My Silent Bravery – Diamond From Coal

By starrymag | August 28, 2014

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I would say my biggest musical influence is Bob Marley. I love how he promoted a message of peace and unity with his music. It’s something that I try to do. Also, there is a philosophical, spiritual vibe to a lot of his music and lyrics. I have some of that, but within my own way and beliefs. He’s definitely my favorite. In addition, I am a big fan of Dave Matthews Band, John Mayer, The Police, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, 311 and countless others.

Q) How did you come up with the name My Silent Bravery for the band?

A) The name came about because I was touring under another band name with the initials MSB for a while. Around 2010, my manager at the time suggested we do a band name change for marketability and for Google ability. I chose to go with a more commercial name. I wanted to keep the MSB in place, as my fan base was familiar with it and had a connection to it. My friend Caryn suggested My Silent Bravery and I really thought that embodied what the music was about. To me, it symbolizes inner strength, perseverance, persistence and ability to overcome obstacles. I have been dealing with a sports injury over the years and it is a challenge in my life and I continue to work hard to overcome that obstacle. I now try and inspire others to overcome their obstacles through the messages in my music.

Q) Do your lyrics come before the music? What is the process for your songs?

A) I write the majority of my stuff on the guitar. I usually come up with a chord progression that feels good and that is somehow inspiring to me. Then, I’ll come up with a melody for the lyrics over that. Usually, the lyrics are the last thing to come and it’s a lot of refining. It’s like putting puzzle pieces together but it’s a great feeling when the puzzle is completed.

Q) You recently released your new CD entitled Diamond From Coal. What’s the feel and vibe of it?

A) Diamond from Coal is a twelve track CD, which also includes a couple remixed bonus tracks if you buy it online. The feel and vibe for me is a continuation of where my last record left off, along with some new elements fans haven’t heard before. Overall, I think it’s a pop/rock record, but there are a lot of different styles and genres combined on the record, which keeps the listener guessing from start to finish. Being an independent artist, I don’t really need to fit within one genre. I like to call my music “acoustic driven pop rock with a positive message.” I’m really proud of the record that we made as a whole. I’m still a guy who likes to make albums, not just singles. I still like releasing music as an album because that is how I grew up listening to music. I’m a fan of getting a full body of work, not just a piece of it. It’s like a book, you have multiple chapters and with only one of them you aren’t getting the whole picture.

Q) What inspired your song “On My Side?”

A) It’s a song for my friends, fans and family. It’s dedicated to them for really being on my side throughout all my musical endeavors. The music business is not a very easy one and this song is a personal thank you to everyone who continues to support me in my journey. Whether it’s to come out to a show, buy a CD, comment on Facebook or retweet on Twitter; it all helps and is appreciated. In addition to my connection with the song and its meaning, it is also for listeners to relate it to their own life, with whatever obstacle they are experiencing and people who have supported them. Specifically, the first verse is about overcoming doubt and the second verse is about manifesting your own destiny, choosing your own path and making it happen. The bridge is a shout-out to my immediate family, but I think anyone who listens can still relate it to their own experience and family. The video is also my most personal one to date, letting viewers into my world.

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your songs?

A) That is a good an interesting question. It varies on a case by case basis. The biggest hand I have is in choosing the producer for the song or project.  I can tell you that I have a lot of trust, faith and a great deal of respect for all of the guys I have chosen to work with. For this project, they included Anthony Resta (Collective Soul, Elton John), Warren Huart (Aerosmith, The Fray), Mike Mangini (Joss Stone, David Byre) and Peter Zizzo (Jason Mraz, Avril Lavigne). They are all extremely talented and one of the reasons I have chosen to work with them is that I like their production. I generally let them take the reins on arrangement and production, as that is what I have hired them to do. There is a lot of discussion going on during the production process and I, of course, throw my two cents in when I feel it’s necessary or something is out of line with my artistic vision for the song.

Q) What is your favorite song off Diamond from Coal and why?

A) I don’t think I can choose just one! Right now, “On My Side,” “Forever” and “You Shine” are at the top of my list. I am going to roll with “You Shine” for the “why” aspect. I like the message in the song, win or lose, we all have a light to shine.

Q) The video for the song “Amazing” features Cara Maria from MTV. How did she get involved with the video?

A) Cara [Maria] and I have a mutual friend who connected us. Shout out to Benny Trouble in Beantown! I thought she would be great for the video and she was into it. I think the video came out great.

Q) What can fans expect from a live My Silent Bravery show?

A) Fans can expect a mix of MSB favorites and usually a few surprises. I generally aim to please and play songs that I think that the fans want to hear, usually the fan favorites. A lot of times I’ll usually throw in an interesting cover or two, something fans might not expect. I may do a cover of an old school rap song, which is very different from what I do as an artist releasing original pop/rock music. I think it makes it fun and we try to be as interactive as we can. From the first song, we hope fans are very engaged and that they will walk away inspired.

Q) Your music has been featured on various television shows. How does that make you feel?

A) Honestly, it feels great. It makes me feel like I am contributing my art and message to the world. I am always excited and humbled when a supervisor chooses to include my work in their programming.

Q) We’ve seen you sport dog tags on a number of occasions and a couple special wrist bands. What are their significance?

A) Yes, my dog tags and wristbands are significant to me as they have Kabbalistic prayers inscribed on them. I have been studying Kabbalah for almost ten years and it has impacted my life immeasurably. It’s probably the biggest reason I am here having this discussion with you. My friend Rachel Brown makes the jewelry and anyone that wants to learn more about Kabbalah can go to http://www.kabbalah.com.

Q) Who would you want to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) There are plenty of people I would love to work with out there. There are tons of talented people. Someone I’d love to work with, which might come as a surprise (maybe not after my earlier answer) is Eminem. I’m a big Eminem fan. I just think that the guy is a genius in his storytelling. I would love to work with him and come up with something very unique. I’d love to pick his brain a bit and the way he tells his story is fascinating. I think he is extremely talented. Another artist I’d love to collaborate with is Damian Marley.

Q) What can fans do to help promote your music?

A) They can share it with their friends or go online to any My Silent Bravery social networks: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube and add me as a friend, like my pages and join the conversation. They can share, LIKE, favorite, retweet and comment. They can join the mail list, start fan pages or join current ones. It all helps and is appreciated!  Fans can also reach out to me personally. We always have different ways to get involved and be part of the MSB community. Our active fans are called Bravehearts!

http://www.facebook.com/mysilentbravery

http://www.twitter.com/mysilentbravery

http://www.instagram.com/mysilentbravery

http://www.youtube.com/mysilentbravery

Q) You are a part of social networking sites. Why is that an important way for you to connect with your fans? 

A) I think fans want an individual and unique experience. When fans go online to a My Silent Bravery social networking site, they actually get me. With a lot of artist sites, that is not the case. I find it really important to the process and it gives the fans a unique experience to get actual engagement and develop a friendship with me, the artist and person. I think it goes a long way and they appreciate it and respect it.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your music? 

A) I would like to thank everyone for their continued support and I would just encourage that if you like what you hear to keep helping spread the word about MSB. It is so very much appreciated!