Today we’d like to introduce you to C.J. Brewer
Hi C.J. , thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Like many kids who grew up in the 90s and started listening to alt-rock music in the early 2000s, I was super drawn to the unique vocals, guitar, and drumming of albums like American Idiot, From Under the Cork Tree, and …Is a Real Boy. As I was listening to that music and burning Panic! at the Disco CDs to listen to on school bus rides, my mom got my brother an acoustic guitar because he wanted to start lessons. I was already playing in the school concert band, so I thought it might be fun to pick it up and try learning a few songs. Since then, my life has never been the same – playing guitar and singing have always been central to who I am.
Later on, throughout my early and late 20s in college and grad school, I never stopped looking for excuses to play and perform, even going so far as to join an acapella group. Gradually, karaoke, open mic nights, playing in multiple bands, and volunteer musical theater shows turned into learning more songs, expanding my musicality, and writing and recording music whenever possible. After completing grad school several years ago, I found work in South Carolina as a public speaking instructor at Clemson University. By coincidence, after completing my move down, a few coworkers invited me out for drinks at a local wine bar. The bartender on staff happened to have a guitar in the back, and after striking up a conversation about music, he asked if I would play a few songs. Thirty minutes later, I booked a paid gig with the bar for later that month, and since then, I’ve kept booking shows! I’m honestly so thankful for those memories because they’re part of a much larger story that has brought me to where I am today.
Currently, I’m a professional singer and guitarist in the South Carolina Upstate who performs in multiple bands, plays shows as a solo artist, and creates content online. In the last year, I’ve probably played around 50 paid gigs and done hundreds of performances at various open mics and jams in the area. In many ways, though, this is the beginning of my story as an artist. I’ve written and released original music, but my focus has largely been on performing for people because it’s where I find the most joy in making music. Looking ahead to the next few years, I hope to simply continue what I’ve been doing so that I’m growing as a vocalist, guitarist, and budding content creator!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ll never forget what one of my mentors told me about pursuing your goals as a musician: they said the ladder goes as high as you’re willing to climb. I don’t think anyone pursuing their dream of being an artist can walk up the mountain they’re attempting to climb without struggle or difficulty. Still, the journey itself is ultimately the reward.
I’ve mainly struggled with what I feel many musicians have to work through their entire lives. I have many insecurities about whether my musical abilities are good enough, especially compared to other, more accomplished artists. However, something that helps me when I dwell on those anxieties is to remember that I’m in competition with myself and that my goal is only to get a bit better than I was the day before. There’s this funny scene in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace where the main characters are underwater in a submarine, and then this giant fish almost eats their sub. Just as they’re panicking, another massive fish comes up and consumes the first fish, and one of them says, “There’s always a bigger fish.” I like to think back to that scene when I’m in my head about being good enough: it helps me put things in perspective.
Truthfully, there will always be someone with more skill, but all you can do at the end is deliver your best performance and impact the audience with your passion for creating music! I could go on about more specific moments that have affected me, but even on my most challenging day, I try to remember that when I go to bed and wake up, I am gifted the opportunity to do better!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As an artist, I feel like what sets me apart as a musician in this area is that I’m a looper. Essentially, what I do for most of my covers is that I build a band from scratch using my pedalboard, guitar, and beatboxing microphone. Of course, I also enjoy playing covers without that effect, but I enjoy seeing people’s reactions to the music growing and coming to life in real-time.
My setlist is also unique, and I rarely stick to one genre when I perform live. Usually, during my 3-hour show, you’ll hear everything from The Black Crowes and B.B. King to Oasis, Jimmy Buffet, and the Gorillaz. I’m always working to challenge myself by learning covers in different styles and genres. Being a vocal and guitar chameleon is another way I like to stand out and continue growing as a creative.
Finally, even though it’s not my strongest skill set, I also produce and write my own music at home when I’m not working or gigging. To me, being a versatile musician also includes being able to wear different hats, so to speak. I’ve even sold instrumental tracks to friends of mine for podcasts that they’re doing!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I hope you guys enjoyed reading my responses and checking out my interview. If you want to support me or learn more about my music, LinkTree is a great place to start: www.linktree.com/cjbrewermusic
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instragram.com/cjbrewermusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@cjbrewermusic
- Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/cjbrewermusic
