Bio

Southern California born and raised, Rhian Bristol sings, writes music, plays piano, ukulele, bass, and guitar and is open to learning any instrument you put in her hands; however, by far her favorite thing to do is perform because it gives her the opportunity to share her experiences and move people. A consummate performer at a young age,  Rhian has a stunning ability to channel her feelings, joys and challenges into her music. Musician Peggy Lebo calls Rhian, “An incredibly dynamic, expressive performer who moves audiences to tears”.  

Rhian began her musical life at the age of 3, armed with an ABBA CD, Barbie microphone and mirrored closet door.  Since then, she has known what she has wanted to do.  Be a musician.   Writing her first song at age 9, she continued to learn more and more about her craft and use her life’s experiences to fuel her passion for musical expression.  At the age of 16, Rhian won the national Quincy Jones Musicianship Award.  She has performed in local venues all over San Diego including The Roxy Restaurant, Tower 13, Aztec Brewing, West Brew, North City, Leucadia ArtWalk, The Hop Stop, Queen Bee’s, Encinitas Street Fair, UNIV, La Costa Coffee and the San Diego County Fair.  

Recognized by the San Diego Union Tribune and 92024 Magazine for her music and songwriting, Rhian's original song, “A War That Can’t Be Won” about civil rights activist Juliette Hampton Morgan gained nationwide attention.  92024 magazine noted, “Rhian [has] combined her passion for music with her desire to help people heal in a way that has reached far beyond the scope of a class assignment.”  

Often asked what her favorite style of music is, Rhian answers, “I love all genres of music. I believe that all music is a form of expression so who am I to judge whether that expression is good or bad. So I listen to every kind of music I can access.” 

Rhian earned her BFA in Music, Voice Arts Performance with a minor in Music Theory at California Institute of the Arts and is pursuing her Master's Degree in Popular Music Teaching and Learning at USC Thornton School of Music.  She continues to write and perform both original music and covers and The National Anthem whenever she can.  Experience her power of storytelling, her connection to her audience and the emotion of her music in person.  To contact Rhian for live performances or to perform The National Anthem, please use the contact form. 

 

"Rhian Bristol has, and is, a powerful voice." Musician and teacher, Isaac Langen