CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — Imagine writing a song in your bedroom at 19 years old -- and four years later -- performing it live in front of hundreds of people.

That's exactly what happened to Johnstown native Bryana Appley.

"Having my original music finally recorded and released to the world is something that I have been dreaming about since I was little," she told 6 News.

The 2017 Richland High School graduate grew up surrounded by music at home and at school.

I would sneak away from lunch -- and go up to the music hall closet -- and just be up there the whole lunch with my guitar, writing my songs, hoping that someday something might come from it," Bryana told 6 News.

Bryana graduated in 2021 from Point Park University as a Sports, Arts and Entertainment Management major to follow her dream.

This week, she performed at the popular STAGE AE in Pittsburgh after being selected as a "Pioneer Star"

The Pioneer Star Showcase was presented by Pioneer Records, where those selected were "managed" like a professional artist.

Professional photos provided by Stephanie Michelle of Emerald Photography LLC.

Bryana says performing on the big stage was a full circle moment.

As a freshman in college, I actually interned at Stage AE. We went from hanging up the posters in the bathroom before the shows to actually being able to take the stage and debut my original music," she said.

Bryana performed her original song titled "More To You" -- with her family in the audience -- and her brother Kevin Appley Jr. taking the stage with her.

"I was lucky enough to have my brother come out and drum for me. It was just so awesome to have both of us out there on the big stage," Bryana told 6 News.

Making this even more special, Bryana was a COVID college student with the world shutting down her junior year.

"It was so unfortunate, especially being in the live event and entertainment industry, because we were the first to shut down, and we were the last to reopen," Bryana said.

With venues back open again, her dreams are finally starting to come true.

There's almost like this energy that's come back to concerts again, and being together again -- with your friends and family -- and celebrating. It's been really special to be able to do that again when we couldn't for so long," Bryana told 6 News.

Now Bryana is inspiring the next generation of performers from small towns to make it to the big time.

"The biggest thing is just step out of your comfort zone, get out there, but never forget where you came from," she says.

"I don't want my songs to be about me -- and 'hey look at me and what I'm doing' -- but I want it to make somebody else feel good, and somebody else feel happy and important, or like they can relate with their situations."

Bryana received multiple scholarships from the Taco Bell Foundation's Live Más Scholarship program, which she says proves why timing is always right.

"The Johnstown Taco Bell -- that was the last place I wanted to work -- I wanted to be a waitress or something and make tips. But all happens for a reason. Just trust that and know there is a plan," she told 6 News.

Bryana's original song "More To You" -- and the professionally produced music video for the song -- will drop early this summer.

Follow Bryana Appley on her social media platforms -- website, Instagram, and Facebook -- to keep an eye out for the release.

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