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Musician Dad Interview with Brandon W Pittman of when the word was (((sound)))
May 2015
Jamie Hartnett Photography ( https://jamiehartnett.squarespace.com/ ) ( All photos appear courtesy of Exposure Magazine ( http://www.readexposure.com/ )
Name: Brandon W Pittman
Bands: when the word was (((sound)))
Websites: wordwassound.com, www.reverbnation.com/whenthewordwassound,
https://soundcloud.com/when-the-word-was-sound, https://soundcloud.com/brandonwpittman
Photo: Jamie Hartnett Photography  courtesy of Exposure Magazine 

QRD – How old were you when you first realized you wanted to be a professional musician?

Brandon – I was around a year & a half old. I saw Kiss (Phantom of The Park) on television & I was completely mesmerized. Seriously, I can still recall it to this day.

QRD – What are a few highlights of your musical career?

Brandon – Participating in the For Lee Jackson in Space compilation. It was a very rewarding experience… truly uplifting to be a part of something that brought people together for a great cause (ALS awareness) & humbling to be a part of a tribute to such a special human being. Another highlight would be receiving a flattering review in The Terrascope for our second album Submersion... that was certainly inspiring.

QRD – At what age did you decide you wanted to become a father?

Brandon – Fatherhood found me. It was honestly something I had never considered. I had always wanted to travel & play music. I never thought it possible to do both. Fate proved me wrong... thankfully.

QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your family has had on your career?

Brandon – Honestly, it really doesn’t have a negative impact. Sure, it is tough to schedule everything at times... & sometimes I have to pass up shows or other opportunities, but I am a much better human being because of my family.  They keep me focused on the important things in life... & away from destructive behavior.

QRD – What are some positive & negative impacts your career has had on your family?

Brandon – I feel like my career is really just starting. So, I really don’t feel like it has had any negative effect. My hope is that I will be at a point where I will have the option to travel more when my son graduates from high school. Aside from that, I can’t think of anything that could be considered “negative”.  Again, the positive side is quite simple.… Family takes all the extraneous aspects out of the equation. My focus is solely on making music. I don’t worry about anything in the “rock n’ roll lifestyle” arena. They keep me grounded & provide prospective… that’s definitely something I am grateful for.

QRD – Have your children effected the music you make &/or listen to?

Brandon – That’s a great question. I would have to say yes to both. Although, the effect is hard to pinpoint. I suppose I’m more aware or conscious of making music that my family can enjoy or listen to.  I try to share music with my son that will, hopefully, inspire & educate him. I’m definitely more mindful of content/lyrics while recommending music to him. As for the effect on the music I create, it goes much deeper. I think it’s simply a case of “the purer one’s intent is… the purer the action will be.”  They help to keep me in a good place spiritually & mentally... that impact is immeasurable. I wouldn’t be the same person without them. Therefore, I wouldn’t make the same music.

QRD – Do you think being involved in music has made your children different than their piers?

Brandon – I think any family who shares art, music, culture, etc. sort of sets a different landscape for their children. Perhaps, they may encounter a more colorful variety of people in social settings with parents who are musicians… lol.  Surely, I would think, it would help to spark creativity &, hopefully, originality/individuality in a child. However, it is really up to the child. Influence can only do so much.

QRD – Have you had problems with the lack of steady money from a musical career providing the security you feel necessary in your household?

Brandon – I have a day job. There is no way I could even begin to make it on “band money”.…  Besides, I don’t know too many people, much less musicians, who are completely comfortable in our country’s current economic state. In my opinion, as a musician, if you are breaking even on production, travel, & any other music related expenses... you’re doing better than most.

QRD – Do you think being a father or a musician has a greater impact on your community?

Brandon – I think both can create opportunities for impact. However, being a father & teaching our children is absolutely vital to our culture… now more than ever.

QRD – Would you rather see your son eventually become a musician or a parent?

Brandon – I want to see my son happy… period.

QRD – Both family & music seem like things that will take up as much of your time as you’re willing to put in.  How do you end up dividing your time?

Brandon – It’s tough... but we generally only book on weekends when my son is not with us. You do the best you can.

QRD – What does your son think of your music?

Brandon – I think he likes it.  When he was 11 he downloaded a track on iTunes to “help support the band.”  I thought that was a really sweet gesture.

QRD – Do you think you could ever do a musical project with your son?

Brandon – Poete & I have actually worked together before. I did some work for a friend’s project, St. Mary’s, & he helped out with vocal loops, field recordings, & some studio assistance.

QRD – Any words of advice to young people?

Brandon – Follow your heart. Do what you love... BUT remember it takes hard work, sacrifice, & sometimes... a great deal of time. Don’t give up or compromise your integrity.… Make your time in this world count.