This time, we get to know Brent Newbold, a multi-instrumentalist that is also known as 'Aging Teen Idol'. Influenced by Metal and old school Punk, Brent has taken things in a very surprising direction. You will hear elements of Kiss, Rush, The Ramones, Randy Rhoads, Pink Floyd... as well as Sweet, Slade, and The Sensational Alex Harvey Band: all wrapped up in a tiny, one-man band package!
The track "I Need You" is featured in the New Artist Spotlight Family of Playlists.
Link To New Artist Spotlight Playlists:
1. Tell us a little about where you are from and what you are currently doing.
I live in Cincinnati. I originally come from the Chicago area, though. I am working on my next album which will be the first since June 2020. I recently released a single called 'I Need You' which is a cover.
2. What inspired you to start playing and making music?
My first exposure to music was The Rolling Stones through my father. I always had records as a child in the mid 70's. I loved Sweet and most of the 60's bubble gum stuff on the 'Budda' record label. When I moved to a town called St. John, my new friend Paul would play records for me including Cheap Trick, Rush, The Runaways, The Ramones, Van Halen and what turned into my favorite for the next few years, Kiss; Specifically KISS Alive II. This album made me want to play drums and guitar.
𝟯. Who are your biggest influences?
Mick Taylor/Keith Richards was really first, but I had no idea who they were. I just knew The Rolling Stones. Ace Frehley was first that I was aware specifically who it was. I thought he was the coolest thing ever. I loved the Ramones, especially the Leave Home Album.
Then I heard Randy Rhoads. That was it for me; 1981-82. (I still compare guitar players to him)
Then there was Yngwie, Steve Marriot, and a slew of others.
4. What are your goals in the music industry?
When I was younger 1988 through the early/mid 90's I had the 'million dollar dream'. Did the band thing, the gig thing, the 'production company showcases', etc. I ended up moving to Cincinnati and didn't really plug myself into the music scene. I focused on playing/writing my own stuff and rearranging things I had done previously with bands. I am very used to doing everything myself at this point. So, my real goal is to have an outlet for what I come up with. The digital age has really made things easy to have my music distributed, and groups like NAS have helped me gain an audience. Will I be in a band again? I don't know. I would like to think so. Would I do collaborations? Yes. If someone listens and like what I do and thinks I would be a benefit to what they do; great!
5. Tell us about your creative process when you make new music.
The greatest song I ever wrote was forgotten in the shower! I typically have some way to record a phrase, line, or melody (thank you iphone!). Mostly, though, I am a riff guy. I will string riffs together to see if they fit, arrange them, and see what happens. Sometimes, I have a melody, will hum the melody until I have a chord structure to work with.
Anyway, When I have an idea ready to demo, I will have a tempo in mind, and start a drum loop. I then record the basic tracks; including bass, guitar, and anything that I feel with help with the phrasing/structure. Then I redo the drums either through programming or (my preference) actually playing the drums. I then decide which of the basic tracks need updated due to new ideas or mistake that were made.
When I record, I try to do each track in one take because I still think I might play these live one day.
6. What is your all-time favorite song?
Very hard question... This is situational. "Reflections of My Life" by Marmalade is up there. It has absolutely everything in it; Strings, kick ass bass line, wonderful harmonies, and, for no real reason, a backwards guitar solo. ...and it is gut wrenchingly sad.
7. What is the best advice or council you have either given or received in terms of music?
Always keep creating. One may never be famous, but one can always feel proud of something they create. One can always share that gift with others. Your gift is something that will be with you regardless of making a living with it or not.
8. Proudest accomplishment?
Musically: knowing that someone out there actually likes the music I have created! Nothing beats the feeling of someone reaching out because they heard your song pop up in their Release Radar, Daily Mix, or Discover Weekly.
Lifewise: To have a career, and still being able to enjoy making music.
9. What is something about you that might surprise someone who knows you the best?
I am actually very shy. I'm not really introverted, but I do not like most social situations. I like the energy, but there are many things that I do not handle well due to my many 'intricacies'. I do not pick up on a lot of social cues. Many people think I am funny, dry, and sarcastic. The thing is, I am usually telling the exact truth, but it is delivered in a way that people see as 'humorous'.
𝟭0. Tell us about your highest and lowest points in music so far.
Low Points: When the 'million dollar dream' turned into the $10 truth. Moving and not being in a band anymore.
Highpoints:
Seeing my music appear on the steaming services, and then getting over a couple thousand listeners per month over time. Making so many new Indie Music friends through social media and NAS.
Stream "I Need You" now
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Can't wait to hear your music. Great 10 Questions.