Artist Interview: Greg C. Brown
- Bryon Harris
- 9 hours ago
- 3 min read
American performer, composer and recording artist Greg C. Brown has released over 25 CDs either under his own name or in various projects. His most recent album, Venezia, was released in July 2024 and features original chamber music with musicians from around the globe. He has performed across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, including St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin, and made his Carnegie Hall debut on February 17, 2025. Greg teaches privately in Charlottesville, Virginia, and at Bridgewater College. His compositions have been performed by esteemed chamber ensembles and orchestras and can be heard in film, TV, and video games. Greg’s musical influences range from Beethoven to Eddie Van Halen and traditional Flamenco composers.
Interview with Greg C. Brown
Was there something or someone who was the "catalyst" for you to go into music? Tell us about it.
I always go back to when I was 10 and heard "Back in Black" by AC/DC. It really made me want to play guitar. Angus continues to be an inspiration. I didn't play on having a career in music at that time, I just had to learn how to play guitar. "Whole Lotta Rosie" was one of the first songs learned to play.
Let's get this out of the way. What is the craziest thing that has ever happened in your music career?
I've been doing this for over 40 years, there are so many. Hanging with Metallica after a show into the wee hours of the morning stands out. Guess how you define crazy but I'll keep it G rated.
What has been the highlight of your music path?
This past year has been one highlight after another. Recording a piece that I wrote for classical guitar and orchestra with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra in Prague was amazing. That will be released shortly. Performing at Carnegie Hall this past February. Currently, I'm getting ready to tour Japan this Summer. Performing at the Whisky a Go Go on the Sunset strip. All of it has been amazing!!!!!
How do you approach songwriting or what is your creative process like? Each song is different. You never know where inspiration will find you. It can be a riff, a drumbeat, new sound and from there it just builds. I've been trying to write more away from the guitar, to get out of the box or comfort zones. Do something different but you also have to listen to the song. Sometime it'll tell you what needs to happens. I love writing, yeah it can be frustrating at times but I love to process. Do you have a new release? I do. It's a tune called "Phobos" and will be hitting streaming outlets globally on May 9. It is the first single for my upcoming album "Solar Winds" due out Summer 2025. This track and album is the follow up to my album "GCB" which is an all-instrumental album. Just paying homage to the guitar and to so many that inspired me to play.
If you could share the stage or a song session with an artist, who would it be? I'm a huge fan of Jeff Loomis from Nevermore, formerly of Arch Enemy. So many artists out there now inspire me, John 5, Vai, Satriani, Angus, Nita Strauss, the list goes on and on.
For fans who have never heard your music, how would you describe your sound?
I write in different genres so that's tough. Moving, fun, artistic, expressive, unique? Something along those lines. I don't really think about it, just do my thing :)
What is your favorite part about being an artist? Is it songwriting, performing, producing...something else?
Yes!!!! (lol) All of it. It's that cycle that I love. It's never boring, always changing. And once the cycle finished you get to do it all over again.
When you are not doing music, what else do you enjoy doing?
I'm a big astronomy nerd. I do find it hard to relax. My head is always thinking about the next creative thing but I'm really trying to be better about that. It's not easy.
What is coming up in the future for you?
I'm doing a tour of Japan this Summer, return to Carnegie Hall June 28, finishing up new album then working on new stuff and shows with my metal band Age of Fire. So very grateful for all of it.
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