Brendon Mac: How Finding Your True Niche Can Transform Your Music Career

As a part of our interview series with leaders, stars, and rising stars in the music industry, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Brendon Mac.

With Brendon Mac’s confident voice and winning stage presence, this seasoned artist is fusing elements of classic country, rock, blues and R&B into what rockabilly truly means and is becoming that next artist whose inevitable rise is already attracting the ears of country fans and beyond. This country rockabilly artist has recently released his own arrangement of a country classic “Ring of Fire.” This song is officially available on all digital streaming platforms. This song is the first of many releases for Brendon, which will be followed by an EP, which is slated to be released later this year.

Growing up in The Great Lake State, but now residing in Pueblo, Colorado, music was always a part of Brendon’s childhood. What started at the age of 5 when his grandfather took him to The Alpena Lumberman’s Chorus (Barbershop practice) and his mother sang in church every week, he was always referred to as the ‘musical child’ in his family.

To this day, Brendon lists Johnny Cash amongst his biggest influences also throwing in the likes of Elvis, Carl Perkins, Carlene Carter, Marty Stuart and Brian Setzer from the Stray Cats. These artists, like all of his favorites released music with a strong message while still leaving listeners feeling happy. Now, he strives to bring this same joy to others by way of his original music. “All of my originals come from the heart. My inspiration comes from years of trials and tribulations on this earth. My wish is that my music makes an impact on someone’s life. If I can take someone to a special place or time for 2 minutes in a song or 2 hours on stage, then I have done my job. Mission complete.” With dreams of playing big venues and performing on the Grand Ole Opry, one thing is certain. Brendon Mac has big plans for the future, and based on what we’ve already seen, that future has even greater plans for him.

Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn a bit about your “origin story”. Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?

I was born in Saginaw, MI (Like the 1964 classic #1 hit by Lefty Frizzell). I grew up in Alpena, MI which I am proud to say is my hometown. I am a NE Michigan boy through and through. God, family, and friends make up who I am. Music has been in my blood since age five and will always be my true passion and career choice if that is God’s will.

Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?

I have been singing since age five. Music has always been a big part of my life. It was not until my mother was killed in a car accident in 2002 that I considered music as a full-time career. It taught me that life can be short and unpredictable and there is only one life to live. I have been on a passion quest, in honor of my mother Carol, since then to pursue my true passion in life. I draw a lot of inspiration from my mother to this day. I also draw a lot of inspiration from my beautiful wife Linda and my superstar daughter Carol Marie.

Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

Quite simply put…when one door closes a bigger one opens. That is the trend for my music career thus far.

It has been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

I was trying to be a pop country artist when I first ventured into the country music industry. I have since learned that is not who I am and truly found my niche in rockabilly country music. The lesson learned is to stick with what works for you. It might take time to figure that out but run with it when that time comes. Do not try and force a square peg into a round hole. It never works out well.

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

I would not be where I am at today without the abundant blessings from God. God gets all the praise and glory. That is first and foremost.

I am profoundly grateful for the friendship and talents of my Producer, Gary Carter — GC Music. It was in 2005 that I first met and started working with Gary. Gary was the first person in the mainstream country music industry that believed in me and was willing to collaborate with me. We have worked on several music projects together and our dynamic and chemistry works well. There is no other producer that I trust more than Gary himself. Gary’s resume and years in the country music industry speak for themselves. When your producer is the former music director

for Faith Hill then you know you have an incredibly special friend in the music business. I am deeply humbled that Gary Carter is my producer and great friend. I am truly blessed.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

“Little people talk about other people, average people talk about the weather and great people talk about ideas” was something my father, Duane Mac Neill, quoted quite often. The quote has always hit home with me, as I strive to keep drama, toxicity and gossip out of my life. I am all about using my God given talents to help inspire and motivate people to go after their dreams and goals in life. I want to expend my time and energy by lifting people up and not tearing them down.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

I am in the process of collaborating with my Producer, Gary Carter, on my upcoming Rockabilly EP, which will include Ring of Fire, to be released later this year. I will also be releasing my rendition of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” right after Halloween this year, just in time for the holidays. I might also be releasing one of my originals later this year.

We are very interested in diversity in the entertainment industry. Can you share three reasons with our readers about why you think it’s important to have diversity represented in music, film, and television? How can that potentially affect our culture?

It is paramount that we have diversity represented in music, film, and television for the following reasons:

1. Everyone deserves to have their story told regardless of race, national origin, religion, or color.

2. It reminds us that we are all equal in the eyes of God.

3. It serves as a reminder to everyone that they are an integral part of the fabric of our country’s/world’s history.

The more a culture embraces diversity the more the culture is going to grow and prosper. That is what we should all want because it benefits everyone overall. The most difficult part is breaking down the barriers or prejudice that have kept us from being more diverse. There in lies the challenge and solution to most of our problems that exist in society today.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

If one is going to pursue music as a career, then it must be out of love and passion for music and nothing more. The mainstream music industry is tough to break into. Fame and fortune are fleeting. Stay grounded. Be humble. Be You. Dare to be different and move ahead with confidence. Keep a PMA — Positive Mental Attitude and surround yourself with people that bring out your best. Distance yourself from the toxic people in your life. Love certain people from a distance if it means having inner peace. Find hobbies that will allow yourself to escape and reinvigorate your mind, body, and spirit. Make time for yourself and strive for a healthy balance in your life. All work and no play make Jack or Jill a dull boy/girl.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. :-)

Learn to embrace who you are and not who you or anyone else thinks you need to be. The sooner you realize that the easier your journey will be. Our mind is extremely powerful and can either be your ally or enemy. Love yourself and dare to be you. Soar with eagles instead of scratching for feed with the chickens.

Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. :-)

I have always admired and respected Morgan Freeman as an actor, role model and philanthropist. Morgan has been one of my favorite actors for quite some time. He is a very caring person that withstood the test of time on his way to becoming one of the most diverse actors of all time.

How can our readers follow you online?

Brendonmac.com is the gateway to everything Brendon Mac.

“Let me rockabilly my way into your heart.” — Brendon Mac

This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!