Conversations with Brent George

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brent George.

Hi Brent, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was born August 25, 1977 in Dallas, Texas, to mother Judi George and father Larry George. My parents were both lovers of music, although not musicians themselves. I grew up listening to all the music of their era-the Beatles, Bob Seger, Led Zeppelin, Tom Petty, etc. All the wonderful music from the 60s 70s and into the 80s..

I wanted to do more with music than just listen as far back as I can remember. When I was eight years old, I got a small Casio keyboard for Christmas and immediately started figuring out Christmas songs and picking out my own melodies. But my truest love was always guitar. My first guitar hero was Eddie Van Halen. Like so many, I was in love with his songwriting, playing style and energetic and inspiring approach to the instrument. When I was nine years old, I received my first guitar, and I never looked back.

One day I saw a television commercial for a place called Shane‘s Music Warehouse, a local guitar shop. Something told me I had to go – and to this particular plac – so I begged my Mom until one day during that summer, we went. There I met Shane Frame, the owner. (Guitar Sanctuary, McKinney, Texas) This would be the beginning of a lifelong friendship and mentorship that goes on to this day. I took my first guitar instruction from a wonderful guitar player and person named Wayne Willis, a mild and sweet natured man with Native American roots. And oh boy could that man play the guitar.

Being in Texas, I naturally gravitated towards the strong roots of blues music in the area, and started going to open mic nights, Usually in places that I was too young to enter without my parents – often sitting in with Shane‘s band. By this point, Shane had become a lifelong friend to our entire family. Enough cannot be said about his positive influence not only on my music, but my life. As my formative years passed, I became more and more interested in all kinds of music and songwriting.

Another important development in my life during this time, was my Mom making sure that I knew the Lord. Although I’m not always keen on certain aspects of man-made religion, I am a steadfast believer in Jesus Christ, and know him as my Lord and Savior. When everything else fails, I know Him as my best friend, teacher and greatest support.

Also around this time, when I was around 12 years old, our family took a road trip from Dallas to the West Coast. We visited all the stops along the way – San Diego, Los Angeles, and the South Bay (Redondo Beach, Manhattan, Venice etc., and up to San Francisco. I remember my Mom and I both loving the South Bay near Los Angeles. Of course the weather being so much different than the heat of Texas summers. I soaked in all I could- the beauty, diverse people and places. What a vibe. And it was then that I knew I wanted to live one day.

In 2009, I packed everything up and made the trek to Southern California. I immediately started playing whenever and wherever I could, meeting whomever I could. After a while I was playing regularly and meeting some wonderful people who I am close with to this day. One of those people I met soon after I arrived, would later become my wonderful wife, Cecilia.

Introduced by a mutual friend, we had an instant connection. Cecilia (Ceci) was sweet, funny, easy to laugh and loved the Lord. Beautiful from the inside out. Sold. We took our time and grew our relationship out of a wonderful friendship, marrying in 2019.

God and Music has taken me to wonderful places throughout my life and continues to do so. I have toured Europe, England, visits in Mexico and so many other wonderful places here in the surrounding areas in and around Los Angeles, including regular performances on Catalina Island, one of my wife and I’s favorite places in the world.

As well as performing, I also write and produce music, nourishing my love for studio session work and the recording process.

The Lord continues to bless me with music, family, and a wonderful life of bringing His gift to the people I love. I am a truly blessed man.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like so many musicians, I have to be careful around the temptations that a life in music offers. Alcoholism runs in my family, and it is not something to be taken lightly. But blessed with good health and a healthy mind, and my wife at my side, I’m able to navigate a healthy and fulfilling life.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Those that know me, know me for my music. What I hope sets me apart is my love for Christ. Although I don’t believe in hitting people over the head with it, I am a believer in everything Jesus taught. An abolisher of religious jargon in His time, His message is loving each other, lack of judgment of others and a life that focuses on compassion and wisdom.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love our city for its diversity and culture, I love it for it’s variety of healthy ways to spend your time. Surfing, hiking, – any number of healthy activities, as well as wonderful entertainment and cuisine wherever you go. There’s always something fun to do, something cool to see – and something good to eat!

Dislikes- I don’t believe the powers that be really care about the people that live and support the city, much less the state. There is neglect from within and from high places, and the cracks are showing.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brentgeorgelive.com
• Instagram: @brentgeorgelive
• Facebook: Brent George
• Youtube: Brent George
• Soundcloud: Brent George