a lack of female mentors in music, which inspires me to support female performing artists by creating community and valuable content that is relevant in today’s ever changing music climate.
Because I am an artist myself, I am able to relate to my clients in a unique way, propelling me with the desire to help them even more.
Artists face many challenges, but what do you feel is the most pressing among them?
I feel there are two things happening that impact performing artists today. One, is that it is very difficult to keep up with the music trends, laws and rapid changes in how we create, consume and share our music.
Two, is that many of us don’t want to do the “hard work,” needed to grow as Artists. It is much easier for us to rely on others to tell us what we need to know, or what we should do, verses conducting the research to discover in depth what is necessary for our careers.
In addition, many performing artists today are so eager to get their music out there, that they don’t take the time to fully explore WHO they are as Artists and HOW their fans will experience them. It feels easier to simply keep trucking forward in hopes we get “discovered,” verses doing the hard “soul” work to define what we want out of life and music, and from there creating a real plan to get us there.
Do you have any events or exhibitions coming up? Where would one go to see more of your work? How can people support you and your artwork?
You can discover my music on iTunes and all music platforms and stay tuned for Original Music at the end of this year. You can order my book, “Performing Artist Pathway” on Amazon.
Learn more and contact me at www.briannaruelasmusic.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.briannaruelasmusic.com
- Email: briannaruelasmusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: @briannaruelasmusic
- Facebook: @briannaruelasmusic
Facebook Group: Female Indie Artist Connection - Twitter: @briannaruelas23
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1979896062
Image Credit:
Cryste DeShields (headshots and images with myself and book) and Ron Fontenot Photography for Speaking Shot.
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
