We were lucky to catch up with Brandon Douthitt recently and have shared our conversation below.

Brandon, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

Growing up in school playing an instrument, whenever I would express that I wanted a potential career in music I was always met with responses like, “Are you sure”?, “Musicians have a hard life”. “Make sure you have a backup plan”.

Being a musician/creative can be an incredible journey filled with both highs and lows. On the upside, there’s the thrill of creating something unique & pushing boundaries of music, the joy of performing for an audience, and the sense of connection that music fosters. There’s also the freedom to express yourself and explore your creativity without the constraints often found in traditional 9-5 jobs.

However, the path can also be challenging. It often involves financial instability, long hours, sacrifice, and the pressure of competition. Rejection and criticism can take a mental toll too. The uncertainty of gig schedules and income can lead to stress that a regular job might not.

Ultimately, being a creative brings me a deeper sense of fulfillment. I’m grateful to get to work on something I’m passionate about.The ability to set your own schedule and pursue your artistic vision can provide a sense of freedom and personal growth that’s hard to replicate in a conventional job. Embracing your creative identity allows you to align your work with your values and passions, contributing to a more satisfying life overall.

While being a full time musician can be tough, I certainly am happier that I’ve chosen this route.

Brandon, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Brandon Douthitt, born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. I began my musical journey at age 11 with the saxophone. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to perform at notable festivals and venues across the U.S., sharing the stage with artists like Solange Knowles and Bill Cunliffe. As a dedicated musician from a young age, I was lead alto saxophone for the Indiana All State Big Band and received several awards during high school.

I studied music at Butler University, where I played in various ensembles and taught through the Butler Community Arts School. After graduating in 2015, I continued my studies at Queens College, earning a Master of Music in Jazz Performance and receiving the prestigious Jimmy Heath Award.

I’ve worked extensively in New York, performing at major events like Panorama NYC, AFROPUNK NYC, the Made in America Festival, and Radio City Music Hall during Dave Chappelle’s residency. From 2018 to 2021, I served as Assistant Professor of Woodwinds & Music Industry at Kentucky State University, where I honed my teaching skills and participated in competitions. Now, back in Indianapolis, I teach saxophone privately and work as a freelance musician and producer, finding fulfillment in my creative pursuits. My band Tom Foolery & the Laughing Stock will be debuting our first record later in 2025.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Moving to New York for grad school was a significant leap for me, especially since I didn’t know anyone in the city & I had always lived in Indiana. The transition was daunting, but it also became a profound lesson in resilience.

I had to navigate not just the academic challenges of grad school but also the complexities of living in a new place. I learned to rely on myself—finding my way around, managing my schedule, and building a life essentially from scratch. I’m already a bit of a loner but being in NY pushed me to seek out new connections and opportunities.

I dove into the vibrant music scene, attending masterclasses, networking, and just putting myself out there. Each small success, whether it was landing a gig or making a new friend, reinforced my confidence and adaptability. The experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about overcoming obstacles; it’s also about embracing change and learning to thrive in unfamiliar environments. I always tell my students in lessons to be comfortable being uncomfortable. This is where the most growth is realized. This journey of independence shaped not only my musical career but also my personal growth, proving that I could handle whatever challenges came my way.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

To best support artists and foster a thriving creative ecosystem, society can increase funding and grants for creative projects, provide affordable workspaces and performance venues, and invest in arts education at all levels. Encouraging community engagement through public art initiatives and promoting diverse voices enriches the cultural landscape. Additionally, creating networking opportunities and advocating for policies that support the arts can help build a robust community where artists can thrive and contribute meaningfully to society.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brandondouthitt.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ogbrandondouthitt/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jazzmanbd
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomFooleryy
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/theetomfoolery