Meet Brent A. Nuffer | Songwriter/Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brent A. Nuffer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brent A., what inspires you?
I often think that only true, meaningful Art can be created by a sudden burst of spontaneous moments being connected at just the right time of combustion. There is a lot to be said about that and how things are created that didn’t exist just moments before. As a Songwriter/Artist I find the most daunting task is staring at an empty notebook page or empty canvas and wondering where to begin. You search for a spark, a glimpse of something and you simply hold on as it floats on by. Sometimes we get lucky to tuck it away in our pockets. I feel mostly inspired by and drawn to Art, whatever the art form, that is rough and raw, witty and whimsical around the edges, almost as if someone didn’t have it in them to revisit and smooth the edges. I many times think about the word perfection in art, and find it to be a dangerous mindset when approaching the creative process. Laboring over it and constantly tweaking it as you would when creating a clock, can sometimes pull the life from it. I feel mostly moved by the quiet vulnerability of an Artist simply having a moment in time and space and allowing things to exist as they should. At that time you just let it be and it will go where it needs to and find its home.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being an Artist during any time period is not an easy task. It requires a thick heart to navigate the world around us and to document what we see and feel. I firmly feel it is the duty of any of person who wants to call themselves an Artist. It comes with a responsibility that can leave your days long and your spirit winded. Though ultimately there is a deep silver lining in knowing that we have a form of expression that can help us process the fragility of life itself. That is where the Gift is. It’s a bit like being a mechanic where we can repair ourselves and if we get lucky we can help repair and comfort others at the same time. I feel grateful to have the opportunity to form Electric Moon Foundation as an extension of the work that I do artistically. To have the opportunity to share something that has had such a profound impact on my life is something I’ll never take for granted. The days may be long but the heart always beats strong.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I can’t think of a more beautiful place to begin than the ocean and all of its quiet majestic power. To me the ocean is a healing place that I feel grateful for the opportunity to visit. In particular, riding along the winding curves of PCH early AM when traffic is not present and the road stretches out like branches on a tree. After a quick & quiet lunch in Malibu at Nobu, we head up the legend that is Sunset Blvd and stop at the Self Realization Temple to visit the gardens and coy pond and bask in a moment of disconnect from everything else and the static we feel around us. The teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda have had such a profound effect on my life that I enjoy sharing them with others as much as I can.. As we head up Sunset, tossing around ideas of what to do next and what may deliver some needed inspiration, it dawns upon us that the Broad Museum is just a few miles away. The Broad becomes our destination and we take a look inside the minds of people like us. We head to Hollywood for a quick lunch at the destination of my guests choice and do a bit of a walk about. Runyon Canyon has to be one of my favorite places on the planet as well as being able to witness the vibrant buzz of a City while being immersed in nature at the same time. Nothing seems to calm the mind more than a hike. It seems natural to stop out to Hotel Cafe to visit friends and witness some of the finest songwriters around. As dusk and evening has now fallen, we close out the evening at the Continental Club in Downtown Los Angeles with a bit of Jazz.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Speaking of unexplainable Art and a raw expression that is accompanied by a moment in time. In high school I had an english literature teacher that profoundly affected my life as an Artist, though I’m not sure if my young mind realized it at that time. On this particular day we were to cover poetry and in particular William Blake, one of my favorite writers to this day. At the head of the class the teacher proclaimed, “What is the poet saying in stanza three?” At that tender age of 16 or so, I was just beginning to get an Artist spark within me and was discovering bands that meant a lot to me, I was trying to find my way around that world and where I fit in. I had a tiny bit of knowledge and a fire within my heart that told me to speak up. I raised my hand, and saw a nervous look flash across the face of my teacher. She said “Yes Brent. What is it?” I replied, “Ya’ know with all do respect, I don’t think it’s possible to really know what the poet is saying, nor do I think he wants us too.” She said. “Brent stick around after class.” I recall the sound of the bell as if it’s still ringing in my head and sweat in my palms. Everyone else filed out quickly as if summertime was just outside the door. I sat by myself, and finally got the nerve to approach her desk. I distinctly remember exactly where I stood as she turned to me and said. “Young man that was a very wise thing you said today, well beyond your years.” I quietly responded to avoid confrontation, “It’s just how I feel.” At that time she reached into one of the drawers from a desk that seemed to tell the story of many years just by looking at it, and she handed me a copy of George Orwells Animal Farm. As I reached for the book in what seemed like slow motion, she said, “Brent I’d like you to read this book instead of the William Blake assignment I gave the rest of class today, and give me a report on your full thoughts by Monday.” As many of us know Animal Farm is a story of rebellion, social revolt, courage, collaboration and seeing the truth and fighting for what is right. Within those pages and those writings from the great George Orwell I learned how to be a rebel with a cause and that a crusade within the world of art was valid, worthwhile and achievable. That moment and that book would change my life forever. I owe Ms. Delasis a letter. And maybe Mr. Orwell too.

Website: arthurautumn.com electricmoon.org

Instagram: @arthurautumn23 @electricmoon.foundation @thesundaynightrevuela

Facebook: facebook.com/arthurautumn

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVizFS9lsOc

Image Credits
Jasmine Day Priscilla Bouillon The Killers Management