From time immemorial, there have been specific professions and roles that cater to certain genders. In the music industry, women are barely included in the creative process, but Brianna Roberts, AKA VIIbez, resolved to not be at the mercy of anyone while building a career of her choice in the music industry.
VIIbez started her journey as an engineer and was quite well-known all over Chicago. However, her inability to break into the fold for one reason or the other challenged her to take a new direction. She tried to get work in many studios, but being a woman prevented her from getting a job. Not one to wait for a miracle, she started working as a driver with the popular ride-hailing service Uber and saved some money to open her own studio. She then took it a notch higher by building her studio facility from scratch. Since she opened LSD Music Production Studios for operation, the studio has hosted many popular artists like Lil Zay Osama, Polo G, Kid Laroi, G Herbo, Calboy, Lil Reese, Lil Bibby, DJ L, JTk, and more.
As one of the few women who own and run a full-fledged music studio in Chicago and the United States, VIIbez’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring. Her determination, charisma, and business acumen are all qualities that helped keep her head high in an otherwise intimidating industry. At LSD Music Production Studios, VIIbez runs the day-to-day business while the engineers she has hired handle all the creative business of the studio. For the past four years, the studio has been the home for many underground, aspiring, and signed musicians out of Chicago. “Looking back at how far I have come with LSD Music Production Studios, I have witnessed many rappers start their careers and blow up, which is cool. I’m glad my beginning and my growth have played a role in the growth of others,” VIIbez said.
She attributes her interest in music as a form of escape from her anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues. Music became an outlet for her as it gave her peace. The intricacy of sound engineering drew her in, and the result of that is the creation of a professional, safe, and comfortable recording environment that LSD Music Production Studio is. Overcoming the scrutiny that comes with being a woman in the business is one of the challenges VIIbez faces daily, but she remains undaunted and focused on her journey. “Everyone tried to talk me out of building my own studio, and now I run a 6-figure business. Even until this day, I get many opinions thrown at me by men and women about how I do things, but I still manage to elevate year after year,” she revealed.
Over the next few years, VIIbez sees herself giving back to her community and becoming a notable philanthropist. Part of her plan is to create a scholarship for young creatives in Chicago to keep them away from the violent street life. “I hope to offer the youth the same guidance I received, which is mentorship and therapy through music. I also hope to provide resources that allow a lot of undiscovered talent an outlet to let their words and melodies be heard,” she said. Another one of her goals for the future is to expand to other cities and make LSD the place where musical dreams come to pass.
VIIbez believes her willpower and never-say-never attitude has brought her this far, and she wants everyone who reads or hears her story to adopt those qualities for themselves.
Learn more about Brianna Roberts, AKA VIIbez and her work at LSD Studios on the official website.
