Brandon Agustus makes quirky pop with heavy electronic music influences. His style of music is credited to his upbringing. Brandon was raised around a lot of different styles of music in South Florida that influenced him as he started out songwriting. Surprisingly, Brandon was shy in his younger days, but the first song her wrote made him realize that music was his path and he stuck on it. Moving to New York, laid the foundation for his musical style today and inspired him in a whole new way. Since his inspiration is drawn from a variety of artists, his music style reflects that but he seems to describe it as anthemic stadium pop.
‘Wild Things’ is Brandon’s latest single and is the definition of anthemic stadium pop. It’s the kind of music that can make crowds go while screaming with him. It’s the most mainstream outlook of pop music and I say that as a compliment to how well he has captured the essence of the genre. Brandon’s vocals are energetic and the electric guitar riffs just push this energy forward.
It is a track that makes you want to scream along with Brandon and understand where he comes from. Brandon is a singer-songwriter who produces and sings his own music. His production style is a little raw with a lot of energy. A perfect energy booster when you’re in a bad place, Wild Things can lift your mood no matter how bad you’re down.
We had a small conversation about what music means to Brandon and here are a few excerpts from the interview.
- What does music mean to you? Not only your music, but music in general?
Music is everything to me. It’s one of the earliest memories that I have of being alive. I remember what it felt like to hear “The Rain” by Missy Elliott, “Bills, Bills, Bills” by Destiny’s Child and “Ms. Jackson” by OutKast. Those early memories give me warmth and comfort and take me to a place where I just feel euphoric and that’s what music has been to me. Music is the best friend, the best lover and the best teacher I’ll ever have that supports me in times when I need it most. Couldn’t imagine what life would be like without it as it has saved my life.
2. What is the story behind ‘Underneath the (Man)nequin’?
The story behind “Underneath the (Man)nequin” is that I wanted to introduce myself to the world in a way in which I felt like I had never been seen before. It was the first time I’d ever been in a studio also. I feel like up until that point there was this perception of me from people that I’d gone to school with and was raised around that I was very rigid and timid and that EP was my way of shattering all of those perceptions of who I was by sharing my story and saying that underneath that shell I was in lived a person. Those songs hold a special place in my heart.
3. Since you are a solo singer-songwriter, how do you manage to stay creative?
I manage to stay creative by treating my relationship to creativity like any other relationship that I’ve ever had. Every relationship requires work so I make sure that I make time for it, nurture it and give it space at the right times. It’s not easy when you’re so busy outside of it but that passion I’ve had for it my whole life keeps me going.
4. What exactly is the purpose of your music? By this, I mean to ask you what you feel is the impact your music can have on your listeners.
I never really knew what my purpose was in making music until I released my first EP. I think now it couldn’t be clear! I want to make music to inspire others with similar stories to mine to be who they are authentically and unapologetically. From “Pretty Heart” to “Wild Things” I think that I’ve grown so much not only musically but also as a person. I used to be so ashamed of who I was and now I feel so empowered to make music that doesn’t shy away from my identity as a Black gay man.
5. Do you have something to say to aspiring musicians today? Something that you feel would’ve changed your life had somebody taken the time to tell you.
If I could say anything to aspiring musicians like myself, it’s to make the music that feels most true to who you are. If you stick to that, you will find your own definition of success. I would also say to not compare yourself to anyone else but stay the course on your own journey and don’t ever give up.
Listen to Wild Things now
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Discovered via http://musosoup.com
Promotional Disclaimer: The content in this post has been sponsored by the artist, label, or PR representative to help promote their work.Promotional Disclaimer: The content in this post has been sponsored by the artist, label, or PR representative to help promote their work.
