By Sheryl Aronson
I had a wonderful sit down interview with Brandon Brown, who is now Pop Star’s Fergie’s first bassist. I learned that Brandon will be debuting the Brandon Brown Collective, a 12- piece funk band on January 20th at Lucky Strike in Hollywood. Brandon will also feature Stanley Randolph, who is producing the bassist’s new EP and has been Stevie Wonder’s drummer for over 10 years. Brandon Brown is also a longtime member of the Aguilar Family, known for their great sound in amps.
At the premiere of Through My Father’s Eyes, The Ronda Rousey Story, Chris Bridges, celebrated publicist and brand manager, directed Brandon Brown to The Hollywood 360 for an exclusive interview.
The Hollywood 360: So you are currently playing with?
Brandon Brown: I am playing with Fergie right now.
The Hollywood 360: Who else have you played with?
Brandon Brown: I’ve played with the Jacksons, Stevie Wonder, a lot of great artists. I also worked with American Idol.
The Hollywood 360: Talk about playing with Fergie. Did she start a brand new band now?
Brandon Brown: I am the first bass player that she ever had. She’s always had keyboard players, guitar players, and drummers…now I am her first bass player. I’m so happy to be a part of her band. She’s great. Shout out to Keith Harris,Gorge Pajon and Tim Izo.
The Hollywood 360: Are you starting a new tour with Fergie’s band?
Brandon Brown: We’re not putting out any dates yet. However, I am doing a show with a 12-piece band on the 20th of January at Lucky Strike in Hollywood.
The Hollywood 360: That’s like a big band.
Brandon Brown: We have horns, singers, I play bass.
The Hollywood 360: So is this all your original music?
Brandon Brown: I wrote the music along with Stanley Randolph and
Mackenzie, the lead songs of The Brandon Brown Collective.
The Hollywood 360: What is the genre?
Brandon Brown: It’s funk. It’s soul. I used to play bass for Isaac Hayes when I was 19. I also played bass on “ It’s Hard Out There For a Pimp,” that won an Academy Award for the theme song to the film Hustle & Flow.
The Hollywood 360: You look so young to have played with Isaac Hayes.
Brandon Brown: I started playing music when I was young. I played with the Jacksons for years. I was their musical director. I played with Patti LaBelle…
The Hollywood 360: The bass player always stands behind. You are the pulse of the band with the drums. It’s really cool that you’ll be out front with your own band.
Brandon Brown: That’s right. The Brandon Brown Collective…BassickBrandon on Instagram and Twitter.
The Hollywood 360: Who were some of your influences?
Brandon Brown: I would have to say Larry Graham, Nate Watts, Stevie Wonder, his left hand on keyboard bass, Robert Wilson….I have a lot of influences. There are so many.
The Hollywood 360: What would you like to say to any young musician out there?
Brandon Brown: It’s one thing to know how to play the instrument, but learn as much as you can about the business end too. Learn how to read your contracts…
The Hollywood 360: Since you played with the Jacksons, is there any story that stands out for you?
Brandon Brown: Yes….with the Jacksons one time we were preparing a show in Las Vegas and we were doing “Dance Machine.” They had to do the vocals by themselves and their voices were amazing. It was still The Jackson 5. They didn’t get the credit that they deserved because Michael was such a super star. But those guys were incredible. The whole family.
The Hollywood 360: Say again where you will be performing on January 20th.
Brandon Brown: At Lucky Strike in Hollywood which is a bowling alley, but it’s a club too. Everyone come and check my band out.
For more information on Brandon Brown:
https://www.facebook.com/bassickbrandon?fref=ts
#BassickBrandon on Instagram & Twitter
Interview Video:
The Brandon Brown Collective Concert will be held on 1/20 at The Lucky Strike-Hollywood (week of the 2017 NAMM Convention and just before The Grammy ‘s)
Brandon Brown Collective Celebrity Musician Band Members/Celebrity Affiliations:
• Brandon Brown-Bass (The Jacksons/Fergie)
• Stanley Randolph-Drums (Stevie Wonder/Christina Aguilera)
• Kyle Bolden-Guitar (Stevie Wonder/KING/The Jacksons)
• Jairus Mozee-Guitar (Lalah Hathaway/BJ The Chicago Kid)
• Stacey Lamont Sydnor-Percussion (P. Diddy/Lalah Hathaway)
• Dae Dae Haddon-Drums (Gwen Stefani)
• Eric Ingram-Bass (Ariana Grande)
Links:
https://mail.google.com/mail/u /0/#inbox/15961b43f707e8dc?pro jector=1
http://www.allmusic.com/artist /brandon-brown-mn0000050107/ credits
Photo Credit: Tae Patterson
