Exposed Vocals just caught an exclusive with Bria Stender

My name is Bria Stender, and I’m a country musician from Des Moines, Iowa. I grew up surrounded by country and 80’s rock. My family has always been big into music. My great- uncle plays in a local band in Minnesota called Troubleshooter, so I grew up watching him perform on stage. I always loved watching people perform on stage and always knew someday that was going to be me.

I got my start around Des Moines singing the National Anthem at sporting events around the area. I tried out for every solo in choir from middle school through high school, and at 17 I moved to Nashville to go to school for Audio Engineering. To say I had the time of my life down there would be an understatement. I absolutely love Tennessee, and I can’t wait to go back! I met some amazing people who I’m currently partnering with to produce my first EP!

Right now, I’m singing in a family friend’s band called Spider Pigs, and doing acoustic gigs wherever I can. The feeling I get when performing can only be described as passion. I love it, and without it I would be lost.

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

Bria: I grew up in Des Moines, Iowa. My grandma is a huge country fan, and my mom is a concert junkie, so I was always surrounded by music. I’d watch award shows, and my family and I were big American Idol fans. I’d see artists performing on those shows, and I knew that was going to be me someday.

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

Bria: I just kept my name. It isn’t a very common name, so I figured it’s unique enough to make an impact.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

Bria: I think it’s s great way to get your music out there if you’re just starting out. You have to gain a fan base somewhere. I also think it’s important to limit how much you share online. Most of us are hoping to make a living off of our music, and you can’t do that if you’re giving it away for free.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Bria: Take every opportunity you can! It doesn’t matter if it’s a local talent show where there’s only going to be 20 people or opening for a band you e never heard of. You never know who is going to be watching you, and it’s a great way to gain more fans. Your fan base is what will make or break you, so build it up!

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

Bria: Oh my gosh yes! I feel bad whenever I make a mistake performing, I mean everyone is there to see a good show right? But you have to remember you’re only human, and humans screw up! No matter what anyone says, practice does NOT make perfect. Just do your best and have fun. If you’re having a blast, so will everyone else.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

Bria: Not at the moment. I’m hoping to once I finish my EP, so I’ll make sure to post all of the fun on Facebook and Twitter then!

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

Bria: Most of my latest songwriting ideas have come from past experiences. Putting them on paper is a great healing process for me. I can usually get a verse and a chorus done before I hit writer’s block. When that happens, I send what I have to a good friend of mine in Tennessee, Chris Coursey. He’s an amazing songwriter, and he never fails to finish my thoughts perfectly! Check him out!

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

Bria: I use Facebook and Twitter, mostly Twitter. I also have a reverbnation page, soundcloud, pretty much any music sharing platform that’s out there.

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

Bria: I still have all my old high school breakup songs! Damaged by  Danity Kane, Desperate by David Archuleta, and (probably the worst) 7 Things by Miley Cyrus.

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

Bria: Most of that money would go to the dog rescue I volunteer for , AHeinz57. They’re in the process of constructing a new building, and I would love to see that get done soon! The rest of it would go towards recording and touring! A whole year of music! What could be better than that?

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

Bria: I don’t have any equipment myself, so I record in Nashville with some good friends of mine. They use ProTools.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

Bria: Networking and social media! Whenever anyone asks me what I do, I always say I preform country music. That usually leads to a “let me know the next time you’re playing”, and I always do. The more people you talk to, the more people they will talk to. I couldn’t tell you how many times someone has said “So-and-so told me to look up your music, and I loved it!”

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

Bria: Kellie Pickler! She’s my spirit animal! But really, I just adore her! She is a huge inspiration! She’s adorable and funny, and she has an amazing voice. I’m waiting for season 2 of I Love Kellie Pickler to come out. I LOVE KELLIE PICKLER!

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Bria: I’m in the process of recording my debut EP, and I’ve connected with an amazing videographer from Ohio, Brent Farlow, to make some music videos for a couple of the songs! I can’t wait to show them off!

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

Bria: I have a degree as a Veterinary Technician, so when I’m not making music, I’m at the clinic being an animal nurse.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

Bria: The first album I ever got was NSYNC’s No Strings Attached. I was obsessed with them! (I may or may not have had a huge crush on Justin.) I couldn’t wait to get it home and stick it in my CD player.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

Bria: I work full-time, so it gets pretty tough, but I love it! If it’s something you love, you find the time because it makes you happy! When I have a stressful day, I unwind by picking up my guitar and practicing for a while.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?

Bria: My debut EP, amazing music videos, and of course a ton of performances!