Bri Steves: “I come from a city of the greatest musicians in the world.”

Before tonight’s show we were able to meet with Philadelphia’s very own Bri Steves to talk about her participation on the American Song Contest. Learn more about her musical origins and influeces, where she’d love to perform, and how long she’s been sitting on her song “Plenty Love” by reading below!

Welcome to ESC United Bri, I’m so glad we were able to connect with you for this interview! For those who might not know you, why don’t you give us a quick introduction?

My name is Bri Steves. I’m a singer, rapper and entertainer from Philly.

And you’ll also be representing the state of Pennsylvania for the American Song Contest! How does it feel to represent your state on such a large stage?

I’m honored and humbled to be representing a city where all the greatest musicians come from. I’m talking Jill Scott, The Roots, Jasmine Sullivan, Eve, Left Eye. I hope I make them proud.

Since so many of our readers come from outside of the US, what do the need to know about Pennsylvania that makes it unique?

Philly is the home of the hustlers. It shaped the artist you see today. I got my grind from having to hustle making music my only passion while pursuing my degree at Temple University. I literally went broke to pursue music. My city births a certain hard working gene that you don’t get anywhere else in the world.

When did you first realize you had a passion and talent for both singing and songwriting? At what point did that passion transition into a career for you?

For me it was during my time at Temple University where I realized I had skill for singing, and rapping. I spent the the last 3000 $ I had on studio equipment just to learn how to record myself. I had been making music for years, but being in college and deciding to be ALL in with music, that made a permanent shift with everything.

And who would you say are some of your musical inspirations? Do they influence the music your write or record in any way?

I come from a city of the greatest musicians in the world. Patti Labelle, Eve, Left Eye, Black Thought.. I’m a product of all them. 

Here’s a tricky question for you – if you had the opportunity to perform a one-night only show anywhere in the world, where would you choose to perform and why there?

Probably London.  I loved traveling over there years ago. I’ve never done an over seas tour. Thats one place I’d love to go.

London Eurovision fans are wonderful, so if you ever get a chance I’m sure the UK would enjoy having you! Here’s another tough one – What is one thing our readers would be surprised to learn about you – like a secret talent or hobby?

I used to play the viola. Spent several years playing in the symphony orchestra since I was a little girl. 

Oh wow that is awesome, viola is such a cool instrument. But let’s chat more specifically about the American Song Contest. How did you first learn about the contest and what motivated you to submit an entry?

I actually was humbly offered the opportunity to represent Pennsylvania via a referral. I was so honored I jumped at the opportunity. 

Well thank you to whomever referred you to the production team! Can you tell us more about how your ASC song “Plenty Love” was written? Was it written specifically for the show or was it intended for another reason at first?

I recorded plenty 5 years ago actually. Searching for the perfect song I wanted to perform on this show was tough, and I kept coming back to Plenty Love, which was written about how the world is needing love to heal. It’s so timely that I can perform it now, with all the chaos going on in the world. If I’m going to get on a stage for millions of Americans today, what else would I talk about but love? We need that. 

If you had the opportunity to collaborate with any of the other ASC artists on a new hit single, who would you choose to work with and why? 

I would love to work with Stella Cole, love her sound, and I think we’d create something dope!

Good thing you and Stela will hit the stage together tonight, fingers crossed for a collaboration to come from it! Speaking of, for our readers who want to connect with you ahead of or after the contest, where can they find you and your music?

@bristeves on all streaming platforms, IG twitter and Facebook. bristeves.com has everything you need. 

Alright, one last question for you – is there a final message you’d like to share with our readers?

I’m an artist that just wants to be remembered. I hope that everyone watching can feel the love when I perform PlentyLove. If I do nothing else, I want to leave people with a message- we need each other and we need love. 

Well Bri, I want to thank you again for your time and we wish you the best of luck in the American Song Contest! 

Remember #YOU can support Bri Steve’s on tonight’s episode of the American Song Contest at 8 PM Eastern/7 PM Central. #YOU can also jump into the ASC discussions on social media @ESCUnited, on our discord, or on our forum page!