Following the release of his recent EP ‘In The Past’, we caught up with Brash Isaac.
Belfast’s Andrew Cameron has been releasing tracks under the pseudonym Brash Isaac, slowly introducing himself to the music scene by releasing two-track EPs across the summer.
As his musical journey gets well underway, we caught up with Andrew to find out more about his music and his plans for 2016.
Can you tell us more about how you first got into music?
I’ve been writing and performing music in bands since around 2010, namely with Belfast band ‘New Ancestors’. I was the drummer and backing vocalist so for this new project I’m stepping out from behind the drum-kit and doing my own thing.
Which artists in particular influenced your musical journey to-date?
In terms of solo artists, I’m very influenced by Bob Dylan, Ryan Adams, Bon Iver and David Bazan. Some of my favourite bands are Radiohead, The Beatles, Nirvana and mewithoutYou.
How would you describe your music for those who haven’t heard it yet?
Alternative singer-songwriter. If that’s a thing…
Why did you decide to reveal your tracks via mini EP releases?
That was a way for me to introduce my music over a long period of time in short blasts. The majority of people seem to be more likely to listen to one or two songs, rather than five or six, so either it works or people will just get sick of me releasing new songs every two months and lose interest altogether!
For your recordings, you performed guitar, bass, drums and vocals, why did you decide to take this approach?
I did most of the instruments myself, with my friend Chris adding in electric guitar and my friend Beulah contributing some backing vocals. I had all the tracks written in my head including all the musical parts, so the best way to translate that in the studio is to play it yourself. It’s a lot different than being in a band with each member having their part from the live show and putting it down on the recording. This way you are going in blind, as the songs haven’t been played in a live environment.
In terms of your live sets, do you alternate between solo and full band sets? Have you found a preference for either?
I’ve been doing a bit of both. Full band shows are what I find the most enjoyable and where I’m most comfortable, although I have garnered a new-found appreciation for playing an acoustic show as you’re able to completely dictate how the set runs and you can attempt to connect with the audience in a completely different way than you can with a full band show.
What are your plans for the rest of 2016?
Releasing the final two-track EP and then back onto the stage/into the studio to make more noise.
Anything else you wish to add?
Respect to those who are still reading and have put up with my pretentious ramblings. Have a listen to my songs and follow me on all the social media sites you can find!