By Cara Sheedy

All photos by Austin Ciezsko

20 Watts sat down with Bri Tolani to discuss her newest release “Hazy.” Watch her new music video below.

When did you first develop your love for music and who are some of your musical inspirations?

I have been in love with music for as long as I can remember. I was singing before I could speak. Starting in high school I started writing songs and covering songs on YouTube. Then I went to college and actually launched my singing career by collaborating with dozens of producers and Dj’s from around the world. My musical inspirations range every where from Halsey and Lauv to Linkin Park to John Mayer.

How have your experiences at Syracuse, especially in the Bandier program, influenced your career? Could you give specific examples?

The Bandier program is amazing because it’s so well connected. They know so many people in the industry and it’s nice to have that resource. Also, everyone in the program always has your back. It’s like one big family. The Bandier program as specifically impacted my career because of the advice I have been given from huge names in the industry - people that I would have no connection to if I wasn’t in the program. It’s also been amazing to collaborate with other students in the program, as there are many other artists like me.

What has the experience as a musician been like so far, after gaining popularity on Spotify and YouTube?

It has been quite a ride. One of my songs called “Why Do I?” became really successful and ever since then I have talked to hundreds of fans from around the world. It’s been such an eye openingexperience. It’s also amazing being able to do what I love and create art for a living. I am so grateful to have the career I do.

How is your new single ‘Hazy’ different from the past music you have produced?

Actually, “Hazy” is the first song I’ve ever produced. All of the other songs I have released I only wrote and sung them. But producing “Hazy” was really fun and taught me that I actually can produce music, which I encourage female artists to explore. “Hazy” is different from my other songs because it’s much more pop-leaning. My past songs have been very EDM influenced and “Hazy” is the transition for me from an EDM top liner to a pop singer. The song is also very emotional and vulnerable, since it’s about my experience struggling with anxiety and dissociation.

Why do you think it is important to incorporate mental health struggles into your music?

I think mental health deserves much more attention. ESPECIALLY in the music industry. So many people struggle in the dark and don’t know how to open up about their feelings, and I think keeping the conversation going is more important than anything. I want to let people know they are not alone and that struggling with your mental health is much more common than people think. Especially being an artist, it’s so important to stay in touch with yourself and make sure you’re putting yourself and your well being before your career.

All photos by Austin Ciezsko

What do you hope resonates with your audience when they listen to your music?

When they listen to “Hazy” I hope that they feel the emotion. This song means so much to me and I just hope it connects to others on a deeper level. Even if they don’t struggle with anxiety or anything like that, I think the lyrics can relate to a lot of people and help them feel less isolated.

Do you have a favorite moment of your career so far?

Probably shooting the “Hazy” music video. That was one of the best days of my life. The video shoot went so well and it came together so beautifully. The concept of the video is a mental health support group where different people share their stories and open up to the circle.

What do you hope the impact of this song and “My Thunderstorm Campaign” following the release of your music video will be?

I hope that the My Thunderstorm campaign can give people at outlet to get something off their chest. Everyone in life has some kind of baggage or weight pulling them down, and when people share their “thunderstorm”, I hope that it feels a little cathartic to them. I hope to build a community on social media where people can connect about their struggles.

Looking towards the future, do you have any plans to incorporate mental health and dissociation into your music further?

Absolutely. Going through these experiences has really made me realize how much I want to help other people and let them know they are not alone. I have dozens of songs written about my experiences with anxiety and dissociation and each song is very different. I think each song can connect to people differently. I think my best songwriting comes from my emotions and feelings so I will always continue to write about my struggles and what I am going through.