We recently had the chance to connect with Breon Laníer and have shared our conversation below.
Breon, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Anytime I get to sit down at my mac open up logic and record, arrange, or rearrange vocals, I forget that time exists. I can sit down for 6,7, 8 hours at a time with no food or water completely enthralled at the opportunity to create something completely unique and new from thin air. I get lost in the challenge of creating precision, harmony and layering. It allows me to forget anything that is happening outside of that world, that space. It reminds me again of how creative I truly am when the day attempts to rob me of that. It reminds me of my uniqueness and difference – knowing that what I sit down and create won’t be like anything anyone else does. It feels supernatural.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Breon Laníer – a vocalist, vocal arranger, song writer, vocal coach, and all around creative. I dabble in all genres of music but find my home in r&b, jazz, and neo soul. I am also 1/2 BL+K – vocalist, keyboardist duo. I hail from the midwest but relocated to the DC area last year. For me music creation, and coaching are spiritual. It makes me come alive and has been since I began at the age of 3. All that I do aims to impact, inspire, and increase connection while also honoring the craft itself.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Before the world attempted to bring me definition, I was fearless, playful, creative, unafraid of risk and of being perceived. I dreamed without restriction. I have managed to hold on to a portion of this but somewhere along the way achievement culture convinces you to join the rat race focused on output in lieu of internal satisfaction. I have found much of my adult life has been about tracing my steps back to that child like freedom. It has been about discovering who I truly am beyond what the world says that I have to be. It’s been a challenging but beautiful experience.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would say simply, “Breon, keep going. Do not stop. There will be bumps in the road. There will be deep valleys that match those highs, but you can not give up. When you fall, because you will, it is not an indictment on who you are as a person, as an artist. What matters most is how you bounce back. Recover well and quickly so that you can continue along the path of your dreams and remember that in the silent seasons something beautiful is being formed, don’t despise it. Embrace rest”
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I would say that the public version of me is honest; that’s how I’d put it. The public version of me is a real part of me but it’s not the totality. Early in life, growing up under those who were in ministry in the pentecostal church, I learned the importance of being multi dimensional and knowing who to show which self to and when. So different rooms and groups of people get different versions of me and they are all truthful but only those in the inner circle get everything.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would immediately stop living in fear- fear of taking risks, fear of being perceived, fear of being seen trying, fear of failure, fear of success. With the things I’ve done, I know I could have done and could be doing so much more if it wasn’t for fear. I would take leaps and risks and not lean on assumed time as an excuse or crutch. I’d take every stage extended to me. I’d make every post. I’d share every song. In this next season of my life, I’m aiming to live in this way everyday. Time is not promised and there is much to be built. I want my legacy to be one that says “He tried. He dreamed and built fearlessly and left music and instruction behind for others to build off of”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: _inthekeyofb
Image Credits
Kai Holmes-Cook
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
