We’re looking forward to introducing you to Bri McKay. Check out our conversation below.
Bri, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Wow! Straight to the deep stuff. I find myself in a constant bounce between my emotional and practical tendencies. It’s a delicate balance. I’ve always been emotional – some may say overly so – and throughout my life I have had to build my sense of practicality and a thick skin so that what others had deemed “too emotional” was hidden from public view; basically conditioned to not make a scene. Those emotions would only be let out in my art or in roles I play. That has served me well in many aspects, but in the past couple of years I have come back to allowing myself to feel my emotional range without shame and give myself the grace to feel the uncomfortable feels people have termed “bad”. Instead of allowing myself to deny what I may feel for whatever reason, I’ve built the strength to acknowledge it, sit in the feeling without reacting in it, and then releasing it. So I’d say more emotional intelligence, resilience, and emotional honesty. That is a long term build, and one I’m deeply proud of.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a hyphenate creative. I am known mostly as a singer-songwriter, recording artist, and actress, but I have added credits to my name as a dancer/choreographer, sound designer, writer/author, and soon to be director. I know – a lot 😅
My brand is a mix of bold edginess with a splash of sophistication representing unapologetic authenticity. Mental health awareness is a huge part of my brand as well.
As far as acting goes- I love playing deep characters but I also really enjoy comedy.
My music specifically is in the alternative pop arena, but what makes me unique is that I cross genres in a way that makes my catalogue diverse while still having a sound and writing style that is just…well, me.
My vocals and lyric writing skills started out as a healthy outlet as a kid that turned into something I became passionate about and was encouraged to continue to cultivate. I found a passion for all performing arts at a young age and have always known that’s what I wanted to and am meant to do with my life. Passion will fuel the moments where motivation is lacking, and doubt creeps in. I just never stopped doing what I love; never stopped dreaming and believing the dream. Not building a career as a performer and entertainer has just never truly been an option, despite setbacks or hard times; No matter the odds. I strongly believe that is a key component to any success I’ve had.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I have a tattoo on my right forearm of an arrow with the word “release.”
I got this tattoo as a reminder that sometimes I need to loosen my grip and let life happen; allow room for spontaneity, let the flow of life run freely and let the inevitable changes of life happen. Change used to be the bane of my existence. I’m sure you can imagine how tiring it is to constantly try to control something that can’t always be controlled? But if I’m always trying to control everything, sometimes that can block blessings I didn’t even know were coming…and that’s where the beauty and magic in life happens.
I had a period of years where my nervous system kept telling myself I needed to control everything because I felt like I had control of nothing. What I didn’t realize was that I was living in survival mode way longer than I actually needed to. I was unconsciously stuck in that state. It’s only been the past few years that I have recognized that and have been working on loosening my grip. It’s made me feel more free.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Can I just say that I’m loving these deep dive questions?
I think I would have many kind things to say. I swear that girl was doing her best with the knowledge she had. Welcome to my miniature letter to my younger self:
Hey love,
Look, I know where you’re at mentally so listen to me. Do NOT shrink yourself because some people don’t understand you, or think you’re too over the top. Do NOT turn down your voice for fear of being heard, judged and found lacking. You are not lacking anything! You are everything you are meant to be and you haven’t even discovered some of the best parts of you yet. I love you and I believe in you. ❤️
PS: As within so without, as above so below.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes and no.
I represent unapologetic authenticity so I would be a hypocrite if I didn’t show up authentically for the world. I have been known to be an open book on a lot of subjects, but my thoughts and personality are multifaceted and very deep so there’s a lot I don’t share. There’s also the line between being honest and professional that is a good thing to keep an eye on. My public version of myself showcases my confidence, and artistic nature mostly.
That being said- a public version is just that…a version of someone. It’s still true but it just scratches the surface. I think everyone is a social chameleon on some level. People show up based on where they are at, who they’re with, and what the occasion is.
And if you just read that and said you show up the same no matter what? – you’re lying. But it’s okay, I won’t tell anyone 😉
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
When it comes to my purpose and career, I am 100% doing what I’m supposed to do: Sharing my talents and passion with others creatively. And the great thing about that is the medium of said creativity has the freedom to evolve and change over time.
However, I do believe that there are a few things in my personal life, or experiences, that I’m not leaning into as much as I might need or like to.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brimckay.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrimckay
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/179wZ5Axx3/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@brimckay?si=sV8nErPuY_OldQH-
- Other: On all music streaming platforms:
Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube Music, Pandora, Tidal and more
