Video: Beau Borrero

Rise Up! by Beau Borrero

Simply Six: Beau Borrero

1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew
they wanted  to   be a singer.  For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed
Sullivan show,  to   another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later.  Is there  such  a defining moment for you? 

Well as long as we are being honest, I have to say it was rockin out in 7th  grade to "Pyromania" by Def Leppard, specifically the song "Photograph."  I used to sing along in front on the mirror for what seemed like all night.  After that I was pretty much hooked.  Def Leppard gets  a lot of crap, but let's give them their due - what they did, they did well!

 

2 . When you’re not creating music what are you listening   to?  Who are some of

your favorites? 

I will go out on a limb and say that the album "Us" by Peter Gabriel might just be the single greatest piece of recorded pop music ever.  I can always go back to that one and be blown away.  Also, Paul Simon's "Concert in the Park."  I have been listening to a lot of classical music lately, too.  Mozart's piano trios, especially the slow movements, are some of the greatest works of music ever, I think.  I can always take a spin through "Thriller" and be happy, too!  Although he is at times base, vulgar and just dirty, Eminem is a genius and I live much of his work.

 

3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record

or live?

My hometown CD release show for the release of "Well" in October of this year was a truly sublime evening.  About 100 people in the unique setting of my mom's living room.  It was pure joy.  Many of my good friends who I've been playing with for many years, and who played on the record shared the stage with me.  A night I will never forget.

 

4.  Do you believe music can change the world or is just something   to  listen   to? 

Both, right?  It's like food - there are meals that rock our world, after which we will never be the same, and there are meals that simply give us energy to get to the next day.  

How much can music influence current events?

 I think Bob Dylan and the Beatles answered that one already.  I think we can say with some certainty that the music of the 60's helped to end the Vietnam war.  A song really can wake people up.  Whether they choose to stay awake is another matter.  With the internet, though, we are all listening to such different music, it is harder for an artist to galvanize the public than it was back then.

 

5. How has technology affected the music industry?

 How hasn't it!  I think this is the best time to be a musician in that the pie is bigger than ever, the slices are just smaller - which is great for the little guy like me.  We may never see another super super star like Madonna or MJ, which is fine.  

How has technology affected your career as a musician?  

In soooooo many ways!  I was able to make a really good sounding cd at home for a few thousand dollars.  That would have been impossible 15 years ago, even 10 years ago.  The resources that are available to the average musician are just amazing now.  That said, there is a lot of great music being made out there, which means a lot of competition, but it's way better than having it be in the hands of a few record companies like it was when I was a kid.  It is much more democratic now, in that the people choose the artists they want to support.

 

6.  Now for my Barbara Walters question:  If you were a pair of shoes what type of

shoes would you be? 

Is it a cop out to say bare feet?  Well, let's see...Birkenstock is making some really good looking shoes these days that are not all clunky and hippie granola, but still stick to their values of making a comfortable, durable shoe that is good for your feet and made of natural material - so I guess something along those lines...

 

