Multi-Instrumentalism & Touring with Clairo (with Steve Brickman)
Love Music More · hosted by Luke F. Walton (Scoobert Doobert)
Guest: Steve Brickman
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Topics discussed
Host note
Steve Brickman spent his 20s accumulating instruments and his 30s learning what to do with them. He plays saxophone, guitar, piano, and the OMNICHORD (exactly as weird and wonderful as it sounds), and has toured with Clairo in rooms from 2,000 to 6,000 capacity.
We talk about the point where a practice regimen clicks into actual fluency, what touring at that level involves logistically ("you need a backup for the backup"), and why having more tools to offer makes you more indispensable, not more diluted. His 30s frame: stop acquiring, start deploying.
Selected moments
- Journey into Multi-instrumentalism 1:46 Steve reflects on his early experiences with different instruments, emphasizing the foundational techniques he learned.
- Practicing Fundamentals 5:36 In a discussion about practice regimens, Steve explains the importance of mastering the fundamentals on various instruments.
- Transitioning to Guitar 8:23 Steve shares his evolution into a guitarist and the challenges he faced as he transitioned from student to professional musician.
- Touring with Clairo 23:33 Steve talks about the logistics and teamwork involved in touring and what makes it a unique experience.
- Improvisation and Techniques 31:52 Steve delves into the link between multi-instrumentalism and improvisation, detailing how he adapts techniques across instruments.
- The Magic of the OMNICHORD 33:12 The conversation turns to the OMNICHORD, where Steve describes its charm and versatility in musical performance.
Selected excerpts
It was great because it gave me a great foundation of technique for playing and just kind of a practice regimen and a little bit of structure.
The more you have at your disposal, the more people would want to hire you because they get more bang for their buck.
I think having that ability to produce your own stuff is crucial; it goes hand in hand with writing music.
My 20s were exploring new instruments like guitar, bass, and sounds, and now in my 30s, it's more about utilizing all those tools I gained.
You just need to have a backup for the backup because the one time you go without it is when it's going to fail.
We all get along so well, and it's like a family; that’s a great situation on tour.
FAQ
What instruments does Steve Brickman play?
Steve Brickman plays several instruments including saxophone, guitar, piano, and is known for his work with the OMNICHORD.
What is it like touring with Clairo?
Touring with Clairo involves playing in venues ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 capacity, and requires a cohesive team for logistics and performance.
How does one transition from amateur to professional musician?
Steve emphasizes the importance of building a diverse skill set, learning from experiences, and continuously adapting in the music industry.
Curated notes only — no public transcript. Listen on the links above.