Brianna Taylor has been seen stirring up trouble on MTV’s “The Real World: Hollywood” this season, but she’s hoping her musical talent will be what garners her recognition, more so than the reality show, where she has been open about her personal life struggles.

Her self-titled EP was released earlier this summer on Chamberlain Records and includes the standout songs “Summertime” and “Tragic.” “Summertime,” a song about searching for a long-lost love, is Brianna’s first single. “It definitely brought out a lot of feelings that I couldn't really express at the time,” says Brianna, who adds that she refuses to sing songs she “can’t relate to.” “I want to project the same feelings that I hear my favorite singers project. I've learned to release much of my anger, sadness, happiness, and other feelings through my music. It's definitely kept me out of trouble.” Tomas Costanza and Matt Bair from the band Eve 6 co-produced Brianna’s EP and wrote the songs. Blair also plays the guitar for Brianna’s music.

Brianna has never taken singing lessons, and defines her songs as “alternative-pop.” “I've always wanted to have music that all ages can relate to and enjoy,” she says of her work, “whatever people want to classify my music as, so be it... as long as they like it and I'm making them happy, I'm doing my part.” The Philadelphia native adds that dreams like hers can come true, and she advises her fans, “Anything you want to do in life, DO IT, whatever it may be. You're the only one that has to be happy with your decision in the end.”

Fans can learn more about Brianna at myspace.com/briannataylorofficial.

words by Rachel Sokol