P&P Spotlight: Andi Brielle

At just 18 years old, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Andi Brielle is beginning to carve out a space that feels entirely her own. Blending indie soul, alt-pop, and R&B influences, Andi’s music feels like an open journal, capturing the quiet tension between control and surrender. As she steps into the spotlight with her debut single “Imagine,” her sound strikes a balance between ethereal and grounded.

Fueled by her deeply rooted self-awareness, “Imagine” reflects the moment between holding on and letting go. The production is atmospheric and dreamy, with synths and heartbeat-like percussion that enhance the track’s immersive, cinematic feel. Between its introspective lyrics and its soft, yet powerful vocals, the song gives you an almost meditative experience. 

Recently, we had the privilege of catching up with Andi. We’re deeply inspired by her sincere expression of emotion, as well as the way she embraces vulnerability in her art and daily life! Keep reading for our full conversation with her. 

Image credit: Carlos Guaico, graphic created by Karly Ramnani

YOU'LL LOVE ANDI BRIELLE IF YOU LISTEN TO: Billie Eilish, Jhené Aiko, SZA, Lizzy McAlpine, Arlo Parks, Cleo Sol, FKA twigs, Etta James, Clairo

What artists did you grow up listening to, and who’s on your playlist today? How have all of these names impacted your sound over the years?

I think one of the longest-standing artists I’ve loved is Billie Eilish. She’s been my favorite since I was a kid. I also really love H.E.R., and I’ve always been inspired by artists like Etta James and Nat King Cole. My influences come from a mix of genres, including indie, soul, R&B, alternative, and pop. Lately, I’ve been listening to Thee Sacred Souls a lot, especially after seeing them live.

All of these artists have shaped my sound in different ways, especially when it comes to tone and production. I’m really drawn to that soft, ethereal quality, especially in Billie’s music, where it feels almost weightless. When I listen, it feels like I’m floating, and that’s something I want to create for other people. I want my music to feel immersive, like it surrounds you and becomes something you can physically feel.

At what point in your life did you discover your passion for writing and performing music? What makes now feel like the perfect time to begin releasing your own songs?

I’ve loved performing for as long as I can remember. My mom always says I was singing before I could even speak, so it’s always been something that feels natural and comforting to me. Writing has also been a part of my life for a long time, but it’s definitely grown with me. When I was younger, it was more about expression in the simplest form, but as I’ve gotten older, it’s become more intentional and personal.

For a long time, I didn’t feel ready to release music because I didn’t fully know who I was yet. I think it’s hard to share yourself with other people when you’re still figuring that out. Now, I feel more grounded in my identity, and that’s made it easier to take that step. A lot of my music reflects navigating anxiety and learning how to be present in my own life, and getting to that point is what made this feel like the right time to finally share my work.

What made “Imagine” the perfect song to choose as your debut single? What sort of first impression do you hope it leaves on fans?

“Imagine” felt like the right debut because it’s so rooted in identity and introspection. It really captures where I am emotionally and mentally, and it almost feels like I’m letting people read a page out of my journal. I wanted my first release to be something honest and vulnerable, because I think that’s the easiest way to truly connect with people. As a psychology major, I’m really drawn to understanding emotions and human connection, and that naturally comes through in my music.

I hope the first impression it leaves is that I’m open and willing to be vulnerable. I want people to feel like they’re being invited into my emotional world, not just listening from a distance. More than anything, I want listeners to feel that sense of connection, like they’re not alone in what they’re feeling, and that this is a space where emotions are welcomed rather than hidden.

What made you want to explore the idea of surrendering control in “Imagine”?

Exploring the idea of surrendering control came from realizing how much of life is actually out of my hands. For a long time, I felt like I had to shape myself to fit certain situations or environments, and that created a lot of pressure. Letting go of that control has been a big part of growing into who I am and learning to trust the process.

As I’ve started to do that, I’ve noticed that the right people and spaces naturally begin to align with me. Instead of constantly trying to adjust myself, things start to feel more authentic and natural. That shift in perspective really inspired the song, because it reflects that moment of acceptance and the understanding that you don’t have to force everything for it to fall into place.

Image credit: Carlos Guaico

How did you come up with the concept for the “Imagine” music video? In what ways do you hope the natural imagery reflects the themes of the song?

