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

C.J. , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.

Most of my musical knowledge comes from being self-taught! I remember wanting to learn to sing because I was inspired by artists like Billy Joe Armstrong, Chris Stapleton, and Brendon Urie. However, honing my craft actually occurred when I gave up trying to sound like my favorite artists. Instead, there was a point in my development as a vocalist when I began focusing on my strengths. From there, I started consistently improving by focusing on songs I knew I could sing well. I also think that many singers underestimate the power of vulnerability in their voices. It’s okay, for example, to let your voice break and waver when learning songs because true vocal power is found in freedom.

As a guitarist, learning the basics of the instrument took some time, and I feel that I’m now in the phase of learning where I’m working on becoming an advanced player. The main thing I’m fine-tuning is learning to play lead guitar parts with fluidity and ease. Regarding strategy, I’m finding the most progress in learning solos from my favorite guitarists note by note, which continues to challenge me as a player!

Though this might sound cheesy or generic, I think the biggest obstacle in learning more has been myself! When you compare your music to other artists, the path to growth and progress can feel daunting because so many musicians are exceptional at what they do. Something that helped me get out of my own way, though, was quitting the comparison game and, instead, focusing on my own progress.

C.J. , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Of course! My name is C.J. Brewer, and I’m a singer, guitarist, and solo artist in the upstate South Carolina area who performs music for private events and at various venues. I’m also the lead vocalist in two bands—Rhythmdust and C.J. Brewer and the Good Fellas—and I just began teaching voice and have several private clients who book lessons with me! You can learn more about what I do and contact me for booking through the following link: https://linktr.ee/cjbrewermusic

I think I’m most proud that I built my music business, brand, and reputation in this area largely through my determination and work ethic! I take constructive criticism and feedback seriously, but I also think a large part of my current success is knowing how to have fun performing and teaching others to do the same! The coolest thing about my live show is that whatever your music preferences, there is likely a cover song in my setlist that you’ll know and be able to dance and sing along to!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

One of my first times singing for an audience was during a talent show in high school. After the show, everyone who performed received forms from the judges with their scores and feedback. On one of my forms, I was told I was tone-deaf and shouldn’t sing. I believed that comment for a while and nearly gave up pursuing my passion for singing and performing. However, there eventually came a point when I had to make the choice between singing for a band despite carrying that self-doubt or simply playing guitar and sticking to what was comfortable.

I think back to that moment all the time, and how if I had decided to believe someone else’s vision of my passions and abilities, my life would have turned out so different. If you’re stuck between staying in your comfort zone or challenging yourself and going for what you truly want, I say choose the latter! Don’t let anyone sway you from what your heart says you should pursue in your creative journey. That’s true resilience!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

My main goal right now is to find a way to pursue music as a full-time career and to earn a sustainable income from performing, teaching, and creating music. I have a few ideas on how to do this, but I would say I’m enjoying the discovery process and journey toward this mission more than I’m concerned about reaching this final goal at all costs. Making music is, in and of itself, its own reward.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/cjbrewermusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000661083677
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cjbrewermusic
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/cjbrewermusic
• Other: https://linktr.ee/cjbrewermusic