Campfire conversation sparks creative enlightenment for Brandon Harmon

Brandon Harmon

Brandon Harmon

Singer/songwriter Brandon Harmon got his first taste of the Knoxville music scene as a member of hard-rock act Eastlan Drove. After three years with the band, Harmon was compelled to seek out a new, more self-representative outlet through a solo, acoustic act. After eight months of honing his work, he has recorded a three-track EP and a live demo, which he hopes will further his efforts as he continues to develop his style.

Feeling unfulfilled playing the heavy rock stylings of Eastlan Drove, Harmon opted to follow his heart, playing more minimal, soulful tunes that are truer to his own life experiences. The decision to follow this dream came up spontaneously, Harmon says.

"I never really thought about it before until late 2008," he says. "I kind of had an enlightening moment sitting with a friend by a campfire, and the conversation that started with small talk turned into a conversation about what will make me happy for the duration of my life. So now I'm doing what I can to get my name out."

While Harmon points out that his sound as a one man, acoustic, singer/songwriter is still in its developmental stages, his product already shows potential. With vocals that resemble Rob Thomas of Matchbox 20 and a modern pop sensibility to his writing that parallels today's radio dominators like Nickelback, Harmon's songs could easily be mistaken for any number of nationally recognized acts.

"I've been playing on my own in Knoxville for about eight months, and so far I'm feeling more creative with the singer/songwriter act than with Eastlan Drove," Harmon says. "I'm just trying new things, so overall I've made things sound how I want them to, but I am still growing and learning every day, so there is no telling what the next set of songs will sound like, but as long as I'm creating I will be content. I'm playing my guitar the way I want to play it. I'm singing how I want to sing. I'm being who I am now, and that's the greatest thing I've done so far. I'm learning who I am musically."

Until Harmon completes the arduous task of establishing his work in the collective Knoxville awareness, he is content to play small shows and gradually accrue a following. As many acts have found out, it is difficult to build a name in a town so often accused of willingly or unwillingly being pre-gorged on cover bands and what it is force-fed by mainstream media outlets.

"I think there are some good places to play locally," Harmon says, "but overall I would like to see people support local acts like they support signed acts. Good music is good music regardless if you hear it on the radio or not."

Tonight Brandon Harmon performs an acoustic set at The Prince Deli and Sports Bar opening for friends Wake the Light and Zero Point. The show is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m.

n HOI TO THE WORLD: Deek Hoi joins The Woes in opening for Elvis Perkins in Dearland at The Catalyst Saturday night. The show costs $12 and is slated for 9 p.m.

n DRIVE-BY FRUITING: Turbofruits join The Nimoids and Jeff and the Brotherhood for a show at Pilot Light Monday at 10 p.m. Admission is $5.

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