Bad Decisions - Brianna Knight’s Grown & Sexy Era
Released in April 2022, Brianna Knight’s new single Bad Decisions is an ambiguous tale that leaves the interpretation open for listeners. Since the release of her hit single So Deep, she has grown exponentially as an artist. In this interview, Brianna delves into her development as an artist over the past two years and what supporters can expect next.
Photo courtesy of Brianna Knight.
Alicia F.: What is some growth that you've noticed yourself, or your artistry since releasing So Deep?
Brianna: I definitely have to say more confidence. I have a bit more bass in my voice, especially performance wise. We’re just vibing out and if you vibe with me, you vibe with me. I feel like a lot of the time I felt like all over the place because I felt like again like I had to prove a point that I've got it but I feel like if you have something gifted from the universe, you don't have to prove that you have it. I feel like people could just see it on you as soon as you open your mouth as soon as you speak. It's like the work speaks for itself.
Reflecting on the release of each single, Brianna felt like the confidence is what was missing from So Deep. While receiving an immense amount of praise for a single that’s now racked up over one million streams, she was then more hesitant to express her joy and excitement for the single. However, that has since changed.
Brianna: I feel a bit more mature and like how I go about things and speak to people now with way more comfort in performing complete neo-soul and not feeling like I have to compensate for other people.
Her newly found comfortability and vulnerability shined throughout Bad Decisions. Inspired by a past fling that many people can relate to, the tale is left in a “weird spot” (as Brianna said) instead of a definite story ending. Take a listen to how Brianna describes her thoughts behind Bad Decisions.
Alicia F: I know that we’re here to talk about Bad Decisions and we’ve already talked about it a bit, but I want to know who or what inspired Bad Decisions, from the moment that you felt inspired to write it and the moment you released it.
Brianna: It actually started off as a poem that I wrote years ago, back when I was trying to figure out dating completely before my lovely partner. And I was all over the place because nobody gives us a book that says ‘This is what you don't do,’ especially us young Black girls.
Brianna surely accomplished her later mentioned goal of being a voice for young Black girls who have difficulty navigating life, whether it’s trying to find yourself personally, in the dating world, etc. As a rising superstar, her career shall go lengths farther than what many can imagine.
Photo courtesy of Brianna Knight
Alicia F: Did you envision your music career to go in the direction that it has so quickly, or was it just like a part of what was your imagination and it just manifested itself into reality?
Brianna: I just let God lead the way - that’s the best way I could put it. I got featured at the Apollo twice, and you would think I would have taken it seriously. But I still was like ‘Nobody wants to listen to me, let me just figure out some stuff.’ I just was like, I know that God has big plans for me, I just don’t know what it is.
I could be down band working two jobs, taking 10 classes, dealing with crazy family stuff, crazy relationship stuff, and I still was gonna practice music, I was still going to pull up to a gig.
Brianna has always had people in her corner that have encouraged her to pursue a career in music, which has driven her community-first mindset.
Brianna: I feel like without community, I wouldn't be here. Shout out to the people who are just like lone wolves who've done it themselves. But I always suggest like, find community like you don't even have to do the same art. Some of my best friends are photographers, my close friends are poets, rappers, producers. So it's okay if they do different things.
Alicia F: What would you call this era of your music with the release of bad decisions?
Brianna: I wish it's a real word but grown-ly, very mature, very grown. There's no time for the extra games. No time for that. So when I tell these stories, it's as if like, your mother was telling you about back in the day. Even if people listen to the song, they're like, dang girl, you sound like you've been through some things!
Alicia F.: How do you see the next era of your music, your Grown & Sexy era going?
Brianna: I kind of see it allowing, especially Black women, to feel even more validated, to feel seen and to feel acknowledged and to feel that there is power. Sometimes when we talk about love when we talk about hurting, it doesn't feel powerful, it feels miserable. It feels sad. It feels like people are beating down. I'm not doing that baby!
Alicia F.: So do you think you'll be releasing an EP this year?
Brianna: Before the summertime or during the summertime, I'm hoping to drop a little something but I wouldn't call it an EP. I call it a collection of singles. That's what we're doing. And then next year, I definitely have a full on R&B EP for y'all.
The conversation with community-driven and soulfully gifted Brianna was nothing but joyful, inspiring and eye-opening as she spoke about her lifelong passion for her craft and how it’s guided her to the point that she’s at now.
Make sure to stream Brianna’s new single Bad Decisions here and follow her journey into her “grown and sexy” era!