27 May 2024
Every Monday I will be bringing you an interview with an independent band, duo or music artist. This week, I caught up with London based artist Brandon Ambrose to find out more…
Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I am from a town in Essex called Hornchurch. I got into music through being in a family of singers. My grandad sung in pubs, bars and clubs, and my sister also sung from a very young age. My aunt and various other members of my family sung too. Though I didn’t end up pursuing music myself until I was in my late teens, it had been present in my life all throughout. I now live in Bethnal Green, East London, and gig numerous times a week, in various different locations.
I am not in a band, but sometimes perform as a duo with either my friend Alexis Daperis, or Daniel Huttlestone. Alexis is the front man of a band called Everafter, and Daniel is an actor who has starred as the main part in various Hollywood movies.
Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
Michael Jackson has always been my biggest inspiration. I would spend hours every day in front of the television replicating his moves and learning his songs. He remains my biggest influence to this day, but I also draw inspiration from artists such as Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, and even Elvis Presley.
How would you describe your sound?
I try to switch it up as much as possible. I actually got into music through being able to do various different impressions, and so I like to transmute that into my songs by doing different styles. For the most part, my style is akin to that of Ed Sheeran’s or Lewis Capaldi’s – but don’t be surprised if you hear some MJ coming through now and again!
What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
My latest release is a song called “Keep Me Breathing”. It was something I wrote on the way home from a concert at the O2 when I was 3 months clean from drugs and alcohol, and it is all about my journey through addiction and, subsequently, recovery. My hope is that it lets others who hear my story know that it is possible for them to find freedom too.
What’s your local music scene like?
My local music scene is London – so anywhere from high end clubs, to dive bars. In essence, lots of variety in terms of locations and acts.
What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
I hope to release another 2 or 3 singles, and then work on an album, whilst continuing the live shows and gaining a larger fan base. I aim to be have made it in the charts by this time next year.
Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
Dead, or alive? If it was dead, then Michael Jackson. But considering he’s no longer with us, I’d have to say Ed Sheeran or Lewis Capaldi.
Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
I am known for bad timing with songs. You know, singing the wrong thing at the wrong time. I have gotten better with this over time, but it has made for some rather awkward moments in the past – particularly at gigs like funerals, or wakes.
What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
I actually wanted to be an architect when I was younger. I studied it in college, but then dropped out and became a singer.
Upcoming live dates and performances
Sunday 2nd June 2024 – The Macbeth, Hoxton
You can find out more about Brandon via Apple Music, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify or TikTok.
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