Rising country artist Brieanna James continues to heat up the cooler months with her latest single “Hot.” Co-written with country artist Kelsea Ballerini and Michael Krompas, “Hot” makes for a great fit to your country music playlist. The new single is just the start of great things ahead for the James, including the forthcoming release of her debut EP anticipated for release in early 2017.
Wanting to get to know more about the new artist, we caught up with Brieanna James to talk about her new music and much more! Check out our exclusive interview with the artist on the rise.
CountryMusicRocks (CMR): You recently released your new single “Hot”. Tell us a little about it, and give us some background on this new song.
Brieanna James: “Hot” is an awesome song co- written by Kelsea Ballerina, Mike Krompass and I. I am literally in love with everything about the song, from the lyrics straight down to the production. The song I would have to say is definitely based around infatuation and is totally an awesome song to jam out to in the car. Trust me, I’ve tested it!
CMR: What was it like writing with Kelsea Ballerini?
Brieanna James:I gotta say, scoring a co-write with Kelsea Ballerina was truly a blessing! She’s amazing from her vocals down to her writing. I love her and am such a big fan! Hope I get to collaborate more with her in the future!
CMR: Your video for “Hot” is a hot one and super fun! Tell us a little about the behind the scenes on the video? What was one of your favorite parts filming the video?
Brieanna James: Oh my gosh, I loved filming the music video for “Hot”! Everything about it was just so much fun! From getting my makeup and hair done, hanging with friends and the performance scenes! I also met the lead guy, Noah, that same day so anticipating that kissing scene all day was fun!
CMR: You are gearing up to release your debut EP in January. What you can you tell us about this new collection of music?
Brieanna James: We are still deciding which songs are perfect for the EP because there are so many and we don’t wanna leave any out! However, we do have a limit so we’re picking our favorite ones! There is songs about heartbreak, falling in love, falling out of love, and a whole lot of boy talk! I can’t wait for you guys to hear it!
CMR: Women in country have taken a strong role once again in the genre. Who are some of your female influences and role models in the industry?
Brieanna James: They sure have, but I plan to be apart of making our roles even stronger! And let’s see, well obviously…. I’m obsessed with Miranda Lambert and Carrie Underwood! They are both so pretty! There is Kelsea Ballerina and Lauren Alaina! And hey, you can’t forget about Shania Twain!
CMR: CMT Crossroads does a great job pairing artists of different genres. If you had the opportunity to take part in CMT Crossroads, who would you love to be paired up with?
Brieanna James: Taylor Swift now or Avril Lavigne
CMR: We all have wish lists and bucket lists, what is one thing that is pretty high up there on your country music bucket list as an artist?
Brieanna James: Well, to be honest the writing portion of my music is something I take very seriously and is very important to me so I really want to reach that area in my career where people just know I am a writer and a good one at that! I don’t want people just to assume I’m that lil girl that goes in with a bunch of experienced writers and gets put on the credits, but doesn’t actually do any work!
I love writing and I’m super passionate about it so I want people to take me seriously!
CMR: As fans continue to get to know you, what is one thing you would like to convey to fans about you and your music?
Brieanna James: I want my fans to get to know me through my music. I want them to see that I’m this silly, upbeat, and happy girl that is obsessed with fairytales, but that I’m also this girl who is in love with the idea of love. I am super passionate, deep, serious, and love writing about those themes.
CMR: Country Music is a genre that significantly stands out on its own, not only within the music industry but with fans too. What is one thing about country music that resonates with you?
Brieanna James: Country music definitely stands out! I believe it’s because it’s just so different from every other genre in so many ways! First the sound, but also the stories! No genre can tell a story the way country can. Country music resonates with me because it’s a part of who I am… my identity. I mean heck! I’m country myself! I grew up around it and it’s always playing in the background of my mind.
Continue to learn more about Brieanna James by visiting her Official Website, and following her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
