08 Dec 2008, Posted by Nathan in Cheyenne,Where Are They Now, No Comments.
TRM Interview Series: Where They Now?
Brian Brewer Formerly of Cheyene
Introduction: Brian Brewer was one of original touring members of Cheyenne. I always had a blast hanging out and talking to him when Cheyenne would come to Kansas City with the band. He is no longer playing in the band but that is what is fun about this series.
How have you been spending your days?
I think I am pretty much done playing in bands. It started to be a pattern, I would be asked to join a band, I would give them warning about not wanting/being able to tour, they accept, it becomes a problem down the road. I have a career in the IT field, I currently am the Video Conference Administrator for a large law firm in Portland. I have always put my career and paying bills before any idea of a music career. Had I not taken a student loan, or learned the benefits of a savings account, health care, normal working hours, and being home all the time, I might have done more in the music field. I am also unsure about the passion. I love listening to music. I can be passionate about a song or an album. But playing music seemed more like a technical exercise most of the time for me. There were occasions where it really seemed to be a way of expressing myself in a cathartic performance, but those were not the norm. I also am not the type to sit around and play the guitar at home, never really have been. Again, i don’t think I have the passion for it that others do. I think trying to be a “professional” musician is a very risky gamble. You have to be willing to be broke as hell for a long time, possibly for your lifetime. I was never comfortable with that. Congratulations if you read this far.
Where have you been spending your days or evenings?
My wife and I do a lot of TV watching on the weekdays while drinking the best beers on Earth(Oregon Beers). On weekends there usually is always something to do in Portland. Movies, bands, festivals, bike rides, you know, whatev?
What has been in your ears?
Q-tips daily, I am a little OCD about that. I listen to nothing new. I kind of gave up in the past few years on finding “new” bands. I just could not get into any of these new bands. I guess that happens as we grow up. I still listen to the same albums I have been listening to since high school(class of ’97) Newish bands I have liked:
Destroyer
Arcade Fire
Can’t think of anything else of note. :(
I find now I listen to talk podcasts a whole lot more than music. Partially because I bike commute and only wear one headphone, but also because I have gotten into comedy a whole lot more. Mainly podcasts of funny people just chatting about anything, not scripted or “performance” work, just witty intelligent conversations. My favorite comedy podcasts:
Never Not Funny with Jimmy Pardo
Jordan, Jesse, Go!
Comedy and Everything Else
Real Time with Bill Maher(audio of tv show)
What has been inspiring or refreshing to you lately?
I have gotten really into stand-up comedy as an art form. As hinted at above. We have been going to see Stand-ups pretty regularly on the weekends, good, cheap entertainment. Seattle has been bringing some great comics down.
Earliest Influence that you can think of?
I was pretty big into Phil Collins before my rock and metal years. I still have a love for what he does with melody.
Best thing you have seen on a little or big screen in a while?
30 Rock.
Last best show you have been to?
Quasi
Any links to things you want to pass along?
http://www.brewcaster.com
The Final Word? (one word only please)
Riverdance
