We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brandon Simmons. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brandon below.

Brandon, appreciate you joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I’m happy to be making a living playing music. It does cross my mind to consider a regular job, but then I think.. Why? We were not put on this earth to spend most of our life at a job we don’t like, pay a bunch of bills that you’re stressing about, and die.
Don’t get me wrong, there are definitely moments where I don’t like a particular gig or what I have to play that day, but at the end of the day I would still choose this over a regular job as long as I’m able .

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Well, I’ve always loved music and it’s all I’ve wanted to do. Ironically though, I’ve never wanted to be famous. All I’ve ever wanted was to make a living playing music. I started playing trumpet at the age of 11, drums at 12, guitar at 17, and I’ve dabbled on and off with piano for the last few years. What I mainly do as of now is perform full time at varies places. Restaurants, taverns, wine bars and breweries. I also do private events suck as weddings, corporate events and parties. While doing this, I’m in the middle of recording my first full length album, after which l, I plan to expand more as an artist an musician. What I’m currently most proud of is the fact that I’ve been able to make a consistent living for years as a musician. I play what I want, where I want, and I don’t answer to a boss or employer. I pay for the house I own with my wife, with a guitar and a pair of drum sticks, and I think that’s pretty cool

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Show up and share. If a musician has a gig, make it a social event with your friends and show up, even if just for an hour. If your friend is a painter and posts pictures of their work, share it on your feed. It takes 10 seconds. Basically, just be there. It doesn’t cost much and takes vary little effort, but it goes a long way

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

Art is subjective, and with that being said, not everyone will like it. So don’t make your art to please anyone else but yourself. I struggled for the longest time with “I want to make this cool poppy sounding song that people will like” and it just wasn’t me. It wasn’t authentic. Make your art for YOU, and the right people will follow

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @blsimmonsmusic25
• Facebook: B. L. Simmons Music

Image Credits
Photos By Kelly (Kelly Simmons) Zeppelin Studios (Josh Vanover) Photohat Pictures