Columbia College Chicago student Bre5lin’s creative output and dreams were evident from an early age. Starting with dance, then Dj’ing and music, it’s plain to see that this is an artist that knows no bounds. As Bre5lin relates, “I like to say I came out of the womb dancing, but it's just always something I've done. From elementary school talent shows all the way to high budget productions, dance has, and always will be, in my life. Freshman year I made my first song and each year I would slowly build my discography. Once I got to college I decided to really lock in and release an EP along with singles. The more time passes the more support, training, inspiration, and influences flood my life.”
Bre5lin, a graduate of Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, found that dance came naturally. This is where a diverse set of experiences gave a clearer vision to the future. “I auditioned and got into the world dance program. I studied West African, Afro Brazilian, Polynesian, Hula, and so many more dances.” These artistic endeavors gave way to the fact that anything one can put their mind to can result in some type of success. “I remember in high school I took a beat producing class and decided to take the beat I made and rap on it. I literally used iMovie to record vocals and what not, but when I posted the song, I was simply doing it for fun. I got over 300+ listens on the song and from there on out I decided to dip my toe into the music world. It was only until junior year where I went to a real studio to record a song. I do all my own cover art so when the song was released, I got even more positive feedback, which was a big boost in motivation. I've always wanted to be a commercial dancer, but I realized I could mix my dance career with my newfound musical interest and that's how I got to where I'm at now.”
Born and raised in San Francisco, California, Bre5lin has a writing and creating process that allows for flexibility. “When I write it has to come to me naturally. When I try to force it, the end product isn't satisfactory, or I just can't write at all. My favorite thing to do is go to my
Neighborhood’s local park. The words, rhythm, flow, tempo, vibe, everything just goes to where it needs to be on the paper.”
Bre5lin takes inspiration from several artists: “ ken carson, pierre bourne, playboi carti, bktherula, rico nasty, and so many other artists. I'm also moved by R&B as it just feels good on the ears, and I want to produce that same feeling with my music. 808louie is also
someone I look up to as he has a unique sound, and he makes all of his beats. Just
good music all around ya know.”
Bre5lin’s future plans align perfectly with a career that has already seen momentous movement.“I've already headlined sold out shows and performed all around the city both with dance and music, but going on tour is one of my dreams. Going around to different cities and countries, sharing my craft with people that want to experience what I have to offer is awesome. Literally by next year I'll be touring as well as doing festival performances. One of my specialties is crowd control so the bigger the better. Mark my words because the world will know the name Bre5lin!”
Sessions @33 is a series featuring Columbia College Chicago music artists performing a 4-song set in an intimate performance space at WCRXFM, Columbia’s very own radio station. In addition to the artists getting exposure, students from various departments get experience in filming, audio recording, and talent management. Support these fantastic up-n-coming artists, as well as the collaborative efforts of the students involved behind the scenes, by watching sessions on YouTube, as well as listening to the podcast version on either Apple or Stitcher.
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