Melodic Stories: A Spotlight on Modesto’s Singer-Songwriter Brandon Jamal
One musical force that embodies the spirit of the Central Valley’s creative spirit is emerging in Modesto, California, a vibrant city where the sun-soaked streets throb with the rhythm of life. Meet singer-songwriter Brandon Jamal, whose songs capture the rich, soulful vibe of his hometown. Inspired by Modesto’s diverse cultural landscape, Brandon’s music is a tribute to the relevance of authenticity and narrative in the contemporary era.
Brandon Jamal’s journey into the music industry is as diverse and engaging as the tunes he creates, with origins firmly entwined with the city’s musical tradition. With a sound all his own, Brandon’s music defies simple classification, fusing parts of folk, soul, and modern pop. He draws inspiration from the various sounds of Modesto.
Brandon Jamal has had his fair share of difficulties navigating the twisting paths of the music business, but his persistent passion and determination have driven him forward, allowing him to carve out a niche for himself in the ever changing independent music market. Brandon’s presence on stage creates a lasting impression, engaging listeners with his honest emotion and unquestionable talent in everything from small acoustic concerts to electrifying stage spectacles.
As he makes waves in the business, Brandon Jamal continues to inspire upcoming musicians and serves as a reminder of the unifying power of music to break down barriers and bring people together. Accompany us as we explore the world.
1.Can you tell us about your musical background and what influenced you to pursue a career in music?
I don’t remember a time when music wasn’t a focus of my life. I remember – I was probably about three years old – and my sister came into my room and started going over this new song that she had written. She was probably five or six at the time – and that wasn’t an odd thing for us to do. Her lyrics and the chord structure stand till this day! My influence come from the music that was playing on TV and Radio – we all wanted to be some amalgamation of Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson – The King and Queen of Pop, but also my mom, dad and extended family had out of this world voices. I didn’t choose music, music chose me.
2. How living in Modesto, California, influenced your music and songwriting style?
This is something as an artist that I try not to be too self-aware of. I don’t wanna become a caricature of my art by over examining it. I know that my environment and experiences are what I draw from. The guy who drove the mustang that I wrote Yellow Mustang about, the rude boy that I wrote Hey Rude! about – both of whom have no idea I wrote songs about them…I hope – simply would not exist without Modesto. Thank you, Modesto!
3. How would you describe your musical style? Are there any specific genres or artists that have played a significant role in shaping your sound?
My musical style… it makes sense if you don’t stare at it too hard. Or if you’re intoxicated. I think I’m influenced by almost everything that I listen to, I know my greatest influences are Whitney and Michael, but also Janet, Tupac Ms. Lauryn Hill, Mariah, Gaga, Paula Cole…Too many to name.
4. Can you walk us through your songwriting process? How do you go from an idea to a fully formed song?
It’s different almost every time! I think if I have any process, it’s to accept the fact that I don’t have a process, and that’s scary – and okay. Sometimes I compose the instrumental first, sometimes it starts with a lyric. Sometimes it happens all at once. I can be playing around and strike a note that triggers …something and it becomes a mad rush to put it all down on paper and waveform before the gates of inspiration close.
5. What are some of the projects you’ve been working on recently? Are there any songs or albums you’re particularly excited about?
I’ve been working on a lot of new music. Mostly personal projects. One commissioned for a video creator. I’m excited about every piece of music I get to work on. I put out Love’s Expensive Madness recently – I was crazy excited about that one. And the imagery. I had a whole movie plotted out when I was making and promoting that song. Sonically the song felt like sex and crime in the 80’s – it makes sense if you don’t stare at it too hard. I had this whole theme about printing money, and bank robbery, lots of ink and lots of pink. If I had the budget that would be one expensive music video.
6. What have been some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced in your music career so far? How have you overcome them?
Hmm…the biggest challenge that I’ve faced by far lives at the intersection of self-motivation, discipline, and finance. It costs money to create and it’s taxing to push for your dreams when much of the world around you is telling you to do otherwise. I do want to say that when it comes to the gay thing… I have had the pleasure of working with a lot of artists who are straight, that fully embrace my gay ways. I’ve worked with rapper’s singers and instrumentalists that have embraced me when some of my gay brothers shaded the actual f*ck out of me.
7. What have been some of the most memorable performances or events in your career?
This interview is one hehehe. I haven’t had many live performances yet, But I am moving in that direction.
8. Have you collaborated with other artists? If so, what was that experience like, and who would you like to collaborate with in the future?
Yes! Allow me to gush for a second. I collabed with my good friend Eric Robles of Sabios. We met in school, and he has been a huge motivator for me. I met POP who is featured on Andalite Booty. He is the most prolific rapper that I’ve ever worked with. I wanna work with Bad Bunny, Tom Hardy, Denzel Washington, Zayn, Harry Styles, Marren Morris, …how much time do we have.
9. What keeps you inspired and motivated to create music?
I feel like music is happening to me regardless of whether or not I enjoy it. As a matter of fact, the recording process can be SUPER annoying. But I do love it…most of the time.
10. What are your goals for the future, both short-term and long-term, in your music career?
I want my music to go as far and wide as it possibly can, I want to touch the world and be touched in return, I guess short term… I want to financially be able to support myself with my music.
11. How do you engage with your fans on social media, and what role does social media play in your career?
Right now, I am mainly in a few places Instagram @iHeartBrandonJamal – I started using that name when I was working at iHeartMedia and haven’t changed it yet. I’m on Spotify as Brandon Jamal, and I am on TikTok as Black Marcia Brady. Because I don’t have any in person (store or concert venue) presence, my whole career at the moment is on social media. I love to engage with anyone who reaches out to me. You can even email me BrandonJ@tommyarcvoices.com
12. How do you feel about the current state of the music industry? What changes would you like to see?
Just to preface – how I feel may not be a reflection of reality – I am excited by how technology is opening doors and accessibility for artists like myself. Oddly enough, I feel as though creativity has not kept pace with the curve of said accessibility. A conversation that we’ve been having in the Black American community for as long as I can remember is one of multi-national corporations (record labels) exploiting “black pain” and caricatures of blackness at the expense of the community. I see something similar playing out in gay pop culture spaces, and I find it discouraging. I think LGBTQ+ people need to come together and decide how we want to be represented.
13. Do you have a specific message or theme that you aim to convey through your music?
Nope.
14. What advice would you give to young, aspiring musicians who want to follow in your footsteps?
To the young and not-as-young-as-I-once-was…My favorite movie is Sister Act 2. I think about the scene where Sister Mary Clarence tells the story about being a writer. If I was to give any advice it would be to stop asking other people for advice. If you’re an artist, you are the one person on the planet who is an expert on your art. If you need technical advice, seek that from a qualified technician. Stop asking your friends or family or coworkers what they think. It’s actively, and dangerously irrelevant. If you’re having trouble getting the kick to stand out over the bass in the mix, or your vocals are getting drowned out by the strings, YouTube is your friend – seek technical consult. Also, ANYTIME you ask someone to listen to your music – verses them discovering it – you devalue it. It’s like finding a designer at Ross. Yeah, it’s designer…but you will never pay designer price for it…because …you found it at Ross.
15. Can you share a fun fact about yourself that your fans might not know?
I love to cook! Baking in particular. Sweet potato pie is my favorite food on the planet, and I love to make it almost as much as I love to eat it.
