"Weird," says Heath Brandon, describing in one word his history at the University at Buffalo.
It has been less than a year since Brandon left UB, and already he is on his way to becoming a success in the music business.
Brandon calls his talent "a gift from God," in light of the fact that his parents, both New York City teachers, are not musical people.
A film major at UB, Brandon's musical talent was spurred on by the gift of a guitar from his sister when he graduated high school. Prior to college, singing to CDs in his car served as his only vocal experience.
Brandon said once he got to UB, he led a "dual life" which involved separating his academic life from his budding musical career. He credits local coffee house Stimulance with helping him become known to the public.
Graduating and entering into a whole new world in the past year have not fazed him, Brandon said. Currently, he is a resident of New York City, where he works for NBC news when not dedicating his time to his music. Brandon says it was a "really easy transition," thanks to his ability to multi-task.
Brandon's album, "Songs from the After Hours," has already been released, and he is currently putting the finishing touches on his summer tour. The tour will travel down the East Coast, beginning in New York and ending in Alabama or Georgia. Not to neglect his film training, Brandon is also involved in production of an independent film with his cousin.
Brandon cites David Grey, Jeff Buckley, Sting, Ben Harper, Billy Holiday and Wes Montgomery as his musical idols. He also draws inspiration from jazz music, classical and some contemporaries. Brandon said he believes his music relates most to that of Norah Jones, and credits her with expanding the market for folksy/jazz/blues music.
"I'm a bit of a music snob," says Brandon. His picky taste means he avoids TRL bands of the week unless they really stand out.
Rather than try to send a particular message to his audience, Brandon said he wants listeners to formulate opinions on their own.
"I try not to tell anyone what to think from what they hear ... I give the listener a bit of an intellectual edge," he said.
This is not to say his music lacks substance. Brandon uses his music to release emotions as well as providing a soundtrack to the monotony of everyday life.
An "eclectic" musician and "an enormous jazz fan," listeners will definitely hear this influence on his album. With a whispery, deep, Dave-Mathews-like voice, Brandon has the recipe for success - the edge of true talent without the manufactured sound of many hip-hop and pop groups today. His good looks and confidence will serve him well in an industry where a lack of either can be a limiting factor.
"I'm a pretty outgoing person, I try to be funny when I talk to people," says Brandon. Hardly modest, but undeniably charming, Brandon has the kind of personality that draws attention.
His album is available for order from his Web site, www.heathbrandon.com, and will be stocked by independent music stores in the near future.
Brandon said one of his goals is to play at the Center for the Arts here on campus - and given the buzz he's sparked in the industry to date, it's clear that for this UB graduate, anything is possible.
Photo: Meredith Forrest Kulwicki
