Daily Inspiration: Meet Andrew Brown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrew Brown.

Hi Andrew, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I would say my story starts with growing up in Eastern Kentucky. I’m from a little town called Berea (which is a little art hub on the edge of Appalachia) and surprisingly enough, there were a lot of professional musicians that were either based there or had decided to retire to the area. Due to this, I got to learn at the footsteps of some of top side musicians in Country and Bluegrass music. On top of that, my father was a touring musician for twenty years up in New Jersey and New York before I even came around. So needless to say, I was quite immersed in it all.

I attended Morehead State University where I got a Bachelor’s in Traditional Music Studies where I was under the tutelage of musicians like Ruth Mclain-Smith and her brother, Raymond Mclain. Doing this degree program really prepped me to be a musician in today’s professional landscape. I would definitely not be where I’m at without them.

So since I got out of college, I’ve been a full-time musician and music educator. I’ve worked in thirty states and three different countries and shared the stage with acts like Sundy Best, Nicholas Jamerson, John R. Miller, The Price Sisters and the Larry Stephenson Band amongst numerous others. I just moved to Nashville back in March 2021 and it’s been the biggest blessing for my career. I’ve definitely found a new home here amongst all the creatives that make up this city.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Oh, it’s been far from smooth. The first year or two of just doing music was definitely financially hard but I wouldn’t really change a thing. I think it really tested me in regards if this was the path I was truly meant for. I probably lived on twenty grand a year till I was twenty-seven. But I had a lot of faith that it would all pan out if I just keep my nose to the grindstone. Besides the financial side, I missed out on a lot of life landmarks that people take for granted. Birthdays, weddings, being there for a partner when they needed me…a lot was sacrificed. I’m just now getting some of that stability after eight years of being solely dedicated to the grind. So yeah, that was rough.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I work as a freelance musician focused in on the genres of Country, Bluegrass, Gospel and anything that is considered a Roots music. My work primarily centers around playing bass for artists and recordings along with providing singing duties when needed. I also run a private online studio for lessons on bass, voice, guitar, banjo and numerous other traditional instruments.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is just realizing that an ego is a good way to not get any work. I’m a freelancer first and foremost so if I’m not flexible, I limit my income stream. By just being open to being what anyone needs on a project, I’ve gotten to wear a lot of different hats. I’ve of course been a musician but I’ve worked as a writer, a speaker, an educator, a bandleader along with a million other little jobs in my field. Just always be open. Your calling could be right in front of you if you let it.

Pricing:

• Hour-Long Lessons: $50
• Half-An-Hour Lessons $40
• Recording Sessions: $100 a song
• Live Performances: $150

Contact Info:

• Email: andrewbrownbass@gmail.com
• Instagram: Andy_tylermusic

Image Credits
Patrick Brumback, Stephanie Bargo