Meet Bri McKay | Recording Artist and Actress

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bri McKay and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bri, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I think I’ve always known what I wanted to do with my life since I was a kid. At that point I just knew I loved to perform in all aspects. I pursue what some would call a pipe dream or childish fantasy because it’s what I love and I do not view it as such. I think it takes a certain sort of bravery to go after one’s dreams. I view my creative career as an extension of my self expression, and self expression in any artistic being (like myself) is a necessity. I have things to say, points to make, and what better way to spend my life than to do what I’m passionate about and that people respond to?

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I tell everyone that you will know me the deepest and most intimately just by listening to my music. My writing started as a form of therapy for me, and naturally over the years it has become my way of expressing my thoughts and feelings I wouldn’t necessarily express in day to day interactions. My music is almost like a private journal of sorts; It’s very personal.
I maintain the brand of being unapologetically authentic in what I have to say and who I am. Not only that but finding a way to inspire, and encourage others to do the same. It’s all about feeling and envoking certain feelings in my listeners.
The biggest challenge for me was to continue to be brave and put myself out there on such a personal level- to which I’m entirely grateful I have. I love hearing how my music has helped others in one way or another, and that in turn has inspired me to keep releasing and writing.
I was once told that I had to choose between my acting and my music. That I couldn’t do both and be successful; I needed to focus on one or the other. For a while, I let that ring true- until it didn’t. I had to learn to believe in myself, my talents, capabilities, and my dreams. Once I had that revelation, I never looked back.
In turn, by my courage to keep doing it, I’ve inspired other artists in my network to start their artistic journeys also. And I’m proud to be a part of their story in such a way.
I’d say the one thing that sets me apart as an artist is I’m not afraid to genre-cross. I write what the song needs despite genre. I think many artists will lock them into a box of “I need to be this or that because that’s my brand,” and while there is some truth to that, and I do normally maintain a Pop element, I love letting my varied influences show up to keep my audience’s ears perked so-to-speak 😉

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a natural introvert working in an extroverted career. When I get time to myself and my friends, I keep it pretty low-key. No doubt though, I will go out and party when the occasion calls for it.
One of my favorite spots in all of Dallas is the Trinity River Trail. It’s my go-to spot to reconnect with nature, and sort through whatever I need to during a walk or run. And I mean the skyline view at night?! Incredible.
I’d take them to Deep Ellum to explore the music scene or one of the many art museums downtown. We’d definitely stop by LaLaLand (the kind cafe) for avocado toast and tea (or coffee). One of our (my bestie and I) favorite pastimes though, is ordering a smoothie from smoothie king, grabbing a ticket to the TRE and riding to Ft Worth and back to catch up. It may be a little odd but we love it. I love people watching the different people who get on and off, and it’s nostalgic for me as I use to take the train into Dallas while I was in school.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I could name so many people I have immense gratitude for on this incredible journey of mine.

One that comes to mind recently is my friend, Dasiana Preston, who wrote, produced, and directed the short film, “Hey, Girly” I was apart of as actress, producer, and featured my song “Feel Anything.” She is awesome to work with, so creative and incredibly talented. Did I mention she’s the kindest person too?

Website: https://www.brimckay.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebrimckay

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16FtbKBCev/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@brimckay?si=ZRqFgpW9ouwSxZ6t

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6kpeMkB8H63snSxMmByXoi?si=0SPd_PEBTOOGZfLJX_OQJw

IMDb: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm9180113/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk