Carolina Future Classic – Songwriter Brandon Jeffries

Exposed Vocals: So, tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

• Brandon: I was born in Virginia Beach, VA. While I was in elementary school, my family moved to Gates County, NC (the middle of nowhere lol) and that’s where I grew up. There was literally nothing to do. My town had one traffic light. So when I was 14, I picked up the guitar and started to learn how to play. My father had always played in cover bands, growing up. I finally found something that could hold my attention, and I never put it down.

I would say that one doesn’t “decide” to become an artist. One may decide to pursue his/her passion fulltime; but the title of “Artist”, I feel, is something you are born with. Something inside pulls you towards that passion. In fact, we do what we do because we have no choice. It was the realization that I could not make a single dime and I would still have to play music every day for me to keep my sanity, that made me drop everything else and make music my priority.

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?  

• Brandon: I feel it is just another example of how the internet and digital media are going to change business and industry across the board. I mean, it happened to “Block Buster” too, so it’s not just the Music Industry. We need to embrace the change, instead of fighting it. There are plenty of new, successful business models just waiting to be developed by this digital generation. Let’s let go of these fading practices and start adapting to how our costumers consume our product.

A prime example would be giving away your music for free. I have adopted that practice many times. Especially during the holidays. Giving away merch is a great way to raise awareness of your brand and any events you may have coming up. Any performing artist knows that event revenue is a HUGE chunk of annual revenue in the entertainment business. They might not buy your CD; but if like what they hear, you can probably get them out to a show. “Give–Aways” are a great way to get your music into the ears of people who wouldn’t otherwise have heard it.

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?  

• Brandon: Yes! My two biggest words of advice are 1. Never give up. And 2. Stay Focused. You can go far on pure audacity alone. Pairing unwavering determination, with unrivaled talent is a sure recipe for success. You must never be afraid to go back to the drawing board. Understand you must not only be a top shelf performer, but you need to master PR, Finance Management, Booking, Graphic Design, Video/Audio Production, EVERYTHING! There is a lot involved, it can be over whelming at time. NEVER GIVE UP!

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?  

• Brandon: I ALWAYS make mistakes! Haha Honestly, I think that is part of what makes a live performance so special. The small. “Human” elements that you don’t get to witness on a recording or album. I find people don’t mind the occasional slip up. It reminds them that you are human, and you are not LIP SYNCING! Hahaha I usually just smile, and keep on grooving. There is not much you can do. I have to remind myself, I saw Van Morrison at the New Orleans Jazz Fest in New Orleans mess up in front of 100,000+ people and that usually makes me feel better.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?     

• Brandon: HAH! We tour A LOT! I have quite a few road stories. This past year, we did 15,000 miles, 13 states, all in 96 days. I would love to share some road stories! Unfortunately, I like to save those for my shows. So come out to one of our events and get the juicy details! We can chat over a drink!

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

• Brandon: Inspiration can hit from anything or anywhere. A lot of times its happens when I travel. There is no one set process. I usually hear the melody in my head, and as I try work it out, it tends to write itself.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?    

• Brandon: I record all my works at ZAC Recording in Atlanta, GA. I don’t plan on changing anything, anytime soon. Our system seems to work well, for now.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

• Brandon: I actually got to speak at the TAXI Road Rally last year during my radio promoter’s seminar. We discussed “Independent Promotion and Marketing Strategy” and “Maximizing the Promotional Budget for Independent Artists”. I have a whole slew of ways to really dig your feet in and start gaining exposure. I can talk for hours about it. Shoot me an email! My Label does offer consulting services.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?    

• Brandon: Man, that is a very hard question. I would say, the location would either have to be at The Gorge in WA, or at Red Rocks in CO. I really can’t decide on just one artist/band to play with, but I think Rage Against the Machine would make for a GREAT night! Or Dave Matthews!

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?  

• Brandon: Currently writing/recording material for my 2018 release! That’s exciting! I will also be videoing all the songs off my latest EP this year. As well as our “Laughter & Music” tour that has been taking off! There is A TON to look forward too. PLEASE! Keep up to date on my website, BrandonJeffries.com for all the details!

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

• Brandon: If I weren’t making music, I would probably be dead. Point Blank.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?  

• Brandon: I don’t remember buying my first album, but there is one album that stick out in my mind, for sure. “Oasis – What’s The Story, Morning Glory” My step-father bought it for me while he was working in Atlanta, and I listened to it for years, ALL the time. It was definitely a huge influence for me.

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?   

• Brandon: It’s actually extremely hard. For me, there is no separation. My music career is my lifestyle, and vice versa. I have liquidated all my expenses and overhead to accommodate more traveling capabilities in my life. I find close friends becoming associates, and associates becoming close friends. Eat, sleep, and breathe your passion. That is the only way. Do what you love, and you will never work a day in your life. No, I say, “Do what you love, and F*** the rest.”

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2017?  

• Brandon: 2017 is going to be HUGE! First, we are going to FINALLY release our Official Music Video for “Everything”! We have our “Laughter & Music” tour coming up in the Spring, and a whole summer’s worth of cover videos coming your way. We are also going to video the rest of the songs on my latest EP. Yes, this year is going to be PACKED! Stay tuned to my website to keep up to date! BrandonJeffries.com