“The Blues will evolve. All music evolves. We as musicians get better generationally. The only thing I fear would be that some of the originator get lost. There aren't a lot of recordings of them. I believe the Blues has a future. I see Young kids at every jam session I go to.”

Brody Buster: Redemption Blues

Brody Buster, a lifelong musician who first started his career and played professionally at the young age of twelve, is set to release his new album Redemption on April 20, 2025. Brody was just 7 years of age when he first picked up one of his mothers harmonicas in Paola, Kansas and taught himself to play. He quickly found himself playing alongside legends like B.B. King, Quincy Jones, Chaka Khan, Keb' Mo' and many more. At the age of twelve, Buster -- managed by his parents -- was headlining blues clubs throughout the US, playing harmonica, ainginf lead, and fronting a tight Los Angeles-based quartet called The Bluesbusters. In 2017, feeling the need for something different, the multi-instrumentalist began a new journey. Brody Buster’s One-Man Band was just that: Buster in full performance mode, simultaneously performing harmonica, guitar, bass and kick drums. This new-found attention for Brody's music led to a cross-country tour and a well-received One Man Band album, Damn! I Spilled the Blues.

(Brody Buster / Photo by Black Moon Media)

After a series of poor decisions, Brody found himself deep into the hole of substance abuse and addiction -- letting his music career fall to the wayside, and worse yet, being shunned by his music community. After five years of living in the hell he had created for himself, on the brink of death and losing everything, in late 2023, Brody decided it was time. Taking what little he had left, he moved from Kansas to Missouri, starting his road to Redemption. He cleaned himself up and put his all into what matters most: family and music. Brody began righting his wrongs, apologizing and making amends. He began to write again, pouring himself into his music. Redemption was born -- nine rockin' blues-y originals that reaffirm Brody Buster's status among the finest multi-instrumentalist bluesmen on the scene today.

Interview by Michael Limnios                                 Special Thanks: Doug Deutsch 

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

My favorite thing about playing music is that is brings people together. It makes me look at the world in a positive light. Playing with BB King was for sure a life changing music moment. 

How do you describe your sound and songbook? What touched you from the sound of harmonica?

The music I write is soulful, self expression, and it comes out Bluesy. The harmonica never really touched me to say, it found me. My mom was a harmonica player. I have found that the Harmonica and guitar are a gateway to allow my self expression. 

Which meetings have been the most important experiences for you? What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?

The most influential people to me musically are Eugene Smiley and Billy Woods. (I put one of each of their songs on the record) They never really told me anything specific. I learned a great deal from them on stage. Taught by ear. Taught by actions. They were great all around role models.

”The music I write is soulful, self expression, and it comes out Bluesy. The harmonica never really touched me to say, it found me. My mom was a harmonica player. I have found that the Harmonica and guitar are a gateway to allow my self expression.” (Brody Buster / Photo by Black Moon Media)

Are there any memories from gigs, jams, open acts and studio sessions which you’d like to share with us?

I have a couple very memorable music moments. One is playing with Chaka Khan and Quincy Jones at The Montreaux Jazz Festival. With zero rehearsal, Quincy saw me play and decided I needed to play with him that night. I made it to the DVD footage of that show. There's a clip on YouTube I will always treasure. 

Just recently last year I was invited to play Leavenworth Penituary in Kansas. It was one of the most powerful sets I have ever played. It was a very moving experience. The inmates were dancing, laughing and crying. Despite all their differences my music brought them together as a whole. I was even allowed to let a few of them sit in with me. 

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I currently don't miss anything of the Blues. It's alive and well. You can go to any city in the world and find a community of Blues musicians and lovers. 

The Blues will evolve. All music evolves. We as musicians get better generationally. The only thing I fear would be that some of the originator get lost. There aren't a lot of recordings of them. 

I believe the Blues has a future. I see Young kids at every jam session I go to. 

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

I've been playing music my whole life. Music has taught me every lesson I've ever learned. The good and the bad. I learned one lession the hard way though, stay away from drugs!

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music in today’s society?

It important to keep all forms of art alive. It builds community and self expression.

”My favorite thing about playing music is that is brings people together. It makes me look at the world in a positive light. Playing with BB King was for sure a life changing music moment.”

(Brody Buster / Photo by Black Moon Media)

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

I'm just making the music I make. I don't know what I'm doing. I know that people from all walks of life and age groups enjoy it. I believe it might be because there is real passion behind it. 

Just recently I had a gentleman reach out to me to let me know that he brought his son to one of my shows. His son was inspired by me to learn to play guitar. Moments like that let me know I'm doing something right for the younger generation.

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