Meet Britni Louise | Composer & CEO of 2oh1 Studios

We had the good fortune of connecting with Britni Louise and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Britni, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
Proverbs 18:16 “Your gifts will make room for you, and bring you before great men.”

When I first decided to pursue music full-time, I had no idea what that would look like for me. I had just spent 8 semesters getting an engineering degree I didn’t want because people told me that music wasn’t a real career, so I was scared out of my mind starting a new major. What I did know was that music was my life. Music was what I spent all my time doing and what I prioritized, even when I desperately needed to be focused on other things. I had to believe that that meant something, and that God wouldn’t send me on this journey if I couldn’t succeed in it. I came across this verse the summer before my first semester as a music major, and it felt like both an affirmation and a prophecy. It reminded me that, though I was embarking on a new journey, my gift has been with me all along. It got me to this point, and it would take me to heights I could never have imagined.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I started 2oh1 Studios in October 2020, at a point where I figured the world had more to gain than I had to lose. The year prior, I had a few (unpaid) industry internships that I’d hoped would turn into bigger opportunities later down the line. Those internships turned into an assistant job with an A&R, and that’s where I really learned everything I needed to know about the music business; At the top, there’s a whole lot of rich white men with MBAs and no musical acumen, and at the bottom are a whole lot of amazing, passionate, talented artists fighting for a spot that’s already been promised to someone else. A lot of those artists are my friends and found family, and as hard as I tried to use my proximity to get all of us a seat at the table, I eventually realized that their table was never a place that we needed to be. I had had enough of the rat race, and I felt like the only way to have a different experience was to create one. Thus, 2oh1 Studios was born. At our core, we are a multidisciplinary, Black woman-led artist collective designed to promote excellence and accessibility in the arts. Our main goals are to promote, develop, and resource Black artists so that they can do what they love, 100% of the time. We hold live performances, workshops, private lessons, industry mixers, masterclasses and so much more. What I’m most proud of is that every time an artist enters our space, there’s a guarantee that they’ll leave with more than they came with, be that support, confidence, or cash money! That last piece is especially difficult because extra money is hard to come by! So far, we are completely self funded. All of our revenue goes to our artists. It hasn’t been easy by any stretch. Our team is small, our capacity is limited, and we have more work in front of us than behind us, which can sometimes be daunting with such a large vision, but we’re committed. There are times when I wonder if it’s more work than it’s worth, but those thoughts are silenced every time we have an event or get booked for a commission. In those times, I am reminded that are work is necessary, and because of that, our gifts will make room for us!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I actually haven’t been to most of the big attractions in Atlanta, even though I’ve lived here for 10 years. Most of my favorite places are the backdrops for my personal memories, but they’re definitely worth the visit.

First things first, the trap music museum. I was a manager there, and before that worked almost 3 years as a cashier so I’m a little biased. The lines are long, but it’s definitely unlike any museum you’ve seen before. Plus, they have a full bar and a dj, so… it’s art and the club, all in one!

Next up, True Colors Theatre. Amazing, Black owned and operated theater, beautiful facilities, and they always have amazing plays on stage. See also: Dad’s garage, it’s an improv theatre, if you’re into that kind of thing.

Negril Village is a MUST whenever I have people in town. Literally the food speaks for itself. Don’t leave without trying the collard green spring rolls. Ray’s on the River is one of my favorite spots for Sunday brunch. Great food, great scenery and bottomless mimosas.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First giving honor to God! (jk, but seriously)… My mom and sister, who are by biggest supporters, my alma mater Spelman College, my baby love, Mr. Julian Rose , my best friends Maya, Rachel and NEITHER, Mike Daniels, aka the best boss I’ve ever had, and, last but not least, my 2oh1 team, Shekinah Kinlow, Courtney Marshall and Julia Dennis. I literally could not do any of this without them.

Website: 2oh1studios.com

Instagram: 2oh1_studios

Youtube: 2oh1 Studios

Image Credits
Kanarie Stodghill