by Guest Writer Brihana Juá
To be an artist is to be a conduit—a vessel for something greater. When I decided to pursue music at 14, I had no idea what that really meant. As a child, I wasn’t so afraid. I was raised by a single mother who showed me early on what it meant to be passionate and strong. Growing up in a small town with big dreams was isolating, but every step toward my vision brought me closer to spaces where I could truly express myself. Throughout my teenage years, I struggled with an aversion to crowds, shying away from the spotlight whenever I could. Part of me knew I was afraid to be seen beyond the superficial—my clothing, the bright-colored hair, the quirky glasses. Behind all that was a girl who had no idea what she was capable of. One day, I had a realization: If you’re always afraid to use your voice, no one is ever going to hear what you have to say. And let me tell you, I had plenty to say. My fear transformed into a dedication to becoming my truest self as an artist, but even with this newfound confidence, I felt something was still missing.
Living in Tampa, Florida, I didn’t have access to resources, mentors, or industry guidance. While I was devoted to being a musician, I realized I wasn’t yet in an environment where I could truly thrive. I spent countless hours alone in my room, listening to EPMD and Blackstar, studying music, and burning mixtapes. These dark, quiet corners helped me find my light, but they left me yearning for more. I was yearning for community.
"I never imagined that a room full of strangers could change my life in just three weeks. When I walked onto the Seattle University campus for The Residency’s summer intensive program, I felt a freedom I hadn’t known since childhood."
My family eventually moved to Georgia, close to my birthplace in Decatur. Despite reconnecting with my roots, I still felt somewhat like an outsider. Midtown Atlanta, however, is where I began to blossom. I signed up for open mics, sang on sidewalks, and pushed myself to overcome stage fright. Every failed performance was a chance to get better. I started performing at art galleries, joined my high school choir, and, at 17, began earning money for my performances. Yet, I still felt something was missing.
After graduating high school in 2019, I moved to the Pacific Northwest, and my journey took a transformative turn. I fell in love with Seattle’s music scene, where local artists embraced me with open arms. I quickly found myself performing at legendary venues like The Crocodile, The Columbia Tower, Abbey Arts, and The Royal Room. The creative energy here felt like the freedom I’d been seeking. In Atlanta, I was constantly told I was a Neo-Soul singer, but I knew I was so much more than that. My music has always been a blend of genres—from R&B and Alternative Rock to Blues, Jazz, Pop, and even Country. Seattle embraced my multi-dimensional self in a way that allowed me to show all facets of my artistry.
Seattle is also where I discovered The Residency. Founded in 2015 by Macklemore in partnership with MoPOP and Arts Corps, The Residency is a Seattle-based music program that provides youth from underserved communities with music education, mentorship, and performance opportunities. Focused on hip-hop and contemporary music, the program offers workshops with industry professionals and culminates in a live showcase, helping young artists build skills and confidence in the music industry. For me, The Residency became my home. It became the safe place in which I would cry, laugh, and rediscover who I am entirely.
Walk the Block, credit Mujale Chisebuka
I never imagined that a room full of strangers could change my life in just three weeks. When I walked onto the Seattle University campus for The Residency’s summer intensive program, I felt a freedom I hadn’t known since childhood. Nervous, yes, but free. Joselynn Engstrom, the Summer Intensive Program Manager, greeted me with a smile that instantly calmed my nerves. Surrounded by artists from all backgrounds and genres, I sensed we all felt a bit of anxiety, but Jace Ecaj’s voice cut through the tension. He asked, “What is Hip-Hop?” It was the first time anyone had asked me that question, and it pushed us to explore the roots and social impact of hip-hop. The question encouraged each of us to reflect not only on hip-hop’s origins but on our own roles in contributing to its legacy.
Our days were filled with nonstop work on our craft. Jace Ecaj and Erica Merritt led our vocal track, while Miguel Rockwell and DJ Cutz 1 led the production track. Their knowledge and creativity were invaluable, supporting each of us in our artistic growth. Each day we participated in exercises—from songwriting prompts to vocal warmups—that challenged us to push beyond our comfort zones. This year’s program emphasized going back to basics, understanding the roots of hip-hop, and exploring how that knowledge could inform our music today. Soon, what started as a group of strangers became a family. The first week gave us the opportunity to learn more about each other and ourselves.
