March 16, 2009
BRIAN COLBURN
by Debbie Stevens
Catchy, upbeat and loads of that good-feeling music. That's the sound of Brian Colburn, and if you enjoyed the days of simple words but with real meaning, you're going to feel right at home with Brian's wonderful collection of songs. "Here We Are", "It's Alright", "Sometime, Someway"and "Something Like that" to name a few. I appreciate his unique style, and also like the fact other musician's have somehow left their stamp on Brian, even without knowing! People like James Taylor, and for me, a slight resemblance to the likes of Crowded House....even a little REM happening, but all in all, we are listening to a new star!
FSM: So tell us, where does the Brian Colburn story really begin, and how did you get into singing?
B.C: I’ve been singing since I was in High School. Usually it was background vocals for the band I was in at the time. About 10 years ago, the lead singer of the band I was in, quit about 15 minutes before a show was about to begin. I ended up singing leads that evening, and I haven’t stopped since. I have played in a lot of great bands over the years, but as time went on, I found myself itching to play songs with a more laid back vibe. I spent a better part of a year looking for a project with that in mind, and just couldn’t find anything. During that time, I sat down with my acoustic and wrote “Summer Song.” It was that point I started a MySpace page, simply to share the song with my friends and family. After a few months, I began hearing from those who stumbled across “Summer Song” and wanted to hear more. Fast forward two months and “Literal Fiction,” my debut disc, was released.
FSM: What genre of music do you consider your work to be?
B.C: I honestly don’t have a specific “genre” of music, because I listen to so many different styles – however, all of the styles I listen to seem to come together when I sit down to write a song. When people askme to describe my music, I tell them: think acoustic pop-rock with hints of alternative, funk, blues, and country sprinkled in for good measure.
FSM: What do you say to those who like to compare you with other artists, and what artists managed to inspire you?
B.C: I think it’s pretty natural to hear an artist and automatically think of who he / she reminds you of. It’s an easy way to explain someone’s music to someone else. The beauty in doing that lies in the fact that everyone “hears” something different. To one I may have a pop-rock sound and to another I may have a country vibe. It’s all in the eye (or in this case “ear”) of the beholder. As far as my musical inspirations, a few bands / artists that have really left a lasting impression on me are: Blues Traveler, Sister Hazel, Tom Petty, and Billy Joel. I was in High School / College during the 90’s and those bands just made a lasting impression on me. Artists like Tom Petty & Billy Joel I have been listening to as long as I can remember, and they’re both still at the top of their game as far as I’m concerned.
FSM: Are you a member of any music organizations?
B.C: Actually, I am in the middle of that process right now.
FSM: What can you tell me about your instrument/s? (i.e., Are you subject to brand loyalty or will you play with whatever’s available?)
B.C: Currently I am using a Taylor acoustic / electric – The sound is phenomenal and the action is unreal – especially for an acoustic. I also have an Ibanez acoustic / electric and an older Washburn acoustic (which was my first acoustic guitar). As far as brand loyalty, I am not what you would call a “name brand” kind of person -- I play whatever feels and sounds good.
FSM: Where have you performed?
B.C: Some of my higher profile gigs have been at SixFlags Great Adventure (Jackson, NJ), The Keene Music Festival (Keene, NH), and The Come Together Music Festival (Clinton, NJ). Recently, I was invited to perform four songs at FoxNew in NYC for their Strategy Room broadcast. While this was not a performance in front of a crowd, it was an amazing time, and I hope to be able to do it again! In the upcoming months I will be performing for William Patterson University’s “Jammin’ TV” along with return slots at the Keene and ComeTogether Music Festivals.
FSM: What are your favourite and least favourite venues?
B.C: That’s a tough question to answer, since the way I see it, if any venue is willing to support original music, they’re A+ in my book! As time goes on, venues in my local area are more likely to bring in a cover band - because the material is familiar and, shall we say, “road tested.” However, there are some places that continue to support the local original music scene, and as far as I’m concerned, those are the venues that make what I do possible. So with that being said, I can’t really say I have a “least favourite.”
FSM: Are there any special moments that you believe changed your life?
B.C: The most special moment in my life happened just recently actually, the birth of my daughter. She’s given me a new meaning in my life, and shown me in a such short time how important life is. The song “Angel” on my new disc is a lullaby I wrote for her a few days before she was born.
FSM: During your career, have you ever sung cover songs?
B.C: I always make it a point to drop a few cover songs into my set. However, I always try to put a ‘spin’ on them in one way or another. For example, my latest CD “Time Marches On” includes my remake of The Cars song “You Might Think”. Instead of doing the song by the books, I played the song as if it was something I wrote. I think the original is a brilliant pop song, and if you like my style, I think you’ll enjoy it! You can find the song exclusively on the CD version of the release.
FSM: Which songs do you tend to perform most often and if so, is there any particular reason?
