Exposed Vocals Interviews Mark J. Brenniser
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Mark J. Brenniser: I am a D.I.Y. Guitar player from West New York, New Jersey right next to New York City. I come from an interracial marriage with my mom being Cuban and my father Irish. I started listening to rock music as a kid but when I was 10 years old I heard AC/DC DIRT DEEDS DONE DIRT CHEAP and my life was never the same again. Throughout the years I saw local friends pick up instruments and start bands so at 16, my mom bought me a guitar. I played my first gig at the high school talent show where I won first prize and that was 1986. I haven`t stopped since.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Mark J. Brenniser: I decided to use my own name for the band because I have been in so many bands where people argue over what to call the band and since I am writing all the songs and recording them, it is my project and I answer to no one but myself.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Mark J. Brenniser: I think the industry ate itslef up. The CD was a great invention and instead of the albums staying the same price at 8 or 9 bucks when I was a kid, they are now at 17 bucks a CD. That`s crazy. I have no problems giving away a couple of songs but ultimately, we ALL want people to buy our albums. D.I.Y. Artists cannot charge 100 bucks a concert ticket to survive like Metallica do now. I put my CD for sale at CDBABY.COM for 8 to 9 dollars an album and give you 10 songs. That`s a dollar a song which I think is fair since I am paying for the copyright and advertising campaign. I have been lucky that people are liking my music and actually buying the CD download
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Mark J. Brenniser: Make sure everyone in the band has the same goals and dedication. Hardest thing is to keep a band together wanting to do the same thing. That is why I choose to do it myself. Build up a fan base with other bands in neighboring towns who play the same style of music. With the internet, you can easily find bands who play like your style and trade shows. Also, you want people to go to your shows, you better go to their shows and make yourself known. It`s called support. Also. If someone in the band isn`t cutting it, Don`t be hesitant and pull the plug on that person. Too many people want to be in a band and do NOT understand the hard work it entails to get your songs right.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Mark J. Brenniser: I usually try to think of the drums first. Very weird especially since I am a guitar player mainly but I am a frustrated drummer underneath. I try to think of concepts with my solo albums. Before, I had a singer and he would write the lyrics so I didn`t think about lyrics but now it`s different. My first CD, TAKE OFF, Is a mainly instrumental record with a CAR concept. Songs 1 – 8 are Car related Songs like Traffic Jam, Speeding, Driving on E, and Cruisin`. It`s obvious and the whole CD has a driving mentality and feel to it. With my new CD, TURN THE SCREWS, The album has to do with inner turmoil…pain, frustration and dealing with these problems as we all have these feelings
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Mark J. Brenniser: I am self funded so I use whatever free sites are available.
WWW.REVERBNATION.COM/MARKJBRENNISER
https://www.facebook.com/Mark-J-Brenniser-691647704208719/
WWW.CDBABY.COM/MARKJBRENNISER WWW.CDBABY.COM/MARKJBRENNISER2
I also pay a campaign that is on Reverbnation.com that puts my music on YOUTUBE, ITUNES, AMAZON, etc They do a good job on REVERBNATION.COM and I advise any band starting out to use that as your site. I pay 50 bucks for the service and I am out there. Even out of the USA, people are hearing my music
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Mark J. Brenniser: I would not spend it. I would do what I am trying to do now and I don`t have the money and that is hire musicians to play my music. If I had the million dollars, I would invest most of it. ¾ of it and the ¼ would go to funding my music
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Mark J. Brenniser: The internet. Search for internet radio stations and college radio stations that play your music. Ask them if they play MP3s so you don`t have to send out 100 CDs of your music. I do it and have my music playing from all different radio stations all over the world. There is an audience for every type of music. Take at least 1 hour a day to search for these stations
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Mark J. Brenniser: I have released my second solo record TURN THE SCREWS this year but I am working on some new material. I plan on doing whatever I feel like. My 1st record was instrumental guitar rock, This new one is thrashcore, I plan on releasing an acoustic album, a pop punk album, a doom metal album as that is what is coming out of me now. Also, I am studying to be a music teacher so I have to work on my classical pieces as I am majoring in Classical studies
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Mark J. Brenniser: Being Miserable. Addicted to drugs and alcohol. Music has pulled me away from that lifestyle. I had a 2 year hiatus years ago and that is exactly what happened. Some people lean towards drugs and alcohol because of music. I am now 46 and it gives me the strength to be self conscious and NOT do those things.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Mark J. Brenniser: I keep moving. I don`t stop. Once you stop, you get lazy and you get soft. I work, go to school, jam out, and have a woman and make sure that I can do it all. It`s a thrill to be alive and as long as my heart beats, I am going to do what makes me happy and music makes me happy. It`s my religion
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
Mark J. Brenniser: I have the new CD out so I will pushing that but I would like to see about getting my Acoustic CD out by the end of the year. I can`t promise anything. HAHA. You can always type in MARK J. BRENNISER in your search engine and you will find me doing something. Thank you for the interview and please buy the CD. Support Local and D.I.Y. Artists.