We had the good fortune of connecting with Brett Vaughn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brett, why did you pursue a creative career?
Because I knew I’d never be as fulfilled doing anything else. It’s that simple. It’s something I’ve known since I was in my early teens, like it was hardwired into my DNA. You have to stay connected to that feeling in the face of any and all obstacles and adversity that this business throws your way.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When you’re building a professional music career, it’s essentially becoming an entrepreneur. You can’t put all of your eggs in one basket, and thus, are forced to build various baskets. In a nutshell, no, it is not easy. Far from it! You have to have the desire to become applicable to so many different situations. As a player, you need to be ready to play acoustic guitar on somebody’s album, learn three sets of material for cover band gigs (writing your own charts for each song), teach guitar lessons, find time to practice and continue to refine your abilities, and find time to write and compose your own music, etc… This is a typical week if you’re lucky! You can see how extremely challenging it is to manage time effectively, stay professional and busy in order to pay bills, and also to work on what you love so that you get your own creative fulfillment.

While I don’t feel like I’m anywhere near the goal line in my career, I’ve always just put one foot in front of the other and kept building. I think that is crucial; no matter what things look 0r feel like, just keep going and don’t give up. Also, sometimes those times of anxiety can be great motivators to get you out of your comfort zone and make bolder moves.

What sets me apart from others as a musician I would say is my versatility. I can and have played so many different styles onstage and in the studio. Jazz, blues, gypsy jazz, funk, classic and modern country, Americana/folk, funk, psychedelic rock, heavy metal, and on… While at Berklee, my emphasis was split between guitar performance and jazz arranging, which allowed me to look at music less from the perspective of a guitarist, and more from an arranger or composer’s point of view. I recognize that the guitar is simply one voice in the choir, and that for a song arrangement to be most effective, all of the voices must be in balance according to that song’s aesthetic. It’s not about thinking “what can I play”, but “where do I fit in?” and “how can I add to this without getting in the way”.

Currently, what I’m most excited about is that I’m a recent Los Angeles transplant. That means the sky is the limit as far as who I can meet, play with and learn from. I’m very excited to branch out and meet talented and intelligent people to connect with. Creatively, I’m most proud and excited about my project, Portend, which is a death metal band I started during the pandemic. The music is nearing completion, and me and the guys have built a great studio setup so we can make the album ourselves. I am so excited to get this music out to the world. To get busy gigging, I’m beginning to rehearse with a gypsy jazz ensemble, an R&B/soul group, and traditional heavy metal band.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Probably grab an espresso and pastry at Doubting Thomas, have a walk around Echo Park, see some amazing art at the Getty, then finish up with a show; either jazz at the Baked Potato or maybe a metal show at 1720, or the Belasco.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am so grateful for the support of my family. My father and grandmother were both musicians, and there have been musicians on that side for generations. My family has always helped me and rooted for my success the whole way. Also, all of those who have supported me by coming to shows, buying a shirt or CD, telling people about my music. It means everything and I thank you!

I was lucky to get my education at Berklee College of Music, and there were so many amazing professors that imparted lifelong advice and wisdom in addition to deeper musical understanding. Bob Patton in Ear Training believed in me, encouraged me when I felt that I was behind my peers in ability and not able to get through the course. I listened to him, worked hard and did just that. Bruce Bartlett, my private instructor guru, opened doorways to galaxies I don’t think I’d ever reach without my learning from him.

Another area of great blessing has been the various musicians I’ve been lucky to know and perform with in various groups/settings. Talented, hard working people that deserve a shoutout: Alan Gamboa, Bryant Whaley, Dominique Salazar-Turner, Scott Dunbar, Jim Frink, Alex Reiff, Jessica Malone, Barry Eldridge, Giorgi Khokhobashvili, Thomas Mackerness, Brian and Colin Curtin, Brian Gifford, Jonathan Beach, and more!

Lastly, but certainly not least, my amazing students I’ve been fortunate to teach over the years. To provide a path of learning in music for others has truly been a rewarding experience, and I’m grateful to have contributed something positive to people’s lives.

Website: www.brettvaughn.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/inmybookofspells

Facebook: www.facebook.com/brettvaughnmusician

Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/brettvaughn

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@inmybookofspells Contact for lessons or business inquiries at guitarbybrett@gmail.com

Image Credits
Elle Jaye Photography

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