Do you have what it takes?: Barry Brandon pt 2.

   In the second part of our interview we continue to discuss Barry Brandon's many roles, especially as a promoter and artist manager and how he is able to use his stellar interpersonal skills  to create opportunities for all the people he works with.

Claudia MB: 

How do you deal with negative emotions while negotiating a deal or working with an artist? What if they lash out at you, if it becomes personal, or if it becomes a heated situation?

Barry Brandon:
"I don’t believe at any point, in public viewings…. that I have ever lashed out at someone in a disrespectful manner. That all happens behind closed doors. Not to say that we are disrespectful behind closed doors, but the communication within our team may get heated within ourselves. But I think its really important for the community, your artists fan base, your clientele depending on what job that you do…. that they never know any of that.  I’ve always said, ‘Perception is Reality’…that’s the bottom line. And if someone perceives something to be true, then it’s true…. So I think if you just acknowledge what anyone is saying at any given time, you respect it and you answer accordingly… you mean it from your heart, the truth will prevail."

CMB:

Sometimes emotions can play a huge part in how you interact with a client or a venue where you are putting on an event. You try to separate that, for example, you can sit down and work with someone that you don’t like [personally] and  create and agreement that works for both of you because you focus on the project or the problem, is that correct?

BB:

"I would say that I do that 85% of the time…. if it’s the right professional thing to do, I will do it. I will also argue that when it comes to 15% of people or places, I simply will not bring money to that person or business… It’s not a matter of making it publicly known why I would even entertain the idea of joining forces with that particular person, because no one needs to know that. Credibility is really important when.... you work for yourself. You are your brand and when you are your name, then you are responsible for your reputation, so credibility ultimately is all that matters."

                 

 

     As Barry Brandon has learned through his experience in the industry dealing with all types of people, It is important that each party is aware of what is expected of them in order to avoid conflict in the future. He has learned that you can work with anyone temporarily as long as your business activities are a good match, even if you personally clash. Ultimately he has learned that when you work for yourself, building and maintaining a good reputation is the best and only way to succeed in any aspect of the industry especially when you are representing an artist or an organization.

"It wasn’t until April of this year that I was introduced to Barry Brandon and the amazing Bedlam Presents crew. Never asking me to compromise personally or musically, they embraced me and quickly stepped forward to form a band. Members include songwriter JL Rodriguez on keys, Bobby Brandon on drums, Andrew Spring on bass and Jose Gabriel on guitar." ~ Jean Kelley  in her interview with Maximillian Corwell of David Magazine