45. How to Develop Your Artistic Voice as an Independent Musician, with Brandon J Marks

Ep.45: Developing your artistic voice isn’t just about understanding your sound; it’s about permission, confidence, and learning how to trust yourself before the world catches up. In this episode of “loves music,” I sit down with Brandon J Marks to talk about what it actually means to build a creative identity that lasts. We dig into the making of Brandin Land, a bold, genre-bending concept album that blends gospel legacy, R&B, jazz, and pop into something timeless and globally resonant. Brandon opens up about creative freedom, mental clarity, and why learning your voice (mentally and musically) is the foundation of sustainable artistry. This conversation goes far beyond technique, touching on confidence, discipline, spirituality, and the inner work required to show up fully as an artist.We Chat About:Developing your artistic voice as an independent musicianBuilding Brandon Land as a concept album and creative worldGenre-bending music without chasing trends or erasWhy mindset is harder (and more important) than techniqueVocal mentorship, confidence, and learning your true rangeMental Detox: clearing emotional clutter and creative blocksThe “seven-second rule” for interrupting negative thoughtsWhy artists need to learn how to sit with themselvesCreative energy, spirituality, and trusting your instinctsChoosing fulfillment, joy, and longevity over burnoutAbout Brandon J Marks:Producer, Songwriter, Genre-Bending Artist, Brandon J Marks is taking the industry by storm. Born to a family of singers and musicians, Brandon has been singing, recording, and performing professionally since the tender, formative age of fourteen. Brandon has performed with some of music’s greatest talent, from Kim Burrell to pianist and super producer Rodney East. His creative approach to music is vast, rooted in gospel legacy and represents the perfect merging of R&B, jazz, and pop. After years of brand strategy, marketing, and garnering partnerships such as Sony Animation and the Oprah Winfrey Network, Brandon commenced his solo artistry in 2020 with the release of his debut song, Black Man. The release was recognized and endorsed by the Houston mayor for its activism and riveting performance. As a BMI songwriter, Brandon continues to develop a growing catalog of music and is set to pen for some of music’s greatest artists and motion picture soundtracks. A beacon through sound, each song sheds light and shares love.Connect with Brandon J Marks:Listen on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gh/artist/brandon-j-marks/1541380334Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5F4SnF9qpUSZQe1j6f2qiQListen on TIDAL: https://tidal.com/artist/22280794Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonjmarks/Other Resources:Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBgCheck out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/Julian on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/Julian on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417Check out Julian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RLThis podcast is managed by Wildwave PodcastingMusic Mentioned in this Episode:Songs:Roller Coaster — Brandon J MarksCotton Candy — Brandon J MarksSmoking Mirrors — Brandon J MarksCarousel of Love — Brandon J MarksBlack Man — Brandon J MarksAlbums & Projects:Brandon Land — Brandon J MarksHotter Than July — Stevie WonderJungle Fever (Soundtrack) — Stevie Wonder808s & Heartbreak — Kanye WestArtists & Bands:Stevie WonderKanye WestDaft PunkMusic SoulchildAmy WinehouseBruno MarsAdeleJanelle MonáeLeon ThomasLucky DayeSamara JoyJamala Roberts (American Idol)John Legend