Today we’d like to introduce you to Brendon Porter
Hi Brendon, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a record producer, artist, and audio engineer from St. Petersburg, Florida. Over the course of my musical journey, I’ve had the privilege of performing for thousands and collaborating with hundreds of artists and musicians. My work has been recognized in publications like NPR, the Tampa Bay Times, and Creative Loafing, and my music has been featured at venues and festivals such as Raymond James Stadium, Gasparilla Music Festival, and the Capitol Theatre.
As a performer and producer, I’ve contributed to dozens of musical projects spanning a wide range of genres and styles. In 2017, I co-founded the group Speak Easy, and we’ve since toured multiple countries. In 2023, I became a Resident Producer/Engineer at Five5 Studios in Tampa, FL, where I’ve produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered tracks across all genres. Additionally, I’ve worked on film scores, ADR, and audio mixing for film and commercial projects.
Currently based in Atlanta, I continue to work as a recording artist and producer, engaging in session work, live sound, and musical performances.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being a musician is incredibly fulfilling, but navigating an industry centered around a passion like music can be tedious and emotionally exhausting. Oftentimes, the actual playing or recording is the easy part of the process. The real challenges often arise from managing the personalities and details surrounding the music. Money doesn’t always come consistently, so it’s crucial to build strong relationships with reliable people. It’s all too easy to encounter those who make big promises only to take advantage of your dreams.
That being said, reaching the point I’m at now has been a generally rewarding experience. I’ve experienced what feels like an endless series of triumphs and letdowns that have both inflated my ego and crushed my spirits. The path I’ve followed has allowed me to slowly learn and adjust my direction as needed, with the letdowns being an essential part of the process.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I consider myself a music producer first, and an artist second, but the titles are subject to change. I’ve felt drawn to the studio environment since I was a teenager, and something about the buttons and flashing lights is exciting to me.
As a producer, it’s my job to put sounds and instruments together that serves an emotive purpose for an artist or project. I have to be conscious of the client’s taste and musical preferences, often considering tempo, complexity, and harmony. I play live instruments like guitar, bass, and keys, so I like to incorporate them into my productions. While a lot of my productions are centered around hip hop and R&B, the live instruments allow me to work with rock bands, folk singers, and jazz combos.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
My most recent risk was moving to Atlanta, leaving my home and support network in order to pursue music and join my wonderful partner. This was a difficult decision, since my life has been in Florida since birth, but it’s continued to reward me since my arrival, thankfully.
I don’t consider myself to be a big risk taker, I’m often opposed to things that seem “too risky”. My strategy is to try and be open-minded about opportunities that seem unusual or on the fringe of my capabilities. This has led me to learn new skills and grow my abilities in a way that opens up new doors. I’m constantly questioning decisions but have no choice but to move forward and discover what’s in store for me and my projects.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brendonportermusic.com/portfolio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brendonporter
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0iKrnVtAkTlStqpp8CZTlG?si=AkZzACuTSDeATYmocV6YYw
Image Credits
Kell Too Dope
Snorlax Guerrero
Caleb Duplain
Katy Kasper
