Interview by Meghan Killimade
Thanks for talking with us Braiden! For the folks that may not be familiar, tell us about yourself – how did you get started in music and what kind of music are you creating?
I got started in music at the age of eight playing with a group named Silver Hammer. We used to play anything from oldies to modern music at the time, and played over 400 shows together from 2009-2014. After that, the boys moved away for school and I began making my own way in local music until I found myself on NBC’s The Voice in 2015. With that incredible experience came plenty of exposure and real opportunity to do this for a living. Seeing that, I got my degree and got to work writing and crafting new music to capitalize on that gift from so many years earlier.
Growing up in Lyme and playing mostly in New London as I came of age played a major role in my development as a person and as an artist. The music community in New London has always been extremely supportive and tight knit, and the opportunities that I’ve found through this community helped shape the trajectory of my early music career, as well as allowed me to put in well over my 10,000 hours as a live performer at a young age. From the Garde Arts Center to Captains Pizza, from Hot Rods to Sailfest, New London has been my musical home all my life. Growing up in Lyme also shaped my musical tastes as I’ve always been in and amongst natural surroundings and all the musical tastes and genres that go with a more woodsy experience of life. This has given the music I write an acoustic flavor and a homey vibe that I deeply enjoy.
Your new song "Under Your Spell" just came out today – tell us
about this new recording -- what was the inspiration behind it and how did it come together!
What are some bands/musicians that you’re currently listening to for inspiration/motivation?
This song was inspired by a feeling I think most people have experienced in their own lives and relationships. It’s about being captivated by someone, drawn to their very being, and yet in the back of your mind you know they may not be good for you. Even still you feel entranced by them, like a sailor to a siren call. The end of the song is a bit of an explosion of emotion trying to overcome this experience and do what’s ultimately right for you. Whether or not that happened at the end of the song is up to the listener.
Take us into the recording process – where did you record this new song and did you have a specific group of musicians/engineers/producers you wanted to work with?
This entire project was recorded by Studio 60 Records at the sound stage at Telefunken Elektroakustik in South Windsor CT. I did have a very specific group of musicians in mind for the entire project but also for this song in particular. Mainly, I wanted to complete this project with the same boys I grew up with, who I consider my own kin. The brothers Ian, Duncan, and Aidan Maxwell, (keys, bass, and drums respectively), were the only players I considered for the rhythm section on this project. I would often say during the recording process that - because of our time playing together in our childhood - the band I heard in my head when writing was made up of each of their playing styles. The drums I heard and wanted were Aidan’s playing style, and the same goes for the bass lines and keys lines being Duncan’s and Ian’s styles. Having them on the project and on this song gave everything new life and vibrance and I am so lucky to be able to call them colleges as well as brothers. I also was blessed to meet new musical colleges and dear friends along the way. Having Alessia Nichole and Allie Fererra as backing vocalists was a special treat, with Allie doing vocal arrangements for the songs. We also had Joel Earhart (trombone), Kyle Konopka (trumpet, production), and BT Odoy (sax, organ, extra keys, production), on horns bringing a full and punchy sound to bear for this new material. All of the recorded guitar work was done by myself. In a live setting we do have other players with us to cover the lead lines and take solos, but everything on the record is my own work. BT Odoy, Kyle Konopka and myself are all on as producers, which is a process I thoroughly enjoyed, as their hypothesis for Studio 60 Records is “Your Vision, Brought To Life”. I’ve never seen a group so dedicated to the proper execution of their own mission statement and for that I thank them. This is the long way of saying that this project is my heart and soul from the past 7 years and I wanted to work with the very finest musicians I know to bring it to life. It has been a privilege to do so with them.
Back in February, you played a special set at The Social in New London for Valentine’s Day – which was described as “a unique musical collaboration with friends from all over the country” – how did this all come about and what were some highlights from the show!?
This unique show was a coming together of lots of factors. We were recording a video taped live album version of this project on February 8th, for which everyone had to come here. Ian is from Italy and Duncan is from Colorado, so getting everyone together is challenging sometimes. So we asked them to stay another week so we could play one big show together. But we also had a secret weapon. When all the boys moved to the Denver area when I was around 14 they started a band called Lavender Jones and met some new musicians. One of those musicians was Dan Lee, an incredibly gifted guitarist and songwriter. He was part of what made that Valentine’s Day show so special. Not only could the brothers reunite for a show back in our old stomping grounds of New London, but we could also add the new flavor of Dan and create an entirely different beast. The full force of the new project plus Dan was beyond my wildest dreams, and we are actively looking for ways to make it happen again and soon.
Folks may know you from Season 9 of NBC’s The Voice (go Team Gwen!) – how was that experience for you and what are some of the things you learned from the show that has helped you with your present musical career?
I had a great time on the show! Everyone working there is genuinely kind and the bond you form with your fellow contestants is stronger than most people find in college. It was also a crucible for us. It tempered our attitudes towards professional music and removed the romanticism so many of us imagine being a high level performer to be. It is work, very hard work at that, and it can all change in an instant. Coming to terms with that at a younger age really helped me understand what I’ve been getting myself into for the past almost decade since the show and helped inform my decisions when it came to getting a college education and spending time with my family and friends while I had the opportunity to as a younger adult. Now that I’m in my mid twenties with a degree, it’s finally time to go for gold with everything I’ve got. The show also prepared me for this path with media training and insight into music marketing. They are the only reason I can give an interview without sounding feral.
Also, because I’m a huge Gwen Stefani fan, I have to ask – what was the best advice Gwen gave you?
