Historical Interview: Brandon Jenkins opened up about his musical journey
Philip Corder: When did you begin your music career?
Brandon Jenkins: I like to think it started while I was in junior high school. That was when I joined my first band, but my first "paying gig" was at Eskimo Joe’s in Stillwater, OK back in 1990.
Philip Corder: Who are your main musical influences?
Brandon Jenkins: My first influences were mainly from listening to the same stuff my parents were listening to like James Taylor, Greg Allman, and TajMahal........ and on the weekends I would stay with my grandparents where i would get a heavy dose of country music. I like to think I’m still being influenced by all types of music. I think when it comes down to it, there are only 2 kinds of music, good and bad.
Philip Corder: What kind of audience is your music attracting?
Brandon Jenkins: I have a diverse crowd, but since the release of "My Feet Don’t Touch The Ground" I’ve noticed a lot more women in the audience, and that’s a good thing!
Philip Corder: Where can someone get a copy of your CD?
Brandon Jenkins: You can always go to www.brandonjenkins.com or come out and see one of the shows.
Philip Corder: Where do you want to be in the next few years with your music career? Any long term goals?
Brandon Jenkins: The main thing is to surround myself with good people, and keep writing songs and performing. I think if the songs keep coming the rest will take care of itself.
Philip Corder: Is there anybody that you would like to perform with?
Brandon Jenkins: I guess if I had to pick one, Norah Jones would be pretty cool.
Philip Corder: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Brandon Jenkins: I rarely look into the future. I whole-heartedly subscribe to the idea that we should never expect tomorrow to come, but rather, we should be surprised and grateful if it does. Plus, looking too far ahead makes it hard to make memories today that you can, someday, fondly look back on.
Philip Corder: What makes Texas Music different from the stuff coming out of Nashville?
Brandon Jenkins: For one thing, in Nashville, all the records sound the same, because they all have the same players on them. I think in Texas they embrace people like myself who don’t fit squarely into one category.
Philip Corder: (Texas Music artists are like one big family, everyone helps each other out) Is this true?
Brandon Jenkins: I think so! If it wasn’t for the help of my buddy Cory Morrow, and his support, I don’t think I would have moved to Austin. I opened a show for him in Oklahoma and he invited me to go on the road with him. That opened a lot of doors for me and gave me the chance to come down.
Philip Corder: Where is your favorite place to play?
Brandon Jenkins: I really just love playing PERIOD! As long as people are listening and meeting me at least half way then I’m having a ball.
Philip Corder: What is in your CD player right now?
We spend a lot of time on the road, and lately I've been on a books on CD kick. Right now it’s motivational speaker Zig Ziglar "A View From The Top". That’s not a "Rock and Roll" answer, but it’s the truth.
