Today we’d like to introduce you to Brina Kay.
Hi Brina, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was raised in Schaumburg, Illinois, and got my start in music by learning to play the violin as a kindergartener. I also loved to sing from an early age. I was drawn to Disney princess movies and would run around barefoot in the backyard, singing to the birds and squirrels and pretending to be one of them.
As I grew, I discovered a love for performing through acting, dancing, singing, sports, and anything else that called for attention. I often felt more comfortable in the spotlight than I did in everyday life. I participated in community theatre and choir, and even sang the national anthem for my town’s minor league baseball team in third grade.
That early passion eventually grew into a deep love for songwriting during my time at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where I studied the arts and literature and discovered the power of lyrics to heal, connect, and transform. I spent the summer after graduation performing with a local band, and when my lease ended, I decided to fully pursue my childhood dreams and make the bold move to Nashville, Tennessee.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but if it were, it probably wouldn’t make a very good biopic one day. That is what I remind myself during the tough times. I believe one of the most inspiring things any person can do, artist or not, is refuse to give up no matter how hard it gets. Those are the stories people want to root for. At the end of the day, I hope my story can inspire and empower others to make the most of their finite time on this earth and go after what they truly want out of life.
I have faced financial struggles, which has taken a toll on my mental health, and it is never easy to uproot your life and start over in a new city without knowing anyone. Still, for every obstacle and hardship, there have also been incredible experiences and moments of real joy. It is a rollercoaster lifestyle, so I try to stay present and enjoy the ride. Like the song by Miley Cyrus suggests, life is not about reaching the top of the mountain. It is about appreciating the journey as you pursue it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a songwriter, performer, and recording artist known for country pop music with a theatrical flair. I am also recognized for my big hair and a signature touch of glitter in everything I do.
At the moment, I am most proud of my EP Dandelion, which I released in 2023 in spite of numerous obstacles and setbacks. I fought hard to bring that project to fruition and poured my heart, soul, and creativity into every detail. I am especially proud of how I brought that vision to life and created a sense of world-building throughout the project.
I tend to have more fun with larger conceptual works than standalone singles, so creating a full body of work like that felt especially meaningful to me, even if it is not always the most strategic choice in today’s short-form social media landscape. Still, it was important for me to follow that instinct, and I am incredibly grateful to have made something that feels so complete and authentic.
What sets me apart is the musical theatre influence in my art, which is not often paired with country music. It gives me a sense of creative freedom, allowing each project to stand on its own as a unique expression. I can step into different aesthetics, characters, and storylines, almost like putting on a costume, rather than feeling confined to a single identity. I am drawn to making larger-than-life art and strive to create work that tells stories in a way that feels expansive, immersive, and bigger than myself.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Resilience is an essential skill for anyone pursuing a music career. This life comes with constant challenges, rejection, and uncertainty. It is often easier to quit than to keep going. There will always be reasons to give up, and even trusted loved ones may try to convince you to. You have to actively find your reasons to stay, even when it feels impossible.
Adaptability is also crucial in this industry. Things can change on a dime, and you have to be able to go with the flow and find opportunity within setbacks. Take COVID, for example. I went into 2020 focused on developing my full band show, had formed a group, booked a performance, and completed rehearsals. The show was scheduled for the week the world shut down. I could have taken that as a sign to give up. Instead, I pivoted to recording an EP. By the time the world opened back up, I had a new project and a strong body of work to share and promote when I returned to performing. There are opportunities within every obstacle. The same is true for shifts in the industry. Streaming platforms, for example, may offer less financial return per play than physical sales, but they reduce gatekeeping and allow artists to reach global audiences directly. Social media can feel overwhelming, but it also gives artists a way to bypass traditional barriers and connect directly with listeners who truly resonate with their work. Even with the many concerns surrounding the rise of AI in the industry, I believe there are still ways it can be shaped into something that supports artists rather than works against us. The same creativity we use in our art is what we need to navigate an evolving musical landscape, because change is the only constant.
Resourcefulness has helped me bring my ideas to life, even without ideal circumstances or consistent support. Whether finding creative ways to fund projects, collaborating with others, or teaching myself new skills, I have learned to make the most of what I have and turn limitations into opportunities.
Optimism and an opportunistic mindset go hand in hand for me. I try to see potential in every situation and remain open to unexpected paths. It is easy to feel discouraged or hopeless in this industry, especially if that is where your focus lies. I believe you have to cultivate your own luck. Every situation can become an asset if you are willing to see it that way.
Confidence allows me to show up fully as myself and trust what I bring to the table. In an industry that is highly subjective, believing in my voice and vision is essential. It gives me the courage to take risks, stand behind my work, and continue putting myself out there even when it feels vulnerable. It also allows me to see my peers as collaborators rather than competition. I have found that supporting others is often the fastest way to get ahead, because people are more likely to support those who also celebrate their wins.
Being friendly and down to earth has helped me build genuine, lasting connections in an industry that runs on relationships. Especially in Nashville, people want to collaborate with and support someone who feels approachable and real, rather than superficial or arrogant. No matter where you are in your career, it is important to never look down on others or act as though you are better than someone else. Everyone has something to bring to the table, and the person you dismiss today may very well be the connection you need tomorrow.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brinakaymusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brinakaymusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrinaKayMusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrEyWZ7SqyXfBVeiPwu4EeQ
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Brinakaymusic