Gwen was a lovely motherly figure and a wealth of knowledge. She helped me learn about stage presence and confidence on stage in a way I had never explored it. She wasn’t concerned with my technical proficiency as a singer, she was concerned with my ability to emote as an artist. The best lesson I took from her is don’t be afraid to bear your heart, or your fangs.
This unique show was a coming together of lots of factors. We were recording a video taped live album version of this project on February 8th, for which everyone had to come here. Ian is from Italy and Duncan is from Colorado, so getting everyone together is challenging sometimes. So we asked them to stay another week so we could play one big show together. But we also had a secret weapon. When all the boys moved to the Denver area when I was around 14 they started a band called Lavender Jones and met some new musicians. One of those musicians was Dan Lee, an incredibly gifted guitarist and songwriter. He was part of what made that Valentine’s Day show so special. Not only could the brothers reunite for a show back in our old stomping grounds of New London, but we could also add the new flavor of Dan and create an entirely different beast. The full force of the new project plus Dan was beyond my wildest dreams, and we are actively looking for ways to make it happen again and soon.
Folks may know you from Season 9 of NBC’s The Voice (go Team Gwen!) – how was that experience for you and what are some of the things you learned from the show that has helped you with your present musical career?
I had a great time on the show! Everyone working there is genuinely kind and the bond you form with your fellow contestants is stronger than most people find in college. It was also a crucible for us. It tempered our attitudes towards professional music and removed the romanticism so many of us imagine being a high level performer to be. It is work, very hard work at that, and it can all change in an instant. Coming to terms with that at a younger age really helped me understand what I’ve been getting myself into for the past almost decade since the show and helped inform my decisions when it came to getting a college education and spending time with my family and friends while I had the opportunity to as a younger adult. Now that I’m in my mid twenties with a degree, it’s finally time to go for gold with everything I’ve got. The show also prepared me for this path with media training and insight into music marketing. They are the only reason I can give an interview without sounding feral.
Also, because I’m a huge Gwen Stefani fan, I have to ask – what was the best advice Gwen gave you?
Gwen was a lovely motherly figure and a wealth of knowledge. She helped me learn about stage presence and confidence on stage in a way I had never explored it. She wasn’t concerned with my technical proficiency as a singer, she was concerned with my ability to emote as an artist. The best lesson I took from her is don’t be afraid to bear your heart, or your fangs.
I have a revolving door or bands that I listen to for inspiration and influence. Some of the main ones right now are Couch, the Fearless Flyers, Sam Greenfield, Cory Wong, Casiopea, Prince, Sammy Rae, Taj Mahal, Wes Montgomery, the Doobie Bothers, Stevie Wonder, Bobby Darin, PJ Morton, Donny Hathaway, and so many more.
You’ll be playing the Rose Arts Festival in Norwich on June 28th – what can folks expect from your set and what bands are you most looking forward to seeing?
My set at Rose Arts Festival will be more acoustic oriented, being just myself with a guitar and Aidan on hand percussion. That being said, we love to take classics and play them acoustically with all of the energy of a full band. I’ll be playing all of my own original music plus a few tasty selections Aidan and I come up with to spice up the setlist and keep the audience on their toes. And personally, I’m most looking forward to seeing Couch! They are one of my current favorite bands and I love their music as well as their engaging live performance!
My set at Rose Arts Festival will be more acoustic oriented, being just myself with a guitar and Aidan on hand percussion. That being said, we love to take classics and play them acoustically with all of the energy of a full band. I’ll be playing all of my own original music plus a few tasty selections Aidan and I come up with to spice up the setlist and keep the audience on their toes. And personally, I’m most looking forward to seeing Couch! They are one of my current favorite bands and I love their music as well as their engaging live performance!
What’s coming up next for you? Can we expect some more local shows coming up this summer? Any touring plans? Goals?
What’s coming next is more music! I’ve very excited to have several songs completed and ready for release that will be coming out one by one over the next few months leading to the release of my full EP on July 11th! These are my first releases in almost 8 years and I am so proud of the work that the team and I have done to bring these songs to life.
I’ve got several shows coming up this summer both solo acoustic and full band, all of which will be posted on my website www.BraidenSunshine.com. The big ones to look out for are the Rose Arts Festival on June 28th, my EP release show on July 11th (location TBA (need to confirm with the Hygienic) and July 16th at Waterford beach for their Summer Concert Series. Even more gigs are in the works and will be announced later in the spring.
In terms of goals, I just want to make this my life. I want to tour and travel and earn the privilege to live and breathe music for my living. It’s been an incredible journey so far and I don’t see myself getting off the ride any time soon. On that note, thank you again for the opportunity to talk about my work. I appreciate the platform and the support that you provide for myself and so many other musicians more than I can say.
Sat June 28 @ Rose Arts Festival
Norwich, CT
Time TBA / Free / All Ages
FOLLOW:
https://www.braidensunshine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/braiden_sunshine/
https://www.facebook.com/braidensunshine
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/braiden-sunshine/1040553076
LISTEN:
CATCH THE SHOW:
Sat April 26 @ Filomena's Restaurant
262 Boston Post Road, Waterford, CT
6-9pm
262 Boston Post Road, Waterford, CT
6-9pm
Norwich, CT
Time TBA / Free / All Ages
Fri July 11 @ TBA
EP release party
More info coming soon!
Wed July 16 @ Waterford Beach Park
Waterford, CT
6-8pm / Free / All Ages