B.C: Since I have two CD’s of original material out there – I try to mix it up as best as I can. I also take into consideration what the audience requests. Most often I get requests for “Sometime, Someway”, “Here We Are” and “Summer Song”.
FSM: Do you have a record label?
B.C: Currently all of my music is self-produced and self-released. It’s a very interesting time in music, and I am not even sure where the term “label” will come into play as we move forward. So many well-established bands are breaking away from the label model as we know it and doing things on their own. That is not to say I would be opposed to an opportunity should one arise, but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.
FSM: Do you have any upcoming shows?
B.C: I am booked for several shows in the northeast this Spring and Summer, and always booking more. You can get my full show schedule on my website: www.briancolburn.com/shows
FSM: Are you writing all your own songs?
B.C: Except for The Cars cover I mentioned earlier, I have written all of the songs from both of my CDs.
FSM: Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
B.C: When an idea comes to me, I usually sit down with my guitar and work the song out from start to finish (usually recording what I do along the way) – that way, if I am busy and I don’t come back to the song for a few days, I don’t forget the idea. On the CD’s, I usually begin with arranging the drum parts for the song (if they’re in the song) – I then record all the separate parts one-by-one. At that point, I pass the tunes onto some friends in the industry for some thoughts (mostly ideas with the overall mix). I then take a good week or two, and simply walk away from the project all together. That time off gives me a chance to give my ears a “rest” so to speak, and to have some separation from the songs. I then go in with a fresh set of ears, and a much clearer perspective – it’s at this point I mix the songs down for the final time.
FSM: What are your rehearsals generally like?
B.C: Since I pretty much pick up my guitar and play each and every day, I guess you can say I am constantly rehearsing!
FSM: Have you any music-related stories you'd like to share with us?
B.C: I have been humbled a few times via emails I have received from friends and new fans. One in particular I will never forget. I received an email asking for the lyrics to “Sometime, Someway” – along with my permission for the person to perform the song at his church that upcoming weekend. The fact that my music moved someone enough to want to share it with others in that way, really meant a lot to me.
FSM: Can you ever recall a time when you didn't want to sing?
B.C: Not really. My parents have a cassette of me at 5 years old singing at a theme park Karaoke booth! So, you can say it’s always been something that I’ve enjoyed, and I am thankful for each and every day I get to share that with someone else!
FSM: With so much talent already getting around, what do you feel is the most crucial element to keeping up?
B.C: Well, I will be the first one to credit anywhere I’ve been and anywhere I will ever be to my friends and fans who support my work. They are the sole reason I am able to continue doing what I do. With MySpace, Facebook, and social networking in general – there are thousands of bands out there via one click of the mouse – many of which are on the verge of blowing up, but just haven’t quite made it there. My friends and fans have really taken it upon themselves to do the ONE thing that each and every independent artist relies on: word-of-mouth. Sure, it’s one thing when I work to spread the word about my songs, but when 100 or 200 people tell one person about my songs, and those people do the same – that’s something that no print ad can do. It’s “real,” – it’s not a marketing campaign, it’s real people spreading the word about a song that they enjoy. Most of the new music I listen to is stuff that people have introduced me to, and I am forever thankful that anyone who is willing to do the same thing anything I’ve released.
FSM: What has been your biggest challenge?
B.C: Well, my biggest challenge stems from what I was just talking about, getting that word-of-mouth to happen. You can’t just post a song online and expect people to know it’s there. I spend a lot of time (outside of the studio and on stage) working on ways to promote my songs, and get them out there for someone to hear. I am lucky enough to have found some amazing outlets to distribute some of my songs. I have been featured multiple times on various music-based podcasts, and am working to expand upon those with my FoxNews appearance, and a few other live TV / Internet performances I have in the works. I think moving forward another challenge is momentum – once you start getting the word out there, you have to keep plugging away at it. I am already working on some new material for my next CD, and a possible holiday-based EP for years’ end.
FSM: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music?
B.C: You can always find me at www.BrianColburn.com. Along with my main site, you can visit me at: www.itunes.com/briancolburn, www.myspace.com/briancolburn, www.facebook.com/pages/Brian-Colburn/46378159859, and www.youtube.com/briancolburn.
FSM: Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
B.C: You can hear my music at all 3 of the pages listed above. If you head to www.BrianColburn.com/store, you can order a copy of both of my discs, “Literal Fiction” and “Time Marches On”. There, you will also find links to sites that carry my songs digitally (iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Emusic, etc.)
FSM: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
B.C: I wouldn’t be the person I am today if it wasn’t for my beautiful wife and family. They mean the world to me, and inspire most of the songs I’ve written. They are my heart and soul, and I’d be truly lost without them! I also want to send a huge thank you to Tamara and the rest of the MySpace street team. They work with me to help spread the word, and I am forever thankful for everything that they do! Finally, each and every person who continues to support my music! You guys rock!
FSM: Any last words of wisdom or messages?
B.C: “Just sit back, relax, and let the music be your friend…” Thanks for taking the time to talk with me!
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