Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Sinclair-Volkens.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I live in Van Nuys, California. I’ve been in (and decided to part ways with) a lot of music groups in the six years I’ve been living here, ranging from drumming for the experimental rock band Little Brown kitty as well as rock n’ roll outfit, The Knitts. Before this, I was the vocalist for a hardcore punk group in North Carolina, where I grew up. I decided to go solo because I believed I could bring a fresh perspective to hip-hop, having this broad musical range. I try and incorporate my influences, ranging from “older” stuff like A Tribe Called Quest and Beastie Boys, as well as “newer” stuff like Kendrick Lamar, and even Lil’ Yachty from time to time.
I believe there’s a wide spectrum of hip-hop styles that haven’t been encompassed in one artist yet, so I try and bring enough to the table so that people are just ultimately having so much to choose from. I don’t want to be pinned down too much, genre-wise, because I feel like that can become limiting. There are places in the world where music artists can jump from genre to genre in the song, and the audience isn’t as jarred by the experience as the American ears can be. I guess I’m trying to open the gateway for there to be able to be more “genre-fluidity?”
I’ve mostly struggled financially as an artist here in LA (I do photography as well, and have worked just about every position in a restaurant) and find myself doing most of my work for free or trades. Still, this has been nothing but good for me as I’ve been given some great opportunities just through vibing with people really well. I have a very specific work ethic that I’d consider pretty loose. I don’t like to get too meticulous with my stuff, I’ve been known to record something in a day and just wanna put it out immediately, so I’m working on actually saving the good stuff.
I’m currently in the studio recording an album entitled “Scribe” that’ll be coming out in the next few months. There should also be a few music videos dropping beforehand as well, as teasers to the album. Ultimately, I’d say Los Angeles has given me a more magical life than I could have ever imagined, and I’m just blessed to be able to try and communicate these thoughts and experiences through music.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve had a lot of trouble just finding my own lane, mostly. People don’t really know where to put me or what acts to book me with, so there can be difficulty with that sometimes. I love it though, it keeps people on their toes.
I just don’t think I’ve been seen or heard by the right person yet, which is all it ever really is. I believe in myself, and where I can go, entirely, it’s just a matter of staying consistent and really loving what I do so that the music just keeps getting better.
Finding my sound was really hard for me. I pull inspiration from so many different places that I didn’t know what kind of music I really wanted to make. One day I just decided I wouldn’t worry about what “kind of music” it was anymore, and that I’d just create, and let people call it what they want.
Just getting around town is hard. Having to drive everywhere for meetings, photo shoots, shows, whatever it is that you’re going to. It could be anywhere in this city that’s got like a 40-50 mile radius if you’re willing to go that far to work (I am.) You end up sitting in traffic for so much of your day sometimes, and those hours add up.
I’ve been passing the time by freestyling sometimes, and it helps a lot. It’s like I’m at the gym, working out.
Tell us about Rhythm – what should we know?
I am Rhythm, and I’ve become known as a sort of “do-it-all” type of character. I love entertainment, in just about all forms, so I end up doing all these things. I am a story-teller, first and foremost, as all artists are. I’m a hip-hop artist, a photographer/videographer, comedian, writer, director, editor, and a multi-instrumentalist.
My only social media notoriety right now though is mainly for memes. I get a lot of people who message me telling me that they love to watch my stories for the memes. I just filter through and try and post the best ones, and the idea of other people laughing is kinda dope.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I have a lot of people I owe a lot to in this city, for a lot of different things. I’ve received so much support in so many different ways, and I wouldn’t be here without any of it. I work with an organization called Aim 4 the Heart which hosts something called Mic Sessions. It was founded by Leila Sternberg and Tupac over 20 years ago and is still going today.
There, we learn to facilitate teaching people emotional literacy through the arts. I’ve been able to be placed, do things, and meet people I’ve only dreamed I’d be able to, thanks to many of the people there. My roommate is someone I’ve made music with for years now, from Little Brown Kitty to him now making some of the beats on my album.
He also produced the beat for a music video I have up now called “Silly, but That’s How I’m Feeling.” It was a freestyle we made one morning and recorded in one take then just shot the video for it. I put it out that night, I think I mentioned I’m known to do those types of things. He’s been my biggest cheerleader and been by my side through a lot of chaos, and I wouldn’t be here without him.
Pricing:
- I charge 150$ for a 3-look photoshoot, and can work with you on film prices!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: instagram.com/theoriginalrhythm
- Other: soundcloud.com/theoriginalrhythm
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
