Interview with Brandon Isaak

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

   My father was and is a professional musician. I grew up with a touring dad, rehearsals in the living room and a real genuine live of music. I came by this profession honestly and consider myself one of the most fortunate people on the planet to do what I do. If I didn’t make music for a living, I would love to be a scientist who works on ways to make this planet a better place. 

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

   I like to walk, kayak, paint folk art portraits and sculpt. I’m also like to spend time with family and watch movies. 

How long have you been making music?

   I’ve been working on music since 1985 when my father brought me an acoustic guitar home from one of his tours. 

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

   I was born and raised in Whitehorse, Yukon. Living up north was an amazing place to grow up. Sitting out on the porch in summer and playing till the sun goes down was a ever ending activity. The winters brought cold dark days where the arts thrived and we’re everywhere. You had to find things to do to keep your sanity. 

Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?

   My most memorable shows are the ones that are up close and personal. House concerts or small clubs are always my favourite as you can connect with the crowd on a personal level. Involve the folks and make it a real special evening. 

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

   I love to travel and any opportunity to see new places and new faces are high on my list of things to do. I’ve toured across China, Europe, USA, Mexico and will continue to do so but Japan, Australia or Brazil would be places I’d love to bring my music to. 

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

   This business is getting harder and harder. If you’re starting out and want to get in this business, first you got to be nuts, second you got to have a passion for music and ready for a long road. When musician start to learn an instrument, start singing right away and let that skill evolve along with your instrument. Often folks start singing way later and they have missed out on years of honing their vocal chops.  

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

   I could not pick one song, each song is crafted and refined, and they all have a story that means something to me. It’s like picking your favourite child. 

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

   My spiritual songs often get requested and I’m always happy to sing them for willing ears. They are bionic songs that reach further than this earthly plain. They posses a certain magical element that goes beyond just love and earthy pleasures. 

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

   I often have a riff or chord progression that I like and then I’ll try different clothes on that music. By clothes I mean lyrics. I try and see what sounds good and compliments the music with the right lyrics / clothes. Sometimes I have lyrics with no music, and that’s like trying to find the right body to fit in your clothes. 

   Real life inspires me to write songs. It great to sit at a table full of folks drinking and just listen to all the story’s they talk about, its a wealth of inspiration. Living and dying are heavy topics that inspire me to write as well. It’s a form of life after death therapy for the listener and myself. If I’m wrong, no harm done. I’m just making it a bit easier to live your life with a hope. 

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

  I’m on All the social media sites and I’m easy to find. You can also go to my web page to find out all the upcoming shows and get all the info you might need. www.brandonisaak.ca