Brett Staggs was raised on a horse farm in Williamsport, PA (home of the Little League World Series). Inspired by the timeless songwriting of Social Distortion and The Traveling Wilbury’s – Staggs landed in Pittsburgh, PA after a short stint in Austin to write, record, and perform.
In this interview, we speak with Brett about his influences, the new project, and more.
Full Q&A, links, and streams below.
Where are you from?
Pittsburgh, Pa
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I grew up on a horse farm listening to country/rock radio – Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Jerry Lee Lewis , and Little Richard all got their hooks in early with me, and even after experiencing many other genres as a fan and as a musician (punk, hardcore, and metal) it wasn’t until I discovered the goldmine that is The Traveling Wilburys that all those influences came home to roost. Sprinkle on a little tongue-in-cheek satire and the form presented itself to me. Not reinventing the wheel by any means but perhaps circumventing the wheel by letting it roll without interruption.
Tell us about your story, and how you began writing music?
The first instrument I learned as a kid was violin which I feel gave me an “ear” for melody – then once my older brother started listening to Ramones and The Clash and playing in punk bands I became the classic younger brother trying to copy the cool older brother and started playing guitar and writing short little punk songs. Looking back I can see how those song structures turned out to be a great blueprint to write in any genre on any instrument.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I’ve been making demos and sharing them since forever but in terms of an earnest effort as a solo act about 5 years.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
I’m a broken record with this influence but The Traveling Wilburys are really a one-stop-shop for me in terms of influence and motivation.
The way the songs contain real sincerity while paying homage to the standards but all the while with jokes and non-sequiturs thrown in. This form really lit my candle and helped me say what I truly wanted to say. It motivates me because adding layers such as these to a rather simple song can really heighten the experience of performing it each and every time.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
For sure – my new EP is called “Nothing Bad Ever Happens To Me” to be released soon along with a music video and on this new project I feel as though I’ve finally committed to this form of writing that combines a standard songbook feel with true grit and wit. After attempting many other directions – this definitely feels like home.
What was the last song you listened to?
“Fragile World” by Aaron Neville
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I mostly listen to the radio due to being in a car a lot but CD’s as well for that same reason
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I love bandcamp – it’s quick and easy and always works 🙂
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
My biggest challenge is branding – I’m a slow learner and I’m trying to get better at being more present on social media and act like I belong and not be self-conscious about it.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
I play out fairly often and am planning a winter tour – live stream – I need to get on that!
I’m playing the R.A.N.T. Festival (Arsenal Cider 1pm) next Saturday and then on 8/20 for Style Week at Ace Hotel here in Pittsburgh.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
shout out to Style Week at Ace Hotel – I’ll be playing Saturday, Aug 20th
A big thanks to AXS for helping premiere the first track off the new EP
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XbrettstaggsX/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/brettstaggs
BandCamp: http://brettstaggs.bandcamp.com/
