Meet Brian Chartrand | Touring Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brian Chartrand and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brian, what’s something about your industry that outsiders are probably unaware of?
I think that there is a misconception about the work required to be a self-employed, full-time performing musician. The performance that someone sees is only 10% of the day’s work… In order to be a successful working musician, you have to dedicate years not only practicing your instrument and maintaining a diverse song list of material, but self promotion (updating website, engaging your fan base through email and social media), finding, booking and retaining work, and networking with other musicians, You also have to be thoroughly organized, self motivated, and highly professional.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I moved to Arizona in 2003 from Massachusetts to step away from music because I was frustrated with my progress as a musician in MA and wanted a steady job with reliable income. I saw an opportunity in AZ for a change of scene. Once I got here, I found that steady desk job but I was also immediately inspired to write new songs and was amazed at the amount of possible work this area offered. It didn’t take long until I formed a new band Ten Dollar Outfit which was quickly recognized in the music community. It was through my work with that trio that I was connected to Rich Price in 2006 with whom I started a band The Sweet Remains which continues to tour to this day. It was also through Ten Dollar Outfit that I met my first booking European booking agent who sent us over on our first tour in 2010. In 2013 I started Live from Laurel Canyon which performs in theaters and Performing Arts Centers all over the country.

The decision to become a full time performing musician in 2007 was relatively easy. Not to say it wasn’t hard though; we were in a serious economic recession and the venues where I was performing were cutting live music from their budgets, but at that point I had dedicated myself to the craft and the lifestyle. There were many lean years barely getting by, but I was happy and creative and pursuing something that felt extremely natural. Not easy, per se, but natural. During that time from 2007 to 2013, I put my head down and worked very hard finding work, making ends meet, creating original material, and sometimes leveraging the little I had to make a tour happen.

I’ve learned that the life of a creative is not for the faint of heart. You have to be all in if you want to make this your sole income. No one is going to save you; not your family, your friends, the government. There are so many potential factors (from an economic recession to a pandemic) that can present challenges you never thought you would have to endure. You have to buckle down, do the work, and be persistent and stubborn at times.

My story is a not a new one. I am one of many who found their calling years ago. I am one of many who continue to be creative and support themselves with their art. My work speaks for itself because I’ve worked hard and surrounded myself with people who help realize my vision.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve had numerous mentors along the way… One person who saw potential in me and encouraged me to pursue this life is Mike Florio. He connected me with musicians I still work with today.

Website: www.brianchartrand.com

Instagram: instagram.com/brianchartrand

Facebook: facebook.com/brianchartrandmusic

Youtube: youtube.com/brianchartrand

Image Credits
David Moore, Ben Bloom