FFFC Gala 2023 featured performers interviewed by Anna-Lisa Jakobsson-Zaffke
Tell us a little about yourselves, where do you live, how did you two meet, and do you have a connection to Finland and FFFC?
Bri:
My name is Brisila Barros known as Barbie Bri, I have been singing since I could remember and I am currently actively pursuing my musical career as a full time artist. I was also working with a few artists as a background vocalist, and I am currently working full time gigs as a cover singer.
Sky and I met through mutual acquaintances in the music industry and have been inseparable since. We are very similar in many aspects, we love sharing music, getting together to song write, record new ideas, and help each other out musically or genuinely everything one another needs.
I personally do not have a connection with Finland or FFFC, however Sky and her family are from Finland and I am extremely honored to participate in something that represents their country.
Sky:
My name is Skylar Carroll also known as Skyz , I’m Finnish-American so you could imagine how involved I am with the Finnish community here in Lake Worth, Florida. I have volunteered at the Midnight Sun Festival for several years and performed as a singer this past spring. Bri and I met through mutual acquaintances in the music industry. Bri has been helping me vocally and is currently teaching me the ins and outs of the gig world since she has a lot of experience with performing for events, weddings, etc. She has made me view music as such a positive outlet for expressing myself. She pushes me to be the best I can be. I appreciate her more than she knows for being my music partner/ mentor.
You will be the featured performers, at this year’s FFFC gala. How do you feel about that, and what are your expectations for the evening?
Bri:
I am grateful to be considered to be a part of this special night as one of the featured performances.
My expectations for the evening are high, due to the selection of songs we are preparing. I am expectant of a lot of dancing, sing-alongs, and fun!
Sky:
I’m very thrilled to be apart of this years FFFC gala especially when sharing the stage with such an amazing partner that I look up to. I’m really just looking forward to seeing everyone enjoy their night and dance.
Do you have a background in music, that is, are you students of music at this point? What kind of music is of interest to you?
Bri:
My background in music has been expanding over the years, I have had the opportunity to be in several singing competitions, such as La Voz Kids, El Factor X winning 4th place, and La Voz making it to semi finals. I have also been honored to work with Prince Royce as a backup singer on a 42 city tour, Including big channels like SiriusXM and Tiny Desk. Ive also worked on projects for award shows doing demos, background vocals for artist like Leslie Grace, Cierra Ramirez, Luis Fonsi. Throughout the years I have been exploring many different genres and working on many different types of sounds but I still have yet to figure out what is my lane. I am a versatile artist and just LOVE all types of music and I cannot seem to commit to just one. I am also currently working with a top notch band called Libido and we do weddings, and corporate events. This opportunity has been helping me grow vocally and physically.
Sky:
I’ve always been in the music scene ever since I can remember, singing at recitals and plays. I really started taking music seriously when being apart of a music program at the high school I went to considering we got to perform at various venues , learned how to use logic pro software , and learned music theory as well. I went to ”Heo ” a music college in finland for a one year program and it was an ehe opening experience to say the least. I have been writing songs for awhile now and excited to say I am close to releasing my first single very soon! My future plans are to continue making music and eventually form a band to gig with.
What kind of music will you perform at the gala, how did you come up with it, and how have you prepared for this performance?
Bri and Sky:
Our song selection is very special to us, and we are keeping it a secret! Just expect a lot of sequin, sparkles, dancing and lots of singing along, (So we hope!) Sky and I are a fan of this music, and we are basing our performance based on one of OUR favorite movies, (That’s the only hint!) We have been meeting once of week to perfect vocals and finalize wardrobe, we are extremely excited for this opportunity.
-What are your plans for the future, do you expect to work in the music industry, and will you continue your studies in music, as well as performing together?
Bri:
Giving my daughter stability is my main goal in life, and one way to give her happiness is maintaining myself happy. Music has always made me extremely happy, and using the gift God gave me as a source to work to provide for my daughter is just my ideal full term GOAL. I am currently working on different projects, multiple jobs in the music industry, and will continue too!
Sky and I will continue to work on many more projects. Such as gigging together and potential collaborations.
Sky:
My plan for the future is to continue writing music whether it be just for myself or others and definitely form a pop punk/rock band to travel and gig around the world and perform on cruise ships as well at some point. I will go wherever music takes me to be completely honest. Performing with Bri genuinely keeps me motivated and on track to keep pushing
with my music career when at times i feel discouraged; so saying that , I hope to continue working with her.
-How easy/difficult do you think it will be for you to find work, in the music industry? What problems do you see for artists at this time and do you feel a need and will to perform, come what may?
Bri and Sky:
Being connected to the right people is the MAIN key to be considered in the music industry. Consistency, dedication, and hard work will always pay off when you are being watched by the people you connect with in the industry. Gratefully I have been connected to high caliber producers, song writers, managers that have opened many doors for me and continue too.
The problems I’ve witnessed as an upcoming artist is mainly restriction of creativity. Most of the time people like me want to get signed out of desperation to dip their foot in the water but get stuck doing music that they FULLY don’t enjoy making or envisioned themselves doing because of what’s relevant at the moment or “trending.” I think free will is SO IMPORTANT when it comes to a career YOU are desperately trying to pursue, you want to get in TO ENJOY AND LOVE THE PROCESS and express yourself through YOUR sound and YOUR lyrics, not what everyone might be doing because its “in.” Finding a producer, or manager that’s willing to accept and respect that before signing or working on any sort of project is important from the jump.
Come what may, I will perform as long as its not endangering anybody around me or myself. Show must go on baby 😉
Ameriikan ihmisiä 