Brandt Parke- Guitarist/ Songwriter Mister Master

What is your creative mission?

My creative mission is to share my energy and passion for music with others through the form of songwriting, instruction, and electrifying stage presence/performance. I hope to motivate and inspire others in any way I can.

What do you love about what you do?

I am able to be “me” in such a way that I’ve yet to find in any other human-interactive experience. I love how I am able to speak and inspire emotions and energy through my guitar playing, and through such a natural and comfortable relationship. I truly feel that music loves me in return.

What have you learned from your successes/ failures?

The most convincing lessons are learned from the result of failure, however, the easiest way to really fail is to give up or quit. Build bridges, never burn them! It’s amazing how many people you yourself can benefit, and how many people are able to help and benefit you in return (make friends and meet people!). Hard work can take a long time to pay off, but you’ll feel like a millionaire when it does (persistence is key)! Openly communicate with your band/crew/team ALL THE TIME, and BE HONEST. Don’t let others control or influence your happiness, YOU be in control and DO YOU (always have a plan). Lastly, with success (even tiny bits in small doses) comes responsibility. Have a vision, set some goals, always work towards greatness and bettering yourself. You’re all you’ve got!

How do you keep pushing ahead after a difficult challenge?

I see “difficult challenges” as check points, not so much as a finish line. I am constantly looking ahead and actually (mentally) seeing myself complete the next challenge or goal, which allows me to build a solid game plan around that specific task/goal/challenge. There is always another challenge to tackle, and I firmly believe that myself and the band acquire a greater set of skills/experience/knowledge each time we reach a milestone. I always try and keep “the pyramid” concept in mind; start at the bottom with the easier/more approachable goals, and slowly work your way to the top (through increasingly difficult goals/tasks), in hopes of reaching that ultimate goal at that given time (release an album, go on tour, etc).

Have you ever encountered resistance from family, friends, or the world in general? How did you overcome those kinds of blocks?

I am very fortunate to have a remarkable support system in my family, friends, colleagues, and peers, though I have experienced some resistance at one time or another. Not a negative type of resistance necessarily, but one where certain loved ones thought that it might not be wise or in my best interest to pursue music and performing as a career, due to the realistic possibility of “failure” or not having a steady income, or not having anything to fall back on. I overcame this dilemma by doing the only thing I knew how to do. BE TRUE TO YOURSELF. NO ONE KNOWS MORE ABOUT YOU THAN YOU. I know I am on this planet to be a musician, and no amount of money or fame could ever change that. Through 13 years of intense dedication and hard work, I’ve shown that I can survive, thrive, and prosper in a musical world. That resistance I first mentioned is now entirely support, confidence, and love. I am very proud to be able to say that.

How has your art and creativity healed you?

My art and creativity has healed me through the process of writing and wondering. I am able to ask much deeper questions through my lyricism, such as who am I? Why do I think or feel this way? What else is out there? What is that “other worldly” transendence-like feeling when a song is born right out of my finger tips? I am constantly inspired and motivated on a basic human level through the mysteriousness music is consistently showing me.