Brett Gleason Comes to Philly Tonight; Let's Catch Up!

Brett Gleason is coming to Philly, and we couldn't be more excited! The New York artist plays his first solo show in our neck of the woods, TONIGHT, Wednesday 8/7 at The Pharmacy. His new single "The Strong & The Silent," has been taking our ears by storm, which has us head over heals for the breaking artist. We had the chance to catch up with Brett before his show this evening.

Be sure to get your tickets in advance, here:
https://www.bandsintown.com/en/a/788263-brett-gleason

Listen to the new single, here:
https://soundcloud.com/brettgleason/the-strong-the-silent-brett-gleason

As a budding staple in the New York music scene, what do you look forward to most playing in Philly?

I'm a huge fan of the DIY music scene in Philly - artists collaborating on their own bills seem to be the standard here which creates a strong sense of community. The nights I've been a part of and am now putting together feel like real events where folks stick around and really check out more than just the act that brought them out, often all 3 or 4 bands. There are a lot less DIY spots in NYC and so many of the main Manhattan venues put together bills meant entirely to draw out the most people with less thought to musical consistency and cultural or social connections so it can feel really disconnecting to only play out in NYC, despite it being my hometown.

Is this your first time playing Philly? If so what made you decide to make the jump into town?

I've played Philly about a half dozen times now - I think this is my 3rd time putting a show together? I had originally done a few slots at the old Tin Angel but my sound is more alternative and I wanted to connect with the indie scene. This time, however, will be my first time coming through on tour which is really exciting.

You are known for creating a unique vision of music; what elements go into your songwriting and the process behind it?

Thank you! That's a good question - I pretty much always use the piano as the main focus of my songs which is definitely unique in rock music, as is my classical approach to singing. I've slowly been cutting back on guitars and using old analog synths instead which is a pretty noticeable difference too. I also place a lot of importance on the lyrics and vulnerability which I'd like to see more of from men in the rock world. I also try to show some strong contrast and intensity in my recordings and performances.

Do you have a label behind you or are you self-funded as an artist?

I say I'm DIY (Do It Yourself) but really I'm DIT (Do It Together) - whereas I do contribute a sizeable portion of the funds to my own music and am responsible for acquiring them myself, I rely on supporters as much as I can through my Patreon. I have over 60 people who contribute small monthly amounts to help me consistently self produce my own music and hire collaborators to assist when necessary.

As you create new music, what cohesive thread do you tend to weave throughout?

I try to create a sense of change and evolution throughout every song. I like taking the listener on a journey, to use the drama of music to bring the words to life.

What went into crafting your latest single? Was there any specific influence for the melodies, story or both?

So many of my songs are lessons I'm trying to learn so I capture them in song to force myself to live up to them in action and hopefully, inspire others to do so as well. 'The Strong & the Silent' is about radical vulnerability, showing up authentically and not hiding your faults, which is becoming my greatest strength. I've spent too much time playing it safe and am trying to sing out and speak my truth.

When it was time to make the latest track, how did you come up with the concept and then execute it?

I almost always start by recording piano - which I did here last year at Retro City Studios here in Philly along with vocals. I then slowly crafted synth & guitar sounds from my home studio in Brooklyn before laying down guitars and drums in Queens. I multi-track everything myself but the drums and really wanted to take my time creating a new sound on just this one song before digging into the next album.

When can we expect more music from you? We are indeed eager!

Thank you! I'm working on the follow-up single now for the end of the year which will lead to my 3rd album. I believe I've finally found my sound, it's really exciting.

Find Brett via:

Brett Gleason

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