We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandon Pain and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandon, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?

I know it’s pretty common to hear artists say things like “I’ve been singin’ since I was 3yrs old…everybody always told me I had something special…” well that is NOT my story. Music did play a very pivotal role in the overall direction I took for my life, but it didn’t start with singing. I was born and raised in Philly. My mother, Carolyn Bolger Payne, is a very talented gospel singer within her own right. She’s done some pretty amazing things throughout her career, including landing in the Smithsonian for her tribute to one of gospel music’s pioneers, Mahalia Jackson. My father, Oscar Payne, is an accomplished bassist who traveled the world 3 times over playing for various funk and fusion groups. It’s super clear to me, especially now, how their love for music trickled down to their kids. I am the first born of three brothers. My dad got us started on instruments super early. I still remember coming downstairs on Christmas day and seeing this amazing spread of instruments. We were so excited! I ended up with the trumpet. The next decade of my life was spent in and out of various music schools in Philadelphia for trumpet and piano. My skill level continued to develop and eventually landed me in the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts. At this time, singing was something that I desired to do, but I still wasn’t quite good at. However, I was relentlessly determined to figure it out. So throughout middle school, high school, and even college I worked so hard behind the scenes on my voice. Daily I recorded myself on cassette tapes and reluctantly listened back. I focused on the parts of my voice that I didn’t like. I would this over and over and over again, until they gradually got better. I still do this til this day. I’ve been since labeled a perfectionist, and that comes with it’s own set of highs and lows. For example, sitting on a sh*t ton of amazing music that you can’t bring yourself to release yet. Lately I’m learning that often times perfection can be found in imperfection. So this single release of “Rather Be High”, is me taking my first step out of my perfectionist bubble. I invite you all to take this high ass journey with me.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

You know it’s interesting, because the chill, easy, conversational writing and soulful flow that you’ll hear in my music currently is not at all reflective of how I started out in this business, it’s where I’ve elevated to. My journey to becoming an independent artist hasn’t been an easy one to say the least. I officially started my career in a R&B male group. We were signed to a major label, and things progressed fairly quickly. Ultimately it didn’t quite work out the way we had hoped. This was such a heavy disappointment for me. I didn’t know it at the time, but looking back on it, I definitely fell into a slight depression. There was just this dark cloud that always seemed to hover over my head. My mind would tug at my heart with questions like “Did we not try hard enough” “Should we try again?”. I just constantly questioned myself and what I was doing to the point where I did nothing at all. I felt like I failed and let down everybody that was rooting for me. One of the lessons that I learned throughout this whole ordeal was how important it is to know exactly who you are before walking into the music industry. If you don’t, you run the risk of somebody telling you who you are. Honestly, that right there is how I was able to get back up and try again on my own. In a clear space mentally of who I am, what I bring to the table, and what I deserve. I am no longer afraid to be 100% ME! No matter who thinks what, I could give a f*ck less. So with that said, I am super excited to share what I’ve been working on with the world. If I were to describe my sound I would say it’s as if Frank Ocean produced D’Angelo. Take some soul, funk, joy, pain, and add a splash of cannabis, mix it all up, and wahla… Brandon Pain!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Philly is a most definitely a vibe. You just gotta know where to look and when. There’s always something going on, I promise you. I’m going to be a lil bias and start with a spot called “FARE” a restaurant and wine bar that myself and guitarist, Tim Schilling, perform at every Wed night 6-9pm. The owner, George, I know personally and he creates such an amazing aesthetic and overall experience for not only his customers but his employees as well. Come thru for good vibes with great people, music, food, and drinks.

Below are other honorable mentions:

Check out “Time” restaurant for
Monday night jam sessions. You’ll always find touring musicians and singers in there shedding as well as good drinks.

Check out “Silk City” on any given night for
Live Music shows and good food and liquor.

Sightseeing:
I enjoy taking jogs down Kelly drive when it’s warmer, you really get to take in some beautiful sights of this city and you end up at the art museum, famously known for “the Rocky steps”

If your looking for a GREAT cheesesteak:
Take that ass to Delasandros, if anybody says different they are lying to you and mos def ain’t from Philly. Enjoy!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

This S/O is for everybody who has had a hand in helping me along the way: Mom, Dad, Aaron Payne, Bryan Jackson, Carla Carter, Angie Smothers, Mike O’Bryan, Elle Morris, Mare Floyd, Kenny, Quadi, Dav Gainz, Ligne Janel, Marsha Ambrosius, SAMOHT, Dru Scott, Jon Smith, Simon Matinez, Scott Ziegler, Quincy Art, Jerm “Wheatbread”, Lenny Mobley, Chase Fairbanks & Donnie Meadows.

Website: https://linktr.ee/BrandonPainMusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambrandonpain/?hl=en

Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/iambrandonpain

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/brandonpainmusic/

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/c/iambrandonpain

Image Credits
Photographer: Ramiah @ramiahphotos Ramiah photos.com Stylist: Quadi @quadidadi

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.