We had the good fortune of connecting with Brendan Michael and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Brendan, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
Balance is something that has been a heavy factor for me in my adult life as an artist/musician. I think as a child I took for granted how much I could pour into my music as well as how much was poured into me for my ability to be a musician. As an adult, you don’t have that same level of privilege to just work on music 24/7. You have real life, bills, relationships, and just adult ass responsibilities that force you to create more balance. Since the pandemic hit I have really taken more stock over what is important to me in my life. Prior to the pandemic my balance was off because I was putting way too much time and energy into things that weren’t what I really wanted. Nowadays we see just how quickly life can change, so I think it’s super important when talking balance, that I am taking into account the things that I truly want for myself out of life. It’s hard because it’s a mixture of blending discipline with grace.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a queer artist that has a background in various styles of music, I create a sound that pulls from the various musical styles that I’ve been taught and or exposed to. Whenever I am asked what type of music I make, my first thought is just to say “good music” because when I go to create it is not about staying in a style for me. Ultimately my goal as a musician and an artist is to create a musical experience that pays homage to who I am, where I am come from, and to people like me.
I’m most excited about releasing my first project. It’s taken me YEARS to complete because I know I want to really create a body of work that means something to me. Finding my voice and understanding who I am has been struggle for me as a person and as an artist. In today’s industry there’s not much room to “figure it out” as you go without receiving lots of scrutiny or outside opinions trying to change who you are. Deep down I KNOW I have everything needed to be successful and create an amazing body of work, but there’s still something nuts and bolts that need to be figured out before it’s ready. Over the years I have had to understand the value of patience, discipline, and proper timing so that I don’t overwhelm myself or allow myself to be in a complete funk. I look to artist like Solange who took reportedly 7 years to finish “A Seat At The Table” and find inspiration. Not only is she a fellow Cancer, but she also is an amazing artist who really creates music that touches people deeply. That is what I am all about.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Truthfully it depends on the friend cause I have a lot of different types of friends who are into different things. But ideally I would love to show them all around Atlanta. I’ve been here for 5 years now and have seen so much of the city and the surrounding area. Of course I’d have them hit the different gathering spots like Atlantic Station, Little Five Points, and the gay clubs in Midtown as well. Truth be told, I can’t even recall every place I’d want to go though since it’s been so long since I’ve seen outside for real LOL.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There’s so many people, groups, and organizations that deserve a shoutout! I am a culmination of God’s grace and favor first and foremost. They have always been a protector and provided me with whatever I needed. Next the shoutout goes to my mom who has always been supportive of my journey as a musician and done all that she could to make sure that I had the proper education to do music professionally at the highest level. Next I want to shoutout my partner and producer Whitness the Greatness. We’ve been friends since high school and have been music partners since college. 99.9% of the music that I make he has a direct hand in creating and I can’t imagine myself getting as far as I have without him. Those are just a few on a long list of people who deserve credit for my success and the creative that I am today.
Instagram: @brendanmusik
Twitter: @brendanmusik
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuKvHcBe84NHIQpJqliybmg
Image Credits
The Official Row 3 Photos: Vanessa Hamb