Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to The Biggest Brandon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi The Biggest Brandon, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Imposter syndrome is something I grapple with regularly. It hits me in waves about once every season. It’s honestly one of the heaviest weights I carry, making me doubt myself and sink into a funk of self-doubt and depression. Usually during those times im holding on to everything by a thread, I might find myself barely managing my day job, squeezing in a light workout, and leaning on some not-so-healthy coping mechanisms, all while comparing myself to everyone under the sun.
Usually the thin that helps me the most outside of a lot of prayer and meditation, is diving headfirst into my music projects. Setting goals and pushing myself to surpass my previous work gives me a sense of accomplishment that’ not too many things in this world can compare to. And sometimes, teaming up with like-minded friends or lending a hand to fellow musicians opens up new avenues for growth and collaboration for sure.
It’s really all about completing the work, no matter how small the steps may be. If you’re putting in the effort, you’re not an imposter, in my mind. Whether you’re a household name or just starting out, the key is to keep moving forward and create.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I go by the artist name The Biggest Brandon, and I’m a Singer-Songwriter, Multi-Instrumentalist, Producer, Pedagogue, Composer, Musical Director, and Recording Artist. Born and raised in Houston’s Historic Third Ward, I’ve received two Houston Arts Alliance Grants. I attended HSPVA, now Kinder HSPVA, studying voice and piano. With a Bachelor’s in Music from Prairie View A&M University, I’ve been writing and performing original music for over a decade, collaborating with various collectives and touring with bands like the Suffers and Jawaad Taylor’s Band.
My influences range from Neo-Soul, R&B, to experimental hip-hop and free jazz. I thrive on collaboration and draw inspiration from everyday life, blending cultures and themes like love and fellowship into my music. As The Biggest Brandon, I aim to embody constant self-improvement and encourage others to be their best selves. My single “Queen” releases on May 21st on all digital platforms. Follow me on Instagram @Thebiggestbrandon for updates and to stream it.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. Openness and Flexibility: Starting out, I realized I didn’t have all the answers, but I knew I had to begin somewhere. Being open to starting within the realm of my aspirations was key. Exploring similar but not identical avenues, embracing various genres or sub-genres related to my craft, and being receptive to new people and ideas helped me evolve. Criticism from seasoned experts proved invaluable in refining my approach and goals. Staying open meant constantly adapting, whether by broadening or narrowing my focus, raising the bar, or adjusting goals to match my current circumstances. 2. Networking: As my mother wisely said, “Your network equals your net worth.” Cultivating strong relationships with fellow musicians, artists, producers, and creators significantly boosted my career. These connections, deeply rooted in passion and compassion, opened doors to countless opportunities. Nurturing and expanding my professional network continues to enhance both the quantity and quality of my work.
3. Self-Belief: Perhaps the simplest yet most challenging aspect was believing in myself and my goals. Convincing myself of the legitimacy of my pursuits paved the way for others to take me seriously. Overcoming the fear of taking risks and seeking validation from within rather than external sources was paramount. If I could advise my earlier self, it would be to persevere and trust in the vision I had for myself. Internal validation is not only sufficient but powerful enough to propel one toward their desired destination.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was nurture my creativity. My dad, a music enthusiast, filled our home with melodies, playing the bass daily and crafting imaginative toys for me from household items. Together, we’d stage concerts, mimicking our favorite artists, and as I grew older, I joined in, learning to play and sing along. Meanwhile, my mother supported my passion by enrolling me in schools and programs that fostered my musical talents. My Christmas gifts transformed from toys to musical instruments and CDs, with one of the most significant being my first keyboard. That gift changed the course of my life, igniting a lifelong passion for music.
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Image Credits
Photos by Fred Agho. IG: @fredagho
