EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Destiny Briona opens up about how vulnerability has shaped her and her music
Atlanta has always been a heartbeat for R&B, and emerging artist Destiny Briona is quickly proving she belongs among the names carrying the city forward. Her new album, i’m not crying, u are, is a moody, soul-baring body of work that positions her not only as a phenomenal artist to watch, but as one of R&B’s most authentic new voices.
The project drapes itself in atmosphere with an impact that lingers long after each song ends. Her quality has developed so much since the release of her first project, Off the Radar and the standout release from 2023, Girls From Atlanta.
At the core of this new album, isn’t just storytelling about resentment or longing; it’s about peeling back layers and daring to be vulnerable while accepting the past for what it was.
That’s exactly what Destiny did when she sat down with Novice Principles for a candid conversation. She opened up about the experiences that shaped the project, the lessons tucked within each track, and what it means to truly grow while the world is still just beginning to know her name.
What comes across is an artist unafraid to feel and to let her listeners feel alongside her.
Destiny Briona is not simply chasing the spotlight; she’s creating music that speaks, heals, and resonates.
With i’m not crying, u are, she steps into the conversation as a defining figure of R&B’s next wave, rooted in Atlanta yet destined to reach far beyond it.
Alex Cherry in conversation with Destiny Briona
Cherry: We have a one of Atlanta’s top R&B talents with us today. Riding the highs of her new album, i’m not crying u are, is Destiny Briona. How are you today?
Destiny: Thank you for having me!
Cherry: As a recording artist, you all go through a lot behind the scenes that people don’t see. How’s your mental health now that the album is out?
Destiny: It’s great right now. This was the perfect time for me to drop my project as a celebration of my birthday [August].
Cherry: August being a big month for you, how’s the feedback and reception for the album been?
Destiny: The feedback has been amazing and exceeded my expectations because I wasn’t expecting the amount of support I’ve received. I get messages all the time now saying “this is the best one yet” or “there’s no skips” so I am appreciating everyone who is listening to my music.
Cherry: We’ve enjoyed supporting your journey, but this is your official introduction to the Novice family in a way. We’d love to learn a little more about who Destiny Briona is.
Destiny: I’ve been making music seriously since 2016. At first I was doing covers to other artist songs and one I did for a Lil Yachty song (1 NIGHT) that went viral. From there, I was known as the girl who remixed that song and that’s not what I wanted to be defined as especially because I was making original music at the time.
I also met my producer Wave at the beginning of my career (Executive producer of Off The Radar and Girls From Atlanta) and we’ve been locked in for about 10 years now. It’s been history ever since.
I love communicating which comes with being a lover. That makes it easy for me to be vulnerable in my music.
Cherry: We’re in an era where your name is being included with other top artists of the new age for Atlanta. What does that recognition mean to you as well as being from Atlanta?
Destiny: I feel grateful to be in those conversations because you do want to be recognized for your work. I’ve been doing this practically on my own for a long time so it means so much. I represent Atlanta to the fullest so I am appreciative.
Cherry: What have you learned about yourself within the 2-year period between Girls From Atlanta and i’m not crying, u are?
Destiny: I don’t have to conform to a certain sound and can do whatever I want as an artist. That’s why there was a gap. I wanted to be confident in my next body of work. Even with Girls From Atlanta, performing those songs I was a little bored but I was at a different point in my life.
My loyalty is to Wave but I wasn’t very open to working with other producers. Both of us collaborating with other producers has helped us enhance my sound. The biggest thing I’ve learned is to not be stubborn in collaboration because it benefits me.
Cherry: On the self-titled track, the first words we hear are “Out of everyone you hurt me the most.” That seems to carry the theme of the album and how you’ve felt in a past relationship. Talk to us a little about the development of the album.
Destiny: There was no title originally but it came from that song because I wanted this to be the last time I talk about this past experience. I was shedding the last feelings of resentment but I’ve moved on and am happy now.
Be authentic and trust in your vision.
The best decision for me was approaching this album from a place of acceptance and being able to get out all the past feelings I had. This is probably my “moodiest” project yet.
Cherry: What was the hardest song for you to record?
Destiny: The hardest song was DND Queen. I really wanted to capture who I am. I am a homebody but I want my listeners to understand, maybe you’re not getting a certain side of me because it’s personal and I already share so much through my music and there’s moments I want for myself; It’s never personal though.
Cherry: You seem to be in a very great space now. What are you learning in your current relationship about yourself and the growth you’ve witnessed?
Destiny: I’ve learned a lot about my communication. I’m very much a perfectionist so sometimes it rubs people the wrong way and I don’t mean it to be that way. Having a partner, you bounce off each other so there’s things I am learning but also being taught.
Cherry: What does the rest of the year look like for you post-release?
Destiny: There will definitely be some visuals. Maybe a deluxe. I really just want to spend the rest of the year promoting the project. Hopefully this album brings more visibility so I can work with some artists and producers I want to work with.
I want people to feel seen when they listen to my music and be able to digest it in a way they can heal from it.
