Britani Washington Serenades Tiny Shed LA
On January 11th singer-songwriter Britani Washington visited Tiny Shed LA with guitar player Oscar Brown III to perform and record her original music.
What first got me into music was growing up in church and singing in the choir. I immediately found love for it and it’s never left me since.
Originally from San Francisco’s Bay Area and trained at the world-renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston, Britani Washington is ready to take Los Angeles by storm. With silky tones and vocal proficiency well beyond her twenty-two years, Britani is a tour de force.
Blessing us with her elegant R&B ballad, “Why,” which touches on doubt, fear, and insecurity, it’s clear that Britani belongs in front of a microphone. She was calm and centered--doing the true work of an artist: to make the intangible look effortless.
Britani was first introduced to music at an early age in church, where her grandfather was the pastor, whose title was later passed on to her father. She grew up in church, alongside her two sisters, and from there they started their journey in music together.
My twin sister and I studied music in college; we knew early on that we were meant to create music and thankfully we still pursue it today.
Growing up, Britani performed all throughout the Bay Area both solo and with her sisters, gracing stages from Oakland’s Got Talent to Oscar Grant’s movie premiere of Fruitvale Station. During her time at Berklee, where she studied Professional Music with a concentration in Music Business, she was constantly performing on and off-campus, blessing the city of Boston with her sleek, honeyed sounds.
If I could open for any artist it would either be for H.E.R. or Victoria Monet. They’re both my favorite artists in the industry and they are my daily inspirations when it comes to creating my own sound, lyricism, stage presence, and maintaining the true R&B sound.
Many artists feel overwhelmed by the business prowess it takes to make themselves heard in the industry--Britani has no deficit. She possesses the skill, passion, and business know-how, with a humble gratitude that we’re confident will take her far.
She recently released a music video for her single entitled, “Say to You,” and hopes to release the song this year, in addition to her first-ever project. Eager to meet and collaborate with new artists and producers, her excitement and sense of purpose are infectious. We’re excited too.
My experience in the shed was absolutely amazing. From the moment I arrived I was treated with so much respect to me, my accompaniment, and to my music, and that was such a great feeling.
Britani’s respect for her craft, her collaborators, and each new person she meets is palpable and refreshing. She lets her ego take the back seat and her sweet, dulcet tones do the work. Her heart is open and vulnerable, giving her audience the ultimate gift an artist can give their audience: a space to feel. The shed welcomed Britani and she welcomed us. We can’t wait to have her back.
A message I would like to leave my fans is that, don’t be afraid to be true to who you are. Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself, and if you ever feel overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, etc, it’s okay to ask for help.
Interview with Britani Washington
TSLA: How was your experience/time in the shed?
Britani: My experience in the shed was absolutely amazing. From the moment I arrived I was treated with so much respect to me, my accompaniment, and to my music, and that was such a great feeling. I felt completely comfortable with everyone and I was just really excited to be there and display my songs with them. I definitely look forward to coming back and collaborating with the Tiny Shed team again.
TSLA: What first got you into music?
Britani: What first got me into music was growing up in church and singing in the choir at an early age. I immediately found love for it, and it’s never left me since. My sisters and I all decided to pursue music further in high school at a performing arts school in Oakland, CA called Oakland School for the Arts. Then, my twin sister and I studied music in college at Berklee College of Music so, we knew early on that we were meant to create music and thankfully we still pursue it today.
TSLA: If you could open a show for any artist, who would it be?
Britani: If I could open up for any artist it would either be for H.E.R. or Victoria Monet. They’re both my favorite artists in the industry, and they are my daily inspirations when it comes to creating my own sound, lyricism, stage presence, and maintaining the true R&B sound.
TSLA: If it wasn’t music, what would you be currently doing?
Britani: It’s hard to picture myself not doing music, but if I wasn’t pursuing music as an artist, I would either be working in the music business industry or be an entrepreneur and create my own businesses. Like, my own shoe line, and create a non-profit organization that mentors young black woman on finances, personal growth, and building them to become successful women in this society.
TSLA: What is the one message you’d like to leave your fans?
Britani: A message I would like to leave my fans is that, don’t be afraid to be true to who you are. Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself, and if you ever feel overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, etc, it’s okay to ask for help. Make decisions that will only better and benefit you.
TSLA: Where’s your favorite place to perform?
Britani: I don’t think I have a favorite place as to where I like to perform yet, but I love to be in atmospheres where I can feel the crowds energy and where I can vibe with a live band.
TSLA: Do you collaborate with others? What is the process like?
Britani: I mainly collaborate with producers and musicians. The process can be very difficult to execute to the end, but I have been lucky to work with some great friends who I was able to create music with and were able to produce my songs. I’m hoping to meet more producers and songwriters who I can collaborate with, so I’m very excited about that.
Instagram: @foreverbritani
YouTube: Britani Washington