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| Artist Statistics |
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Artistopia Rank : 87
Member Since : 10/2004
Last Login : 8/24/2007
Views : 8,794
Songs : 0
Events : 1
Alliances : 0
Releases : 1
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Artistopia URL :
http://www.artistopia.com/TheoBrown |
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News Article |
Artist News Home |
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Interview with Theo Brown of The Russell Jackson Band |
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| Published on 10/11/2004 |
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| By Artistopia |
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Q. At what age did you realize you wanted to become a music artist and why?
I was a late starter but it is just a longing and passion that I could never have for any other occupation.It's my lifes blood.
Q. Most music artists have that special someone or thing that influenced their decision to do music. Did anyone or something in your life play a major role in influencing you to go into the music business?
For me it was different people at different stages of "the game".In the beginning it was my mother who started the whole thing by buying me my first set of drums.When I was getting into the scene in Philly my good friend and jazz great, drummer Sherman Ferguson who got me me my first professional gig.I was way too shy to have gotten out there on my own back then.Later it was another jazz drumming legend Russ Moy who instilled belief in my abilities.Being able to play with Randy Brecker and Eliane Elias was the pinnacle of my career in 1987.Meeting blues legends Johnny Copeland and Sonny Rhodes and playing with both taught me how to "be real" and be comfortable with it.Every one I mentioned there love for what they do and never tiring of giving there all is the most major influence.
Q. In terms of the music, which major artist(s) influenced your style and why?
Our influences range from Blues to Jazz to Funk and everything in between.B.B. King for his blues and unmistakable style and maintaining his identity.Mile Davis for ever evolving and putting the music first.Prince for daring to be different.James Brown for being funky.Jimi Hendrix for being innovative.Stevie Wonder for being a genius.The influences are constant for a great many reasons.
Q. With so many independent artists trying to make it, what makes you stand out from the competition?
We have a take no prisoner approach and we do whatever it takes to please our listening audience.We provide quality music and a quality show.
Q. Music industry professionals are quick to say that being an artist means to gracefully fit a marketable niche in the industry. If you were offered an opportunity that asked you to be something you are not, would you do it to get your foot in the door?
Miantaining integrity is an on going theme and is important but flexibility is also to be considered.Selling ones soul is out of the question.
Q. Making music is one thing, selling it is another. What types of strategies do you use in promoting your artistic work and getting it heard by the proper professionals?
Hopefully by exhibiting integrity and professionalism and a willingness to be flexible and listen to good advice and to stay hungry.Desire.
Q. In regards to wheeling and dealing, how important do you feel business knowledge is to making it in an industry filled with much heartache?
In this day an age you can't ignore the aspects.Now as always you need every edge to to stay afloat.Business knowledge is just another tool.
Q. Let's fast forward to 5 years from now. What advice would you offer to struggling independent artists?
To not give up.There are going to be frustrations no matter what level.Do what you do and be true to yourself.
Q. Most successful artists are involved in charitable organizations that stand for a cause that hits close to home. In that regard, once you reach success, what charitable cause(s) would you like to be involved in and why?
I have no idea at the moment but I will always be prepared to give back to the community when needed..
Well, we thank you for taking the time to interview with us and certainly wish you the best in your music career endeavors. There you have it ladies and gentlemen, an inside look into the mind of an independent artist struggling to bring their hard work to fruition in an industry where perseverance and thick skin means survival. No one said it would be easy.
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| Article Credits and References |
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| No Credits or References were provided by publisher |
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