We actually shot the “Imagine” music video in my hometown, which felt really important to me. It’s a place where I feel the most comfortable, and that sense of familiarity helped bring the concept to life. We filmed a lot of it in the hills, which are places I associate with peace and letting go. They’re spots I would go to with my friends just to sit, relax, and be present, so it naturally connected to the theme of surrendering control.

I also really wanted the visuals to feel earthy, grounded, and natural. There are moments with the beach, the wind, and even small details like birds, and all of that ties into the emotional core of the song. For me, connecting to nature is a way of letting go and recognizing that there are things bigger than you. I think that grounded, organic imagery helps reflect the idea of releasing control and just allowing yourself to exist within something larger.

Did you produce “Imagine” by yourself or work with a team? What inspired the dreamy sonic choices in the song?

“Imagine” was definitely a collaborative process. I worked closely with a producer named Carlos Loslito, who I’ve actually known since I was a kid because he worked with my mom, who is also a singer. Being around that environment growing up made it feel really natural to come back and create with him now. We also worked with another producer, Marcial, and together it felt like a really supportive and creative space.

The dreamy sound came from a mix of our influences. I’m really inspired by artists like Tame Impala and Arctic Monkeys, while Carlos brought in his own inspirations as well. We all gravitated toward creating something that felt ethereal and immersive, almost like being in a dream. I wanted the song to feel euphoric and transportive, like you’re stepping into a different emotional space when you listen to it.

You’ve described music as a lifeline, one that lets yourself and others feel, connect, and heal. In what ways does your creative process with “Imagine” reflect this philosophy?

“Imagine” really mirrors the way I process and heal through things in my own life. It starts with awareness, recognizing when something feels off, like I’m not fully present or connected to my own experiences. From there, it becomes a space for reflection, where I can sit with those feelings and try to understand them instead of avoiding them.

Then it shifts into imagining what things could look like if I worked through those fears and allowed myself to heal. That’s where the dreamlike elements come in, thinking about what it would feel like to fully live, to feel everything more deeply. Since writing the song, I’ve actually experienced that growth, and I think sharing that process allows listeners to reflect on their own lives and maybe recognize where they’re holding on too tightly instead of letting themselves just be.

Image credit: Carlos Guaico

If “Imagine” had a visual aesthetic or mood board, what would it include?

The mood board for “Imagine” is very soft and earthy. I’m really drawn to neutral tones like creams and browns, along with subtle pops of color like pinks, oranges, and greens. Everything feels very natural, almost like early spring, where things are starting to feel warm and alive again.

There’s also a sense of softness and comfort that I wanted to carry through visually. It’s meant to feel gentle and inviting, like a safe space for people to sit in their emotions. That warmth and grounded feeling is really important to me, especially for a first release, because I want listeners to feel at ease when they step into my world.

What does “Imagine” build up to? Is there anything specific, such as an EP, album, or show announcement, that fans should be on the lookout for?

“Imagine” is definitely just the beginning. There’s more music already in the works, and we’re currently moving toward a second release. I’ve also been staying active on social media, sharing content and connecting with listeners while everything continues to build behind the scenes.

There will be more opportunities coming after this release too, including covers and other creative projects. I really want to keep the momentum going and continue sharing different sides of myself as an artist. This is only the start, and there’s a lot more to come.

Finally, the Playlists & Polaroids classic! What’s a lyric from “Imagine” that really stands out to you? Walk us through the process of writing it and how it speaks to you personally.

A lyric that really stands out to me is, “I try to hang on, but I know at some point I let go. It’s the death of a moment, overwhelmed by my control.” That line came from thinking about how fragile moments are, and how easily they can slip away if you try too hard to control them instead of just experiencing them.

To me, it represents that turning point between holding on and finally letting go. It’s the moment where you realize that trying to control everything is actually what’s keeping you stuck. That realization is painful, but it’s also where growth begins, and that’s why that lyric feels so important to me.

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Overall, “Imagine” serves as the perfect introduction to the gentle but vast musical landscape that Andi Brielle is creating. Though it stems from her unique experiences, “Imagine” allows listeners to reflect on their own feelings as well, providing them with an outlet for emotional uncertainty. This multi-dimensional debut simultaneously establishes Andi as an artist and meets listeners where they’re at in their own healing. As we keep up with Andi’s musical journey, we’re excited to see the ways in which her immersive world will evolve. Here’s a playlist we’ve curated to capture her vibe!