Conversations with Bre Williams

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bre Williams.

Hi Bre, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Music has always been the heartbeat of my life. As a child, I was immersed in an eclectic mix of sounds like soul, funk, and R&B filled the air around me, thanks to my grandmother, who ignited my passion for music. There was always a radio playing in the background of my childhood, and as I grew older, it became my constant companion. I can still remember those moments, dancing around my living room to the soulful melodies that shaped my early years.

In high school, I became known as the friend who curated the perfect mixes from the radio. I was never one to stick to a single genre; my appreciation for all types of music knew no bounds. I enjoyed exploring different sounds, discovering new artists, and sharing my finds with friends. This early love for music set the stage for what was to come.

In my twenties, I took my passion to the next level by collecting records. The thrill of hunting for unique vinyl and the joy of listening to them on my turntable was exhilarating. I had the incredible opportunity to work at music festivals like SXSW, where I gained valuable insights into the industry, created press kits for local artists, and connected with like-minded music enthusiasts. Yet, I always felt an itch to do more to express my love for music in a way that was uniquely my own.

The turning point came when my daughter went off to college. It was a bittersweet moment that prompted me to focus on my own aspirations. I realized it was time to invest in myself and pursue a long-lost dream: learning the art of DJing. With newfound determination,

I am incredibly grateful to mentors like Professor X, JMar The Wizard, and Mikey Sharks, who hosted a class dedicated to teaching newcomers the essentials of DJing. Their guidance and support laid the foundation for my journey as a DJ, igniting a passion I didn’t fully realize was waiting to be unleashed.

Now, I stand at the beginning of an exciting chapter, where I have the chance to share my love for music with others. The journey is still being written, and I am ready to embrace every beat, every mix, and every moment.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road for me. Balancing a full-time job while being a mother and pursuing my passsions has its challenges, and for many years, I put my dream of becoming a DJ on the back burner. There were moments when I felt like I was neglecting my own aspirations, prioritizing responsibilities over my passion. It’s a struggle that many women can relate to; finding time and space for themselves in a world that demands so much of them.

Stepping into the DJing scene, I’ve also encountered the realities of being a woman in a predominantly male environment. It can be intimidating at times, with the music industry fostering a culture that overlooks female talent. I’ve faced skepticism, and there have been instances where my skills were questioned simply because of my gender. It’s disheartening, but it has also fueled my determination to prove myself and carve out my own space.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m Bre, also known as BreYonna Beats, and I’m a passionate DJ with a deep-rooted love for music that spans genres from soul to funk and R&B. My journey into DJing has been fueled by a lifelong appreciation for music and a desire to share those rhythms with others. I specialize in creating vibrant mixes that not only get people moving but also tell a story through sound.

What I’m most proud of is having the courage to pursue my passion later in life, especially after dedicating so much time to my family and career. I’ve faced challenges along the way, particularly as a woman in a male-dominated space, but I’ve remained focused on my goal to bring more representation to the DJ scene.

What sets me apart from others is my authenticity and musicality I bring to my sets. I believe that every performance is a unique opportunity to connect with my audience and create a shared experience through music. I’m also committed to supporting local artists and giving back to the community that’s nurtured my journey. Each gig is not just a show for me; it’s a celebration of the incredible power of music to bring people together.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about Raleigh is the vibrant culture that surrounds us. Growing up in Southeast Raleigh has profoundly shaped who I am, and I appreciate the richness of our community. The blend of history, art, music, and the diverse people here creates a dynamic environment that continually inspires me. Even after living here for so long, I still discover new spots and experiences that make me fall in love with the city all over again, whether it’s a hidden gem of a venue or a local artist pushing the boundaries of creativity.

On the other hand, one thing I like least about the city is the sometimes slow pace of change. While Raleigh has grown significantly, I feel like there’s more potential for the creative scene to expand and flourish. It can be challenging to see certain areas overlooked when there’s so much talent and energy waiting to be tapped into. However, I remain optimistic that as more people dive into our local culture, we’ll see even more exciting developments that support creativity and foster community bonds. Overall, I’m grateful to call Raleigh home, a place where I can raise my family while nurturing my creative spirit.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/breyonnabeats
• Instagram: @BreyonnaBeats
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/miss-bre