Spotlight: Beau Borrero

Music Promotion via MusicSubmit.com

Webpage: http://www.beauborrero.com
Location: Friday Harbor, WA, United States
Description: Original-Acousto-Electro-Folk-Funk with a grin...and a tear
Biography: THE MUSES AND MASKS OF BEAU BORRERO Beau Borrero Artist Biography Life is a play and we all play a part The lover, the dreamer, the clown The dreamer and lover are always in tears The clown spreads sunshine around... -from Laugh Clown Laugh by MGM Studios If all the world's a stage, and if music be the food of love ... Beau Borrero is tragedian and court jester, troubadour and maître d' - feeding hungry souls at his own avant-garde dinner theatre. Beau has an uncanny ability to tap into the ancient Greek themes of comedy and tragedy, wearing both masks comfortably, even simultaneously, while he channels the muses. At an early age, Beau was exposed to all kinds of music and theatre. His grandparents performed in musicals on Broadway in the 1930's, and his mother is an actress and folksinger. He recalls, "There was always music in the house - my mother singing and playing guitar, my grandparents singing, my brother and sister and I dancing to James Brown and Michael Jackson records." Beau's mother was by far his biggest musical influence, and things have come full circle, as he and his mother now hit the road together as an acoustic duo. "I never thought I would get to be in a band with my mom! She is so fun to sing with, and a good guitar player, too. I couldn't really ask for a more supportive band mate." He laughs, "And besides, we know each other pretty well by now." Beau's family life was not all singing and dancing, though. He is honest about his life experiences, saying, "Sadly, alcoholism and abuse were a big part of my childhood. By the time I was a teenager, I had a lifetime's supply of material for sad songs." In his teenage years, MTV became another source of inspiration for Beau. He recalls, "I would come home from school and watch MTV till bedtime. In my first band, I sang and played drums on Mötley Crüe and Duran Duran covers ... mildly embarrassing, but oh so much fun!" Beau attended Yale University, where he studied Greek and Latin Literature. While studying there, he played drums and performed in different bands and choirs. Then for years, singing and songwriting hibernated within Beau while he worked as a carpenter and played drums on other's music. However, he admits, "I was totally miserable." Beau had been dabbling with the guitar for a while, then after a devastating breakup in 2007, the stage was set. He says, "I had all these intense emotions coming up, and I knew enough guitar chords to play some music. I kept after it every day for about two years, and I had an album's worth of music I really liked." Beau's debut album, entitled Well, was released in 2011. It runs deep with themes sad and sexy, spiritual and hilarious. He describes the project, "It's tragedy, it's comedy...and everything in-between. I guess it's kind of a variety show. Musically, I tried to blend my favorite genres together - folk, pop, electronica, guitar driven rock, vocal harmonies." Beau's ability to mix muse, mood, and melody is what sets him apart. With ten self-penned and passionately performed tracks, Borrero showcases his strengths as both a singer and a songwriter. He also displays his talent as an arranger and producer. Where else can you hear lush, layered vocal harmonies on top of instruments such as the harp, djembe, banjo, washboard, a string quartet – all mixed together? Well is full of vivid imagery and meaning, but each track also offers mockingly witty lyrics as finely tuned as any playwright's script. Indeed, life is a play, and we all play a part. Beau plays many - writer, singer, dreamer, lover, clown - and he plays them all "well." So pardon the pun, have some fun, and grab a seat at this unique little cabaret. Order up a glass of the house red, and drink deeply from Beau Borrero's Well.
Press Release: DRILL DEEP INTO A WELL YOU CAN'T CAP! Beau Borrero’s debut contains a distinctive mix of music FRIDAY HARBOR, WASHINGTON (10/01/11) –Well is the debut release from singer-songwriter Beau Borrero, and this well gushes with original music that engages both the heart and the mind.  "I tried to blend my favorite genres together," explains Borrero, "folk, pop, electronica, guitar-driven rock, vocal harmonies."  The result is an impressively produced and refreshingly different album that sets Borrero apart from your typical new independent artist. On the 10 self-penned tracks, Borrero showcases his strengths as both a singer and songwriter, with a sound reminiscent of Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel, and Ray Lamontagne.  Where else can you hear lush, layered vocal harmonies on top of instruments such as the harp, djembe, banjo, washboard, a string quartet – all mixed together?  Key tracks are the hauntingly addictive “Archangel” and the passionate "Daydream Lover." The emotional range of this unique album unfolds with the heart-string tugging “Something I Can Keep” and the comical self-help song, “Stupid.”  Well is gushing with deeply drilled tracks and loaded with vivid imagery and meaning, but also offers mockingly clever lyrics and imaginative instrumentation.  With market-rich tracks and wide ranging appeal, this is a Well that can't be capped! CONTACT: Beau Borrero Management 646.734.6068 info@beauborrero.com www.beauborrero.com