Interview with Guitarist and Vocalist Brian Stephenson (FORE, Old James)

November 10, 2020

Interview with Guitarist and Vocalist Brian Stephenson (FORE, Old James)

By Mick Michaels

COSMICK VIEW: Hello, Brian! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.

CV: As a guitar player, who would you say has had the greatest impact on the music scene in the last 20 years? Who brought the total package to the table in your opinion and shook things up causing others to make changes?
Brian Stephenson: Oh damn, thats a huge question...I mean, I understand guys like Tosin Abasi, Misha Mansoore, and Synyster Gates, Guthrie Govan, Johnny Hiland have all had a huge impact on a lot of players since 2000 out there, and have helped push things ahead…but I mean…. I’d still have to say Eddie Van Halen, Zakk Wylde, Willie Nelson and Dimebag have had such a more impactful presence as a whole on me even though they’ve been not so “in the spotlight” as previous decades Their contributions to guitar and always pushing themselves forward is huge...I mean that’s the biggest thing for me! Self improvement…learning new ways to push myself and MY own skills forward. Mostly these days, however, guys like Sturgill Simpson and Jason Isbell have shown me a new way of approaching the instrument for sure.

CV: What qualities do you strongly feel a guitar player should possess to allow them to stand out and be noticed? Would these same qualities also be beneficial for good songwriting in your opinion?
BS: I think you always have to approach anything as a songwriter. Compositional skills are number 1…absolutely. Randy Rhoads…perfect example, his solos are like little songs within a song…something to take you to another level. Technicality is cool and all, but listen to Willie Nelson's solos on the Stardust or Red Headed stranger records, or even Kurt Cobain's solos…parts you take away that are just as memorable as the song itself. They ADD to the song.

My friend Andy who was playing in Old James with me is the perfect example of that. He is my all time favorite player. He can WRITE, his solos are memorable and catchy; his technicality is also on another planet….his leads ELEVATE the tune.,,which I believe is any great musician's job.

CV: Brian, what do you feel makes a guitar player iconic? Is it more than a look or a particular playing style?
BS: For sure. There are infinite factors. I think the look draws you in, but the sounds and attitude that come with it are paramount! You can walk the walk, and talk the talk but if you ain't got the stuff to back it up, you’re done.

Whatever the chosen style, you have to be up to snuff and be able to deliver. Oh…and BE YOURSELF. Originality is king. Iconic is Originality.

CV: Do you feel the COVID pandemic has forever changed how the music industry will operate especially in terms of live shows, touring and social media? Are live shows, as we have come to know them, a thing of the past now in your opinion?
BS: Well, once people can quit being assholes and stay home, I think we can get back to normal and enjoy some fine live music in every capacity.

Might take a minute, but I believe we can get there.

CV: What do you feel musicians, of any genre, can do right now to stay relevant, especially in a climate, such as the present, where performing in front of a live audience is being restricted?
BS: We live in such an incredible time where social media is THE THING. My friend Cody was asked to join Soen, a super rad band from the other side of the planet because of Instagram and just playing, shredding and having fun posting. So I feel that just posting and STAYING relevant through those types of mediums is a pretty cool way of getting it done. There is an audience out there, and it is simply a thing of ABUNDANCE. 7.7 BILLION people….someone will dig you no matter what.

Collaborations are also amazing...whether it be music, writing, art, film….The internet is a pretty cool thing.

CV: Has the downtime from performing live, due to the pandemic, given way to more self reflection and a boat load of songwriting for you? Has there been anything you discovered about yourself that was surprising?
BS: Man, it's been TOUGH. Rough go for most. Getting self motivated to do anything has been rough, but I gotta just force myself to do things. No excuses. Film and TV are a huge love of mine so I have to force myself to step away from those or I get sucked in and forget about everything else.

I’ve done the roller coaster now, all the highs and lows that I'm sure a lot of us have experienced. We are living in highly tumultuous times. Uncertainty reigns supreme, so learning to thrive in the chaos...finding my own little slice of heaven, just riding the wave has been crucial. Thankfully my plate is full of projects and finding new self motivation to do my own music has been great.

I considered joining the military for a minute, too. So...if that's any indication of how things are currently…haha

I truly realized during this whole thing how much I really Love music. I've focused my journey inwards and have been brutally honest with myself and what I've got to fix. It’s Funny, but I’ve come to realize that I am a musician. That’s what I am. A songwriter, and that’s what I have to contribute to the world.

CV: Brian, how much of your true self do you leave on the table after writing a song or is there a compartmentalization process you have to separate your personal self from your artistic self?
BS: Dude, it is what it is. I write about whatever I'm feeling. With Fore I discovered an honesty I’d never really tapped into before. Just letting whatever out on the table. It was so freeing…and currently I'm writing lyrics for album 2…WHICH IS A BANGER! Taylor is A LORD player and songwriter!

I’ve always followed similar themes and worry about running out of material...but If Pearl Jam can have THAT many GREAT songs and amazing Lyrics…. the well will never dry, it's just looking at things from different perspectives and trying new things. No fear…just write.

CV: With all that has been happening over the last six months, do you have any big plans for the upcoming Holiday Season!
BS: Sleep.

CV: What's next for you? What can fans expect to see coming in the remainder of 2020 and beyond?
BS: I’m working on my own solo stuff currently, Old James is on an extended hiatus, however, we have SO much more material to release in the coming year.

I was in a film that's about to come out called IOWISTO which my girlfriend wrote the songs for, and I am very stoked on. Of course, NEW FORE which I cannot tell you how excited I am for that...I simply LOVE FORE!!!

Recently, I joined a band called BANEZEAN here in town that is a tremendous punk band. A New music video will be out in a couple of weeks from that project. And, hoping to release some heavy ass metal this year too with some other buds.

CV: Thank you again Brian for spending some time talking and sharing with
our readers. I wish you all the best and continued success.
BS: And You as well my friend. Be safe out there! Much love and many thanks for chatting with me :)

Check out Brian at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FOREpunk/

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, show host, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.