Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Brendan Rothwell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Brendan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
Music started for me aged 2 with the piano, then singing as part of a cathedral choir, adding violin and joining the county youth orchestra. In my mid-teens I discovered the album “Tutu” by Miles Davis, heard Marcus Miller for the first time and then it was bass all the way!
My music has evolved from my original classical background and skillset to the world of jazz that I compose and perform in today. Through my collaboration work over the last several years, I have gained great insight to other musicians’ approach to composition which in turn helps me to develop fresh ideas.
Being taught the fundamentals of musical theory at an early age in the classical music world gave me one of the key skills I continue to use and build on.
Brendan, 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?
My early days of gigging and “learning the craft” of music in my teenage years are particularly memorable. I regularly worked with Trevor King (aka LTK) an “old school” jazz drummer in my home town of York (UK). We would play any and all gigs, mainly because it was so enjoyable and also because I had so much to learn! Everything from active listening, to learning the jazz standards, to how to show up and define your “look” for a show.
I’m fortunate to have always had parallel careers in music and business, which provides a positive balance for me and the combination of business acumen and musical experience is how my brand tagline developed: “Instrumental in the Art and Business of Music”.
As a musician, I’ve worked tirelessly to build my network, my brand, my recording catalogue and most importantly my audience. I am so thankful for the immediate and positive response I got from the world of radio when my debut album was released. Those “early adopters” continue to spin my music and support the new creations that I release. My musical network has grown quickly the last couple of years thanks to some unique collaboration opportunities.
The rapid growth of digital technology and media has provided significant opportunities for me to build my brand and widen my audience. How else would a bassist plan to have their music heard many millions of times around the world?!
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
A current challenge that non-American musicians face is the heavily-restricted access to the US performance market.
Streaming data confirms that my biggest audience sector is in the US, but the existing US work visa restrictions make it impossible to travel and perform there at short notice. I continue to lend my voice to this worthy political argument in the hope that we can address the imbalance that artists who are from outside the US face, and move to a landscape of equity and balance.
When folks from my US audience learn of this challenge and the restrictions that are in place, they find it difficult to understand or believe: I encourage them to contact their political leaders and voice their perspectives.
Society can get behind this discussion and continue to challenge the current requirements and promote the benefits to the US music performance market.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I hear from folks in my audience that my music has helped many of them through challenging points in their life, inspiring them and bringing calm to their environment.
This was particularly noticeable during the pandemic, and helped me to realize the true value of the music I create to the people I make it for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brendanrothwell.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rothwellbass/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rothwellbass/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanrothwell/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rothwellbass
- Other: https://brendanrothwell.hearnow.com/my-time
Image Credits
Promotion and album images by Kirstey Jane – http://www.kirsteyjanecreative.com