Could you share the story behind your latest song and what inspired its creation?
The Gunslinger was created in remembrance of the cowboy movies my father and I would watch together before bed. I treasure those times spent with him.
And the excitement we would get during the final gun fight at the end. I wanted this song to have that same intensity we experienced during that event.
How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?
I usually start with rhythm that appeals to me, usually a drum line that calls me out. Then I lay the bass over that, later bringing in the other musicians to join the conversation musically.
As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal?
I usually don’t worry about the commercial aspect. I play for my enjoyment and pleasure, I don’t feel the pressures many artist feel to deliver products because of demand.
But I will always give it straight from the heart.
What do you find most challenging about being an independent artist in today’s music industry?
The only thing that is difficult as an independent artist is that all expenses are on me. But that leaves me the ability to freely create and put out what and when I want.
Can you talk about your experiences collaborating with other artists or musicians? How does it influence your creative process?
It has been amazing working with The Sound of LA. Because they have a barn of talent that is excited to work with you. Working with these incredible artist only pushes me to become better at my craft.
Michael B. Sutton’s experience in the Music world has been invaluable, and to have him there to guide my projects has been an amazing experience.
What role does technology and social media play in promoting your music and connecting with your audience?
Social Media has been an incredible tool to get my product out to the public. And It has allowed me to get closer to my audience in a more personal way.
And the ability to build your brand using social medial is an invaluable resource.
Are there any particular artists or genres that have had a significant impact on your musical style?
I have been influenced by quite a few artists. But as far as bass playing, I must say Marcus Miller has been a great influence, because he is exceptional in his craft in all areas of
The business, performance, producing and arranging. And he introduced what I call fusion between funk and jazz. I admire any artist that put themselves in the production, creators of their own style.
Indie musicians often have a close relationship with their fanbase. How do you engage with your fans and build a dedicated community around your music?
At this time, I am on Facebook, Instagram and my website www.mitchellcolemanjr.com.
Could you describe a memorable live performance experience or tour that has had a lasting impact on you and your music?
In the Air Force, I was preparing to go on stage to perform for a Talent show. I sit my bass down and run to the rest room. I am signaled to go the stage and I grab my bass to find someone had detuned all my strings.
So walking to the stage I had to tune my bass using the vibration I felt on my chin. Thank God I had tuned up that way before and my pitch was on. I get to the stage and find all my monitors where off. So I could only hear the eco off the walls.
I continued playing through it, kept smiling and performing. Later to find out, they were testing me to see how my character was and how I would handle stress. I was offered the job. Remember attitude is everything.
In an era of streaming platforms, how do you feel about the changing landscape of music consumption and its impact on independent musicians?
I think the streaming platforms are great for getting your products out there. But It is also not as controlled as it use to be, so I find much money is lost because people downloading and streaming for free.
So many times you get little to no return on many projects. Also you have to stream so much more to have the same impact financially compared to the CD sales of the past.
It seems the only way to make the money is on tour.