Q and A with Eliot Bronson
 by Kathy S-B  ·  28 August 2011

I first got to know Eliot Bronson as part of The Brilliant Inventions, a terrific duo who competed in the Falcon Ridge Emerging Artists competition. I loved their harmonies, interesting lyrics, and charming stage presence. To show how much I liked them, I drove several hours across the state to see them at a house concert and then presented them as part of the me&thee showcase in May 2010. Eliot and his singing and playing partner, Josh Lamkin, did win the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival contest and came back to play the main stage in July 2010. Last fall the Brilliant Inventions decided not to continue as a touring duo but Eliot Bronson went right to work on a solo CD, Blackbirds. The good news is that this CD still includes a lot of the elements that caught my musical ears more than two years ago.

To learn more about Eliot Bronson and to hear some of his music, go to his website.

Here’s a video of Eliot singing “Old Car” from Blackbirds at the legendary Eddie’s Attic in Georgia. In addition, here’s one of my favorite songs by Eliot, “Black-Eyed Susan.”

So what’s the biggest difference between touring as part of a duo and as a solo act?

Well, I have to do all the driving now. But, I get to listen to books on tape, on the road. I’m sorry “Audio Books.” I listened to Anna Karenina, all the way from Georgia to Texas. There’s no way Josh would have put up with that.

What’s the best thing about touring? And the worst?

I don’t tour as much as some musicians, so for me, the best thing is seeing new places and hanging out with different people. It changes my sense of time. It opens me up. Every tour has its worst thing, and they’re always different. That said, I definitely eat better at home. I spend way too much money on food when I’m not touring.

Tell us about the new CD, Blackbirds. If you had to describe it in one sentence, what would you say?

In a way, I’m the worst person to talk about my music. I don’t think I have any perspective. I wanted to make a classic folk/Americana record, with songs worth singing, and a little bit of edge to keep it cool. On my good days, I think that’s what Blackbirds is.

Do you have a regular songwriting practice? Do you schedule time with yourself to write or do you only write when the muse speaks?

No. I’ve tried to schedule time to write songs, and even built a little ritual around it before. I’m tempted to say that that’s actually helped, when I’ve been able to do it. But, I’m such a disorganized person. And I honestly don’t understand songwriting. I don’t know why songs just fall out sometimes, and others are like pulling teeth. I’ll often make myself physically ill trying to force a song. I don’t feel like I have much choice what I end up writing about, or when it actually happens.

Who are your biggest songwriting influences?

That changes all the time. Right now it’s Ron Sexsmith, Tom Petty, and Hank Williams Sr.

Beatles or Stones?

Beatles, Beatles, Stones, Beatles. In that order.