Vienna-based artist Brini has built a creative identity that extends far beyond music. As a singer-songwriter, dancer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Austria’s largest heels dance community, she has consistently explored the connection between movement, confidence, and self-expression.
Her latest single 'The Way I Move' brings those passions together in a vibrant fusion of amapiano, pop, and R&B, celebrating not only the joy of dance but also the ways we navigate life, growth, and personal freedom. With its uplifting energy, infectious rhythms, and deeper message of inclusion and empowerment, the track marks another exciting step in Brini’s artistic journey.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
My body and my voice. I have such a strong connection to both because dance was the first language I ever learned, and to this day it remains one of my favorite forms of expression. I also actively use my body as an instrument when writing music. I often start moving to a draft or even choreographing to it, and through that process I instinctively know where to place certain accents, beats, sounds, or effects. Sometimes a song begins with a feeling that first expresses itself through movement before it sparks a melody or lyric. I've always been drawn to instruments like DJ decks, bass guitar, drums, and the handpan. I recently bought a secondhand bass and am excited to start learning it. My goal is to eventually incorporate bass playing into my live shows and make it part of my performance world.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Everything Pop, R&B, Funk, and Soul. I was, and still am, a huge Michael Jackson fan. My mom told me the other day that I wouldn't even want to fall asleep without listening to Michael Jackson on cassette through my headphones. And then there was Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On." That was my go-to front-of-the-mirror performance song at home when I was little. I can still vividly remember those moments, even though I was very young.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I had a few homemade cassettes with Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, and Michael Jackson on them that I listened to all the time as a kid. I still have them, actually—and they still work! As for a full album, I think it might have been Preluders. They were a German pop girl group that I absolutely loved. Another early album I bought was Riot! by Paramore.
What is the one song you wish you could have written yourself?
"Dying 4 Your Love" by Snoh Aalegra.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I usually stick to my daily routines, make a gooood decaf French press coffee, light a beautifully scented candle, and put my phone on Do Not Disturb, or sometimes turn it off completely, so I can settle into a focused flow state. Other times, though, inspiration just hits me out of nowhere and I have to start working immediately. In those moments, there’s no ritual involved whatsoever. One thing I always do before heading into a session is stop by a bakery and bring pastries for the team. Usually it's either Zimtschnecken (similar to cinnamon buns) or Viennese Punschkrapferl, so we all have something sweet to snack on while working.
Who are your favourite artists you've found yourself listening to lately?
Cleo Sol, Kehlani's new album of courseee and recently her demo "Lights On" as well. Also Destin Conrad, Jae Stephens, Shay Lia (love her), and Snoh Aalegra, who is basically my soundtrack every time I fly. I've also been listening to Demi Lovato's latest album, there are some extremely fire tracks on there. Then there's kwn, Don Toliver, Tyla, Adanna Duru, FRENKIE (a really cool Swiss artist), Dariel Amant... Ughhh, so many!
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Victoria Monét. It would be the greatest honor. And thinking about the direction my musical journey is heading, FLO would be a dream too.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The music itself and the fact that I get to be fully who I am. I love the entire process. I just looooove music, creating, and expressing myself in different ways. From writing a new song to developing the visual storytelling, the fashion, and even the marketing strategies behind it. I love bringing joy to people through performance, inspiring hope, making people feel alive, and creating moments that bring people together. Music can have such a powerful positive impact on people's lives and on your own. Music heals on so many levels, and I think we need that now more than ever.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Fair payment and the structural issues that make being an artist or musician harder than it should be - especially for womxn, and even more so for womxn of color. The lack of respect for the incredible work artists and musicians contribute to society. Overall, simply Respektlosigkeit. I'm intentionally leaving that word in German because it carries so much more weight than "disrespect" does in English. Some things just sound harsher and more outraged in German, and for this word in particular, I'm here for it. Also: random people online giving unsolicited degrading opinions. AI-generated art, along with corporations supporting it in ways that put musicians and artists, people who've spent their entire lives honing their craft, at a disadvantage or make it harder to earn a fair living.
What is the best piece of advice you've received as a musician?
It's not exactly advice, but I think most of us struggle with feeling like we're not good enough from time to time. A dear friend once said to me: "Not even Whitney Houston would have been able to sing like you." And something just clicked. We all have something beautiful to offer. Doubts are human, but only you have your voice, your perspective, and your soul. Learn to trust it. You’re much stronger than you think.
-
Brini's new single 'The Way I Move' is out now. Check it out in the player below.