- photo credit Rob Waymen
Hello all you Buzzers, HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY! Jaki’s Buzz recently caught up with Grammy nominated musician Jim Brickman, to talk about his love of music and his upcoming performance at the Regina Quick Center for the Arts in Fairfield on May 13th.
Hello Mr Brickman,
Thanks for joining us on our Buzzing blog at Jaki’s Buzz. We are honored to have an amazingly talented musician such as yourself join us. Some of your best-known songs include the chart-topper “Valentine” as well as” “The Gift,” “Love of My Life,” “Simple Things” and “Peace.” Besides your great talent why do you feel your music resonates with so many & evokes such emotion?
As I write music, I think about where people will be listening to it, and how it will make them feel. Because the majority of my songs have no words, people can listen, apply it into their own lives, and take away what they need to hear.
Many of your songs are voiced by other musical artists. How do you choose the artists that you collaborate with?
I love writing with different people because each one draws something new out of me. As I write I hear a specific sound singing the vocals. I love using new voices that may not be familiar to listeners because they come to me with an eagerness and fresh energy. Of course, many have gone on to become household names like Martina McBride and Lady Antebellum.
I love that you have been a strong supporter of PBS, starring in four TV concert specials as we greatly admire PBS’s work. You are very progressive with video and have some great web media footage entitled “A Day in the Life, Brickman Tour”which touches and influences so many in positive ways. What drew you to doing these types of video’s for your fans?
When I talk to my fans at the after concert meet ‘n greets, they always want to know what goes on behind the scenes. Rather than tell them the same old stories, I decided to record some videos of our daily routine. They get a real feel for touring, and an appreciation for how much we love being on the road to bring them the music.
- photo
credit Kevin Merrill
We understand you’ve been studying music since you were 5 years old. When did you realize that music was what you wanted to do when you “grew up”? I loved playing piano since I was 4 years old. It has always been a way of expressing myself. So, when it became a question of what to do with my life, playing piano was my obvious choice. My mom was very supportive, but encouraged me to get a degree that would complement my music career – business. I love sharing my music, and I’m happy it is appreciated on so many levels.
What guidance can you give to other aspiring artists ?
Listen to many different artists that you enjoy and admire. Hear what it is in their music and lyrics that speak to you. Then when you sit down to write or perform… adopt what you like from other elements and make it your own. So many pianists tell me “Everyone says I sound like Jim Brickman. How do I start my career?” Well, there’s already a Jim Brickman, so I tell them the best way is to create a new, unique sound. Find places to be heard. And don’t be afraid of rejection. Find places to play and show off your talent. Start small and get your style and personality known so that you can grow your career.
Six Gold and Platinum albums, 30 charted adult radio hits, two Grammy nominations, debuts at Carnegie Hall and the White House and the list goes on. Do you ever sit back now, look at your success and think WOW, I’ve made my dreams a reality, or are you too busy striving for more?
I’m always working on something new! My success has given me many opportunities to expand into other creative fields. I produced a Carpenters tribute show called Yesterday Once More that is currently touring the US. I hope to do more shows like that.
Congratulations on the scholarship in your honor at The Cleveland Institute of Music where you studied, this must be such an amazing feeling for you!! How did this come about? I had a lot of piano teachers growing up, and they all wanted me to play in what I call “their style”. It wasn’t until I studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music, that I found a teacher who helped me develop my own style. It evolved out of my classical training and my love of pop music. I felt it was important to give something back to CIM, and encourage other young musicians.
We understand that you are going on tour and will be in our neck of the woods- Fairfield, CT on 5/13/2012. We hope to connect with you in person for a Jaki’s Buzz interview on our show and hear all about your tour if time permits you to buzz with us!
Best of luck Jim on your tour!
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