"The blues has always been a social commentary and will continue to be in the future. It’s always talked about the human condition and the life of the average person. This confirms we’re all just people struggling to survive."

Brandon Isaak: One Step Closer to Blues

Born and bred from Whitehorse, Yukon and now based in Vancouver Island, 4-time 2024 Maple Blues Award nominee Brandon Isaak offers another delightful melancholic single 'What's This World Coming To?' from his new album One Step Closer (2023), both out now. Isaak's ability to deliver a slow-burning blues epic that's simple yet powerful with its slow drawl and composure, tugging on the heartstrings of his audience, is one of his unique talents. His musical style comprises old-world blues, with vintage notes and tones offering poetic and humourous lyrics dancing around an eclectic mix of root-style vocals, springy guitars and dirty harmonica. Influences and sounds come from a cocktail of Taj Mahal, B.B. King and Lightnin’ Hopkins, making Isaak's sound firmly noted in the blues-roots world. His showman presence has been finely carved over 35 years, taking his audiences on an emotional journey at every show. Isaak's calm and gravelly vocal lines sit on top of 'What's This World Coming To?', telling a tale of dark times and global division. His sad tone makes us stop and think for a moment before we continue relentlessly with our lives, often ignoring the world's plight.

(Brandon Isaak / Photo by Christian Kuntz)

Isaak swings in to gently remind us that we all live in this world together and need to look after one another. The song plays out as a wave of downbeat news reports take over the final moments of the new track. It doesn't just stop there for Isaak. A dash of Taj Mahal, a sprinkle of B.B. King and a few drops of Lighting Hopkins: stir it up, simmer on low and you have a recipe that sounds like Brandon Isaak. Crowds always leave Brandon’s shows with a smile on their face and a need to come back for more. This Yukon born songster performs a mixture of thoughtful, humorous, spiritual and catchy memorable songs; always delivered with world class guitar, harmonica and vocals. Lyrics are paramount and it’s obvious when you see his accolades and hear his music. After 35 years in the business, this international touring artist is always asked back as he’s a total pro off and on the stage. If you like top notch blues, hard hitting lyrics and great night of entertainment, Brandon Isaak is your man. 

Interview by Michael Limnios                   Archive: Brandon Isaak, 2014 Interview

Special Thanks: Brandon Isaak & Eric Alper (That Eric Alper)

How has the Blues music influenced your views of the world? Where does your creative drive come from?

The blues has always been a social commentary and will continue to be in the future. It’s always talked about the human condition and the life of the average person. This confirms we’re all just people struggling to survive.

How do you prepare for your recordings and performances to help you maintain both spiritual and musical stamina?

Practise is key, you always do your best when best prepared. I try to take everything in stride. I try to approach the live stage and recording studio with a neutral attitude. I find that gets a more consistent performance.

What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

When I finally settled into the blues, I never looked back. That was for sure a turning point for my musical journey. Playing with my father in his band or having him record on one of my records are some highlights in my career for sure.

"Family is the most important thing and being kind to others is paramount. We’re all connected, and love is the answer to getting through this life with the lest damage possible. This is always an undercurrent in my music." (Brandon Isaak is a one of a kind world class roots blues showman / Photo by Christian Kuntz)

What's the balance in music between technique and soul? Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues?

For me, soul is the most important, but of course technique is something we all need. Sometimes that involves playing worse than you are. So, sounding like an old blues dude with arthritis is technique as well. It’s important to preserve this music and especially the old types of blues. Blues rock don’t need much help it seems. It’s the true story of man and it’s a modern-day form of hieroglyphs that future man can look back to.

What has been the hardest obstacle for you to overcome as a person and as artist and has this helped you become a better blues musician?

Dealing with loss of friends and loved ones is my hardest obstacle to deal with. This inspires me to be more spiritual and to write songs that help me, and many other fans deal with life. This in return make me dig deeper as an artist and I write songs that are more profound than love or a broken heart. 

What is the impact of Blues on the socio-cultural implications? How do you want the music to affect people?

I want folks to get comfort from my music or move them in some way. I also like folks to laugh when they hear some of my more humorous lyrics. My music is to help forget about all the drama in one’s life and to escape for an hour or so.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Treat everyone with respect and you can learn from everybody. This is a long journey, and we all need to rely on each other on this musical trip. We’re blessed to be able to make art for a living and it’s getting harder to do so everyday.

"For me, soul is the most important, but of course technique is something we all need. Sometimes that involves playing worse than you are. So, sounding like an old blues dude with arthritis is technique as well. It’s important to preserve this music and especially the old types of blues. Blues rock don’t need much help it seems. It’s the true story of man and it’s a modern-day form of hieroglyphs that future man can look back to."

(Brandon Isaak / Photo by Christian Kuntz)

Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music?

Family is the most important thing and being kind to others is paramount. We’re all connected, and love is the answer to getting through this life with the lest damage possible. This is always an undercurrent in my music.

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