Artist Statement
Few moments grant me such profound tranquility as those spent in musical communion. Whether drawing forth a haunting air while winter snow descends in silence, or leading spirited reels as a gathered crowd becomes one voice clapping in unison, these are the instances when I feel most vibrantly alive and intimately connected to both my fellow souls and the world that holds us all. In such moments, nothing exists beyond the sacred present—only the collaborative creation of something transcendent matters.
My journeys to Ireland and Scotland afforded me the privilege of witnessing music as true communal celebration, an experience that transformed my understanding entirely. Until then, I had known only the rigid divide between "us" and "them"—performers elevated, audiences seated below. But in the sessions of those ancient lands, I discovered a sincerity and authenticity that I yearn to see flourish within my own culture. The most profound lesson these experiences offered was this: performers need not be severed from their audience, even when stage lights create artificial separation. We are, each of us, both performer and audience simultaneously—whether we happen to be coaxing melody from strings or simply tapping our feet in rhythm while raising a pint. In these sacred moments, we are bound together, co-creators of whatever beauty emerges.
The pieces I choose to learn spring from varied wells of inspiration. Often, it is the immediate magnetism of tune or song—a rhythm that stirs the blood, a melody that haunts the heart. Yet sometimes, even when a piece offers no instant appeal, I sense within it the potential to convey some essential emotion, story, or truth that resonates with honest clarity. Occasionally, I undertake a piece simply because the community holds it sacred, learning it as an act of cultural stewardship—preserving the voices of those from distant times and places, ensuring their feelings, stories, and worldviews endure rather than fade into silence. Through understanding who they were, we might glimpse more clearly who we ourselves are.
In ages past, invading armies recognized musicians as society's most dangerous members. They were the keepers of flame—the ones who preserved culture, perpetuated stories, and wove the threads that bound communities together. Though we no longer inhabit an era where bards face the hangman's noose without trial, I still regard musicianship as sacred calling: to honor tradition while carrying the torch ever forward, as those before me have done. To bind us together in unity. To demand that we be simultaneously visionary and contemplative. To soothe our sorrows, herald our triumphs, and offer precious moments of transcendence as we navigate this earthly journey together.
BIO
Greetings, I am Brandon—a devoted student of music and wanderer of distant shores. My journey began at the Washington, D.C. Conservatory of Music nestled within Glen Echo Park, where I first discovered the profound depths of musical expression. This foundation led me to Berklee College of Music, where I earned both Bachelor's and Master's degrees in songwriting, honing my craft in the art of weaving melody with meaning.
Ireland has beckoned me repeatedly across the Atlantic, where I have immersed myself in its rich musical traditions on multiple sojourns. I am a fervent advocate for music's transformative power—believing deeply that through harmony and community, we touch something essential to the human experience and catalyze meaningful change in our world.
My intellectual pursuits find solace in the wisdom of Stoic philosophers: Marcus Aurelius, Seneca, and Epictetus guide my contemplations on virtue and resilience. During quieter moments, particularly on rain-kissed afternoons, I savor the complexity of fine Scotch whisky—Oban and Lagavulin being particular favorites—often accompanied by the gentle ritual of drawing Virginia tobacco through a cherished Meerschaum pipe.
Twenty years of distinguished military service have shaped my character, while my dedication to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (where I hold a brown belt) and physical fitness reflects my commitment to discipline of both body and mind.
My passport bears the testament of wanderlust across thirty-four nations: from the windswept highlands of Scotland to the ancient temples of Laos, from the medinas of Morocco to the steppes of Mongolia. Each journey—whether traversing the battlefields of Iraq, exploring the mystical landscapes of Peru, or savoring the cultural tapestries of Vietnam and China—has woven itself into the fabric of who I am today.