Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooks Young.
Brooks, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Music has always been part of my life. My grandfather was a guitarist and had his own country band so I grew up watching him perform. My grandfather bought me my first guitar when I was around 10 years old and taught me the basics. After he passed away I really began to show interest in playing. I would sit in my room listening to B.B. King and Eric Clapton records trying to learn the blues. I would spend countless hours teaching myself how to play. As I got older I started playing local open mic’s and eventually created my own band “Brooks Young Band”.
My first big opportunity came when I was asked to open for one of my music idols, blues legend B.B. King. That started a great friendship with B.B. which led to me opening for him on multiple occasions. I’ve worked extremely hard throughout my career which has afforded me the opportunity to play with multiple music icons such as Huey Lewis and the News, Pat Benatar, The Wallflowers, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Los Lonely Boys, Brad Whitford of Aerosmith, George Thorogood, and many others.
Most recently we have been touring cross-country with Three Dog Night playing sold-out shows at some of the most beautiful venues in the country. Getting to this point in my career has been an amazing accomplishment. To see all of my hard work and dedication over the years paying off is extremely rewarding.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have definitely been some bumps along the way but that’s what makes my accomplishments that much sweeter. You have to have a thick skin in this industry. You aren’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea and you need to be able to handle that rejection.
Having had the success I’ve had without any help from major record labels has been challenging too but we’ve been able to get to play with some really iconic musicians all from hard work and dedication. Another challenge I’ve faced is being able to find musicians that share the drive and dedication that I have. It’s been a long journey but the group of guys I have playing with me is the best I’ve had. We all want the same goal and that makes it really fun.
I define success by accomplishing your dreams. I’ve had people tell me that I should give up and that I won’t be able to reach my goals. I’m an example to people to do what you love no matter what. If you work hard and are willing to put the time in you can accomplish your dreams.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Brooks Young Band is a Rock/Blues band consisting of five members- Brooks Young (Lead Guitar, Lead Vocals) Mike Liane (Guitar, Vocals), Charles (Chaz) Mitchell (Bass, Vocal) Adam Soucy (Drums), and Dakota Smart (Keyboards). What sets us apart is that we write all our own music and have multiple albums available on Apple music, Spotify, and other streaming services. Some of our songs have even been featured in tv and film.
I’m proud to say that I’ve earned the opportunity to play with multiple music icons such as B.B. King, Robert Cray, Huey Lewis and the News, Pat Benatar, The Wallflowers, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Los Lonely Boys, Brad Whitford of Aerosmith, George Thorogood, and many others. We are currently on tour with Three Dog Night All of this success has come without the help of a major record label.
What were you like growing up?
From an early age, I was into music which was very much influenced by my grandfather.
He had a country band and I was able to see him perform. That was when my interest in playing music really took off. I was quiet as a kid so I’d spend my time teaching myself to play. I’d be in my room or out on the back porch listening to B.B. King and Eric Clapton trying to play along with them. As I got older I did band in school and started my own band with friends.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.brooksyoungband.com
- Email: contact@brooksyoungband.com
- Instagram: brooks_young_band
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrooksYoungBandMusic/
- Twitter: @brooksyoungband
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1y71YrGSW47oNu4JwVjUkR?si=ZMIFX5OKSMG5hyzEtv2Rsg
Image Credit:
Mirman Photography
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