We were lucky to catch up with Briana Jean recently and have shared our conversation below.

Briana Jean, appreciate you joining us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

I was raised in a family of athletes, so I learned how to play sports quite well. Soccer was my personal favorite and it actually took me as far as playing professionally and with the NCAA. I was always a sporty girl with a hidden dream of creating. It started with entries in my diary the eventually turned into songs. I didn’t have much of a musical influence for many years, so it was always something I did privately. I never thought I would pursue a career, especially being looked at as an athlete. There were times I was looked down upon for even trying to go the music route, which is why I struggled with confidence. Eventually, I was introduced and influenced by friends in Hollywood pursing the career in writing and performing. I had the privilege of demo singing, writing and finally releasing original music supported by people who believed in me more than I believed in myself, shout out to Rousseau, Chad Albers (Chid Mike), Dennis Dodd and Brigg Sterns. I knew God gave me something, I just never knew what to do with it. So of course there are many roads in the music business, especially in Hollywood. I ended up going down the wrong road that led me to a dark place. Long story short I found the light. My life was completely renewed and transformed, all Glory to God. I married my best friend, Dennis Dodd who I met doing music. He is one of the most skilled musicians I know and helped me produce a new sound of original music. Together we pursed Jesus and Christian music. We are now the Praise and Worship Directors at In His Presence Church where I found my purpose. Recently, we released a new original called “Breathing” available to stream on all digital platforms. We are currently working on releasing more music and look forward to spreading encouragement, love and light! For so long I felt misunderstood by those around me when in realty I misunderstood myself.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Briana Jean Dodd and my artist name is Briana Jean. I was born in San Jose, California but now reside in the Los Angeles region. I am a singer, songwriter and worship leader. I have explored many sounds like Pop, Electronic, Ambient, RnB and Folk but my focus is Christian music. I strive to share what God has done in my life, bring encouragement to the hurting and lost and ultimately praise the Most High. When you encounter God, you can’t help but sing about His goodness. I’ve been blessed through struggles and tribulations. I’ve been set free from suicidal thoughts, attempts, depression, anxiety, addictions, abuse, trauma and so much more. I feel like I am purposed to be an influence and a light in a dark world. As the Praise and Worship Director at In His Presence Church, I am privileged to lead worship with such an incredible team and Pastors including my husband and Music Director, Dennis. Together we’ve held successful services and concerts and witnessed unbelievable moves of God. It’s an absolute joy to be apart of and experience weekly. We are currently writing and recording for our new album coming soon.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

As a creative pursing a career, it’s hard to avoid the criticism and control that the music industry may have on an individual or group. I’ve heard many nos and have been told to change my look, sound and dress a certain way many times. I’ve been told to be someone that I’m not in order to be succesful in music. Yes, I have caved to many of those demands but was completely unhappy and confused. Even in success I never felt successful until I felt purpose. It didn’t matter what I looked like. What mattered was being able to touch hearts and minister to the broken through my own experience. I guess what I’m trying to say as a creative is to be yourself in everything you do, unapologetically. We are all different and unique for a reason. God made us all on purpose for a purpose.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is the response that even in my “showing up” God uses it to bless, encourage, heal and love on His people. As a child, I have loved on people hard. My care for hearts goes deeply. But I will forever chase God’s heart and seek the plan He has for me in this life. I’m blown away that even a lyric can total transform someones thinking and that a song can change someones life. There is so much beauty in music. I am honored to have such an opportunity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/brianajeanmusic
• Instagram: @briana_jean
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialBrianaJean
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@briana_jean
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5ZAGWVwoYEjqBaA8q8FnyQ?si=BLZyNqFbSYKb9C1lhwXuBQ&nd=1

Image Credits
Sona Kechiyants Photography