As the second week arrived, we began forming bands and writing songs for our showcase at Chop Suey, which was held on Sunday, August 11th. We put everything we had into these rehearsals, juggling our own musical styles and personalities to create something cohesive. This process taught me how to collaborate, balance my work and personal life, and embrace the discomfort of growth. Between songwriting sessions, rehearsals, and vocal exercises, I built relationships that I will carry with me for life. Artists like Tazz Enrico, Kenshi Killzzz, and Isaiah Banks inspired me daily with their passion and drive. Every day I showed up with intention, keeping an open mind and heart. The closer we got to the showcase, the more we supported one another through every rehearsal. The Residency wasn’t just preparing us for a show—it was preparing us for life as artists. We attended a DIY Video Panel featuring The Residency Alumni, Rolando Robles, a Business 101 workshop with the Urban League, and other sessions that taught us how to treat our artistry as a business. Our teaching artists continued to cultivate a safe space for vulnerability and reflection, encouraging me to start teaching myself how to play piano.
"Having an offshoot of The Residency at ARTE NOIR will bring invaluable benefits to the community. It will create a safe space for artists of color to thrive, bridging gaps, making resources accessible, and preserving cultural vibrancy."
Prior to our showcase, I was given the incredible opportunity to facilitate a panel with Macklemore and co-founder of The Residency, Ben Secord. When Jace asked if I wanted to lead this panel, I accepted without hesitation, though I was filled with doubt. Was I worthy of speaking to these two pivotal figures in the industry? Then I remembered the self-reflection I had at 14: If you’re always afraid to use your voice, no one is ever going to hear what you have to say. Preparing for my first panel, Tools for the Journey: How to Work Towards Success as an Independent Artist, was a defining moment. For the first time, I felt truly recognized as an artist, with people invested in my growth.
The summer showcase was a powerful experience. For many of us, it was our first time performing on a professional stage, and the atmosphere was electric. Standing under the lights at Chop Suey, surrounded by friends, family, and community members, we each felt the culmination of weeks of hard work, growth, and courage. The audience saw us for who we truly were—artists with something to say. It was a night that marked the beginning of many journeys, a stage on which we could finally be our most authentic selves.
The Residency has also partnered with organizations like Bloodworks NW, using live musical performances to break down stigmas around blood donation. This collaboration has allowed me to share my voice not only as an artist but as an advocate for my community.
Performing at Walk the Block 2024, credit Hilary Northcraft
HOW THE COMMUNITY WILL BENEFIT FROM THE RESIDENCY'S OFFSHOOT AT ARTE NOIR
Having an offshoot of The Residency at ARTE NOIR will bring invaluable benefits to the community. It will create a safe space for artists of color to thrive, bridging gaps, making resources accessible, and preserving cultural vibrancy. The community will be able to witness and support the unique talent and drive of its young artists, uplifting voices that might otherwise go unheard.
As a queer woman of color, safe spaces to create are essential. Spaces like The Residency and now ARTE NOIR make it possible for me to show up as my full, authentic self without fear. They create a refuge for self-expression, exploration, and growth, especially in a world where it sometimes feels like the art and culture we cherish are being eroded. If it weren’t for The Residency, I wouldn’t be the artist I am today. Programs like these go beyond music; they nurture our identities and embolden us to take our art into the world. This isn’t just a program—it’s a transformative experience that molds artists, empowering them not only in their craft but as leaders in their communities.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brihana Juá is a self-taught musician and mentor whose journey through grief, loss, and self-discovery shapes the heart of her art. Raised in a Caribbean household in Florida, music was both a refuge and a constant companion. From singing herself to sleep as a child to the first time hearing Erik B & Rakim at age eight, music ignited a fire in her that would fuel her artistic path.
After losing her best friend Justin to gun violence at the age of 14, Juá's relationship with music deepened, transforming it into a tool for healing and a means to mentor others. Her debut song, Keep Moving, became both a tribute to Justin and a message of resilience that resonated deeply with those facing similar struggles.
Since then, she has dedicated herself to growth both as an artist and a mentor. Her early experiences—selling her first mixtape in eighth grade and performing at the ATL Improv at a kids' comedy show hosted by Cole Brown—laid the foundation for her continued exploration of music and self-expression. She has honed her craft through programs like GZ Radio, and The Residency, where she sharpened her skills and found support within the vibrant Seattle arts community.
Today, Juá is driven to share her light through music, using her art to empower others while staying true to her mission of growth, mentorship, and resilience.