BRYAN TITUS – ARTIST SPOTLIGHT AND INTERVIEW
By Ralph Beauchamp
Bryan Titus is an amazing artist who is today releasing his cover of the Bob Dylan classic, “The Times They Are A-Changin”, via Bigger Beast Records. Titus’ rendition is full of dynamic intensity that infuses a whole new dimension into this inspirational song. His voice has a truly emotive edge and the arrangement is sublime. Titus channels Dylan’s fierceness but also adds a singularity that is both impactful and gutsy. Bryan‘s haunting textures are infectious.
Bryan Titus is a wandering minstrel. He’s trekked the Appalachian trail and travelled abroad in order to find personal enlightenment and further his quest for musical growth. His sound is totally original and unique. Rooted in folk, Titus uses his creativity to explore such genres as Americana, R&B and bluegrass. Bryan uses his talent to further understand the universe and to communicate his feelings to the world. His songs are like individual jewels full of sparkling lyrics and transcendent flourishes. Titus is a stellar songwriter with an immense flair for the adventures of life. Every tune strives to find the essence of the human spirit. Titus is a true aural mystic.
Bryan Titus was kind of enough to sit with AMP for this informative interview.
AMP: What first got you interested in music?
BRYAN: I was lucky to grow up in a very musical household. My Mom sang in the church choir & my dad was a violinist. He wanted me to follow in his footsteps so I started violin lessons at age 4. I also sang in the choir starting around 6 years old. My dad played in a bluegrass & folk band when I was young. My older brothers played a big part in my musical development by letting me listen to their records & tapes as I grew up.
AMP: What is your creative process like?
BRYAN: I like to write fast. I try to act on the inspiration when it is flowing and get as much down right then & there. Once I have that core I will sometimes continue to edit over time but sometimes I get lucky & have a finished song in about 3 to four hours. I also really enjoy co-writing. It’s so fun to work together to create something & it always results in something better than what I could have done on my own. You also learn a lot about the person you wrote with which is a wonderful gift.
AMP: Who were some of your early musical heroes?
BRYAN: My brother Jeff left his college collection of tapes which turned me on to The Doors, Ray Charles, The Clash, Jimi Hendrix, & Stevie Ray Vaughn to name a few. I also love the music of the 90’s … grunge was hugely influential for me. I loved the rawness & emphasis on authenticity. Kurt Cobain is still one of my favorite songwriters. Same for Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Same for Eddie Vedder, Chris Cornell, Layne Staley & Jerry Cantrell. I’m forever grateful to the people that turned me on to the music they loved. That’s another amazing thing about music: people are so passionate about music & so excited to share what they love.
AMP: Your music spans a multitude of genres including R&B, Americana and Bluegrass. How would you best describe your sound?
BRYAN: My friend (& also a marvelous songwriter) Marie Danielle heard my song “Pokey” & called it “postmodern barn dance”. I love that description so much. People always chuckle because it sounds funny but it’s actually pretty spot on. To me it means bringing the concept of a barn dance into today’s world. Barn dances are celebrations of community. Folk music is about the people & I want EVERYONE to be welcome to the party. Musically it is a reflection of what I love: acoustic instruments, vocal harmonies, call & response singing, Celtic music, blues music, humor, & personal reflection.
AMP: You’ve hiked the Appalachian Trail a few years back. How did that trek inspire your creativity?
BRYAN: That was the most epic adventure of my life so far … over 6 months walking over 2,100 miles through the forested mountains of Appalachia from Georgia to Maine. I always looked for music whenever I walked into a town. Heard some awesome bluegrass & traditional songs down south. That was where I realized that bluegrass was a fusion of Celtic & African music. Mind blown. The most important lesson I learned from the trip was that if I was tough enough to do this – I was tough enough to keep pursuing my dream of being a professional musician. I’m so grateful for that experience.
AMP: You have resided on both coasts of the US. Do you feel each has its own unique vibe?
BRYAN: The short answer is this: Connecticut has the best pizza but California has the best burritos.
I’ve also spent years in England and Japan. I love traveling & learning about local culture. The main things I take away from traveling is that people are awesome, food is delicious, music is so fun, & the world is beautiful. However, I think you have to approach the world with a grateful & humble disposition. It also helps to keep an open mind & try new things.
AMP: Better Beast Records is dropping your new single which is a cover of Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’”. Can you give us a little insight into the track?
BRYAN: I developed my version of this song for a benefit concert raising funds to combat homelessness in CT. This song has been on my mind & in my heart for a long time but it seems to be even more important right now.
The times are ever changing and the struggle is never over. Dylan has a Rasputin like gift. He created verses so apt to the time of the song’s creation yet incredibly prescient to the problems of today. He tells of the classic conflict between older & younger generations and the people & the politic. He reminds us that we must guard & save ourselves in times of strife. That we need to be vigilant & thoughtful when observing the world & creating our world view. The one thing in life that we can count on is that things will change … let’s try to make that change for the better.
AMP: Do you feel the singer/songwriter scene in the Northeast is vibrant?
BRYAN: There is no shortage of talent here. I do, however, feel that there is a shortage of people who want to experience something new here. No disrespect intended but there are waaaaaaaaaay more shows for tribute bands in New England than in other places. I get it, we all want to relive the glory days & sing along to that favorite song … BUT I would love to see some more support for the abundant local talent here in New England. We need more people to step up to host house concerts & we need more people to get involved with their local artists … come to a show, buy some merch, & maybe discover a NEW song that will become a forever favorite!
AMP: If you could collaborate with any current artist, who would it be and why?
BRYAN: I’m super excited for an upcoming collaboration with New England Music Award winner Frank Viele. He is a powerhouse & has been instrumental in the revival that we are seeing here in CT & beyond. After that, if I could really write with anyone … to write with the likes of Lori McKenna, John Hiatt, Dan Tyminski or up & comer Chris Pierce would be amazing. Those artists all have so much heart balanced with astounding musicality … I’m sure it would be a master class with any of them!
AMP: What’s next for Bryan Titus?
BRYAN: I’m excited to announce here that my latest full length album will start releasing singles this year. The album was recorded live in an amazing studio in Santa Ynez, CA under producer/engineer Joel Jacks. It features my CA band mates Jeff Kranzler on Stand Up Bass & Dustin Janson on Cajon, percussion, & vocals as well as a healthy dose of ripping fiddle by guest star Jesse Olema. I’m aiming for the first single “Bright Side of the Blues” to drop in June … keep your eyes peeled!!! I’m also writing with a bunch of local musicians & working on a follow up folk EP with Tracy Walton at On Deck Studios here in CT.
SO MUCH MUSIC!!!
Can you tell I’m excited?
To learn more about Bryan Titus, check out their Website
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