 Courtesy: McGuckin PR
Music fans might recognize Jeff Bryant as the versatile keyboardist they’ve seen performing with Alpha Rev, Cory Morrow, and Hudson Moore, but for the first time, Bryant is taking center stage, releasing his debut solo effort, Sleeping with the Lights On, on Feb. 9th. The all original seven-track album showcases Bryant's songwriting skills, his warm tenor, and a fluid sound that blends pop, R&B and jazz. In advance of the project's release, Bryant took the time to answer his Essential 8 and talks about songwriting, the road, how he spends his days off, and more!
When/where do you do your best writing? I feel like I do my best writing alone in a dimly lit room, sitting on a couch, in front of a coffee table, and a glass of good bourbon. I at least like starting a song by myself; hopefully finishing it. I’ll reach out to other folks for help when I feel like I’m stuck on line or need help writing a second verse. Its the second verse that usually gets me. Do you write about personal experience, the experience of others, observations, made-up stories, something else or a combination? It’s definitely a combination for me. Usually it starts with a personal experience or observation, then the story or emotion I’m trying to convey might work best when made-up elements or ideas work their way into the writing. What’s your favorite food on the road? I’m a sucker for a good hamburger and try to make it a point to ask people in different cities what the best burger in town is. I prefer those dingy local joints that are circa 1950. What do you love most about being on the road? Connecting with people and learning bits of history about the places we play in. I’m one of those nerds that will pull over when I see a historical marker. I’ll also try and connect with a few new friends and find an after show hang. It gives me a chance to feel more connected to the cities I’ve played in. I’ve made some great friends over the past several years by not just retreating to the green room, bus, or van after a show. Life is better when you connect with people.
What’s the most frustrating thing about being on the road?
Missing my family; my gorgeous wife and 2yr old son. As much fun as it is playing shows for people and taking in different cities and cultures, the real reward is coming home and spending time with the ones you love; trying to catch up on all of the “firsts” you missed while you were away. Being gone for days at a time can be challenging, but the tradeoff is having more quality time when I am home. Do you have any touring tips? Be cool. Nobody likes to be on the road with an asshole. Attitude is everything, especially when you’re on the road for days at a time. Equally as important is hygiene. Keep the music funky, not the inside of your touring vehicle. What’s your favorite venue and why? Moody Theater in Austin, Texas It’s hard to pick only one, but what puts this venue at the top of the list for me is that it’s in my own backyard. Not only is it a great room to play, but I also love to catch shows at Moody. When the venue is packed, the energy of the place is like no other room I’ve played. When you look up from the stage it’s as if the audience in the upper levels are on top of you. Favorite thing to do on a day off? Exploring whatever city I’m in. I’m the one that persuasively tries to get others to join me on some excursion; I can usually talk someone out of catching up sleep. I love being on foot, but will also rent a car. One of my favorite days off on the road was a few years back just outside of Asheville, NC. I rented a car and talked a couple of band-mates into joining me. We spent the day and night driving through the mountains of western North Carolina, stopping at scenic overlooks and little mom and pop eateries along the way. Website Purchase
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