Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Eugene Owens.
Brandon Eugene, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I am the youngest of three brothers. Growing up, I looked up to them and wanted to do everything they did, so when they gravitated to music I followed suit.
I saw both of them achieve success early in bands such as Sublime, Long Beach Dub All Stars & Hepcat. Between there success and having very supportive parents, I quickly began to get more and more serious about leaning into music as a career.
By the time high school rolled around, I was hooked and consumed. I auditioned for LACSHA (Los Angeles County High School For The Arts) and was accepted.
Attending this small High School on the campus of Cal State LA put me among a peer group of the most prodigious young artist in LA. It inspired me to be better and also opened up my eyes to a world of culture and experience.
By the time I graduated, I was beyond ready to fully consume myself in my craft.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
For the most part, my path has been more than ideal. As I mentioned, the success of my brothers allowed me opportunities that many others would not of had. Also attending LACHSA afforded me opportunities that most people didn’t have. I was able to travel internationally during high school playing music and learning about the world in the most hands-on way possible. I am beyond grateful for those early experiences that put me in touch with many of my peers whom I still work with. Those early friendships with like-minded artists have been invaluable.
The Struggles came much later on. I lost both of my brothers just five months apart from each other. My oldest brother Ikey Owens Passed while on tour with Jack White & a few months Later Aaron Fletcher Owens (my middle brother) died of a rare undiagnosed heart infection.
Losing both of them really rocked me. It has been a struggle everyday to not have them. But I do think that my determination and work ethic honors who they were and all the love, knowledge & wisdom they gave me. I try my best to move forward with them & to continually me inspired and motivated by my brothers.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am known as Bassist, Song-Writer & Producer.
I think what sets me apart from other musicians and producers is the vast spectrum I span. Most producers or instrumentalist are very genre-specific.
For me, my musical taste and influences cross and bend genres. I grew up with my parent’s music, mostly 60s & 70s soul and r&b. But as soon as my brothers began finding their own voice, I was introduced to what they were listening to. I can remember being a kid and singing along to Tom Petty, Depeche Mode, The Specials, Smashing Pumpkins, etc. Honestly, as a Black Kid this was not exactly normal. But it’s what I loved because I was exposed to it by my brothers.
Also, My deep love for Jazz has been an incredible tool. It was my ability on the upright bass that put me in certain arenas to travel the world with the most notable Jazz Artist. It was why I moved to New York at 18 and started the beginning of my professional career working with artist like Robert Glasper, Terrence Blanchard, Benny Green & Terrace Martin to name a few.
All of these vastly different musical experiences bleed into everything I do as both a producer & a solo artist.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I honestly don’t believe in luck. I do believe in the gravitational pull that we all carry. It’s my opinion that if you work at something and have the right intentions and energy, everything will happen as it should
Contact Info:
- Website: Brandoneugeneowens.com
- Instagram: Brandoneugeneowens
- Facebook: Brandoneugeneowens
- Other: youtube @brandoneugeneowens
Image Credit:
Corey Butler https://instagram.com/cbut23?igshid=11ld3shwdc9po; The EP cover credit is my mom, Sylvia Lena Owens
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