Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brandon Mann. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Brandon , thanks for joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

For me, flexibility and adaptability has been crucial. The music industry had completely changed since I started in the 90’s. In my early days, as with most creative types, I was very focused on my craft and not the business side. I was working hard and not so smart. But, I was flexible enough to be able to take whatever gigs I could get, and make it work. I also found supplemental income by teaching lessons. Later on, I took a gig as a cruise ship musician through a booking agency. That was my first encounter with an agency, and it was a realization that it is a lot easier to get the higher paying gigs with someone else booking you. I also was lucky to meet my wife and musical companion out at sea. We played cruise ships together for a few years before getting back on land. Since then I’ve been with another agency that has kept me booked steady. My wife and I have also grown our own business teaching lessons

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I was inspired by my father at a young age to play guitar. He encouraged me and mentored me. My roots are in blues music, but have gone on to play and love just about all styles. I think it is most important to enjoy what you do, as it is easy to become worn down as a creative. Even though this is my livelihood, I know I can’t take it too seriously, or I will drive myself crazy. Stay passionate and inspired. I get a lot of inspiration from books, visual arts, and nature.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Spread love. If I am perform I am looking for a connection with the audience. Perhaps it takes their mind off of a bad day, but at its peak, this connection has the ability to change lives. It’s the same when I teach music. When I see a kid express themselves through music, I know this will have an impact for the rest of their days

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

Don’t get caught up in trying to be what you think people think you should be. I spent way too much time and effort trying to be things I am not. Try to just be the best version of yourself. Let go of the things that are not working, and focus on your wellbeing

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.samhillbands.com/bands/hipshack, https://musicfunlkn.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hipshack_charlotte/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musicfunlkn
• Youtube: @solmriya6553

Image Credits

Mike Jarvis, Jessica Dehart