Exposed Vocals interviews Brandon Ladelle – unsigned musician from Greenville, NC
How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
I was informed of Exposed Vocals through Twitter and it sounded like something I could take interested in.
So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I was born in Greenville, NC and raised there, living a few years in Ridgefield Park, New Jersey. Upon graduating high school I attended the Art Institute of Atlanta where I majored in audio production. I’ve always loved to sing and perform. When I became serious about my walk with Christ, I became even more serious about spreading the goodness of Him through my music.
How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
My music name is my biological name. I used my real name to show that what you see is what you get. I’m a real guy delivering a real message about The Lord. No alter egos or stage names. Just Brandon Ladelle representing Jesus Christ.
What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
The majority of my music is shared online. This is the day and age of modern technology. I make it very easy to retrieve my music online. Although the options to buy and donate are available, I have free music as well. As the Bible states in Matthew 10:8, “…freely ye have received, freely give.” The word of God and His goodness was freely given to me so I’m glad to give to others as well.
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?
Stay true to your work. Give everything you do your all. Stay in the will of God and doorways will open before you. The scriptures state that, “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.”(Proverbs 18:16) All it takes is your submission to God, and the gift will make room for you.
Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
I don’t believe in mistakes. With everything there is a purpose. I enjoy life and performing, so even if something doesn’t go the way I imagined it would, I say not my will but Yours be done, Lord. I usually just use the “mistake” as a new avenue to create something greater. There’s never a off beat.
Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Touring is fun! I really enjoy it. The greatest experience I’ve encountered during a tour was souls being saved in the mist of performances. That’s my main goal and to see it achieved means everything to me.
Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
All of my songwriting comes from above. I would receive revelation from The Lord and begin to write. From that point on the lyrics flow. I can literally write a full song in less than 30 minutes. God is forever speaking.
Do you have a band website? Do you have a Facebook or Twitter? Do you use Bandcamp, Spotify, ExposedVocals or SoundCloud to share your music?
My music is EVERYWHERE! I can be found on Facebook, Twitter, ReverbNation, Instagram and SoundCloud @Brandon Ladelle and @ConversionRec. My music is also available for download on iTunes and AmazonMP3 and can be heard on sites such as Spotify and much more.
What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
My wife is a huge opera fan. I’ve grown to like the music she listens to though most wouldn’t believe it. I simply love the art of music. Mainly instrumentals.
If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
If I was given half a million dollars I would invest in our ministry. I would use the money to open up a broader way to deliver the gospel of The Lord, while finding more advanced ways to give back to those in need.
Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
My wife and I construct, produce, mix and master our own music. We upgrade as often as we can with our equipment. We currently are using Reason and ProTools programs.
How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
My wife and I are also our own promoters. We use all of the sites that we’re currently on to share the music. We have supporters that does the same for us.
If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
I’ve always wanted to go to heaven. Lol. My number one inspiration is The Lord. He is very much alive and His Holy Spirit very present on earth, but can you imagine a concert in the clouds, on streets that’s paved with gold? Clearly I’m not the average artist, but my focus is the after life and assisting people to make theirs a joyful one. There are definitely other great artist out there, but I dream to perform with the creator of them all.
So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
MY WIFE! I love her! She has our next album coming out titled Converted. It’s the sequel to my album Conversion, showing the blueprint of righteous living after giving your life to Christ. We also are currently working on two books, a Christian based marriage counseling program and we both minister full time.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t making music I would still be ministering. Music is just one of the lanes used for ministry. I also preach to spread the word. Again, the gift simply makes room.
Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
I remember buying my first album. The first album I bought was Lupe Fiasco’s first album. I heard the music and took interest in it because it contained no profanity and actually had a positive message. This form of music is very difficult to find today.
How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
I have an outstanding manager which is also my outstanding wife. She makes life so much easier for me. I simply use my voice to record, minister, perform and to speak in interviews. The rest is done by her. We’re a great team and I couldn’t imagine doing any of this without her.
What should fans look forward too for the rest of 2015 and beyond?
Fans be on the lookout for the Christmas concert we’re holding in Greenville, NC on December 14th, 2015!