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Interviews in the music industry from around the world

Interview: Bubbles Brown

Jarod Smith

Jun 7, 2022

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

I've been playing music for 30 years. Started on Drums, Bass, then Guitar and so on. My father and sister both play so it was my destiny to do this. It took a long time before I hit it on the road. Not sure what I would do if I wasn't playing music. I always worked in the Food Industry and was even an Ice Man for 5 plus years while gigging nights and weekends . I'm glad I finally made the decision to be a Full time musician last May and haven't turned back!!

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I like to travel, Bike, Skateboard, Cook, take walks to roll my feet and ease my mind. That's when the creative juices start flowing.

How long has music been your career?

My Music Career seriously began in 2012 when I met my long time band mate Washboard Ben Brundage. After we got together things clicked. I found my niche and began gigging and Street Performing as Bubbles Brown. As time has gone by, I've worked out a new live performance with my one man band. I've taken this act all over the country with lots of success since last May.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

Bubbles Brown is based out of Chicago, Illinois. I moved there about 15 years ago from my native Florida. When I got there, I hit the open mics and blues clubs every night meeting players and learning the craft of songwriting. The Old Town School of Folk Music was also a resource where I bought my first nice acoustic guitar which I still play and even performed there once. Without Chicago I don't know where I would draw my influence.

Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.

I think our best show was opening for Robbie Kreger in 2017 to a sold out audience and was well received. We met a legendary musician and were treated like musicians should. I have some of the best experiences playing music on the street where you engage with people organically. Sometimes making lots of money. The worst shows were definitely the empty rooms. When the power went out in the middle of sets. There have been too many to count. You just have to roll with the punches.

Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

Schubas and Cole's in Chicago. They are the perfect size rooms for us. I do enjoy playing on Royal Street in New Orleans as well. Great vibes, money, and location. If I ever hit it big, I would love to play the Ryman in Nashville or the Chicago Theater.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Most of my heroes have passed on. If I could play a ticket in Heaven, It would be with Muddy Waters, Howling Wolf, Mississippi Fred Mcdowell. Some of my biggest influences.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into music?

Don't give up. It's all about the last person standing. That's what keeps me going.

If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?

Quit your day job. You got this!! Get out there and play your music!!

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

Beehive Blues is probably the most significant song of mine. It is a reminder of the toxicity out in the world. Sometimes you want something so bad you're willing to get stung for it.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

Please Give Me Your Money. It's a cover of a Bentonia Mississippi Blues Song by Jack Owens. It's been released as a single and also an animated music video. The tune really rocks and hits you deep in your soul. Our first Record Mt Glead is definitely the favorite, but our new double LP Blood Harmony was just released and is picking up momentum.

What is the creative process for you, and what inspires you to write your music?

I try to be aware at all times so that way when creative sparks fly. I'm ready to process the raw influence into a song. It takes time to practice but once I'm in the zone it's on. Sometimes a song will take 30 min, others years. I'm perpetually working on my music to improve it. That's the beauty of it all. The journey never ends and you can always build upon your work.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

I enjoy writing about real-life situations, some personal ones can relate to everyone. I try to compose music that is timeless. Which means if it was listened to 1000 years from now. People would still resonate with the messages.

Do you ever have disagreements when collaborating and how do you get past them?

Definitely have disagreements with my collaborators often. Sometimes with my original music I have a specific vision for it and when we don't reach that level. It can be aggravating. If you don't compromise I find it's very hard to find anyone who wants to play with you.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

My plans for the future are pretty open. I try to take things one day at a time. That seems to work for me. Not projecting too far ahead. Hoping to record a one man band ep. Also would also like to expand past the duo, and produce a record with a full Soul ensemble. Like Stax Records. Just going to keep writing and putting out content. That's the name of the game. Consistency.

Social Media Links:

Instagram: @Dr_bubbles_brown & @bubbles_brown_

Tiktok @bubbles_brown_music

http://www.bubblesbrown.com

https://www.facebook.com/bubblesbrownmusic

Listen To Blood Harmony here: