Brock Curtis, a native of rural South Australia, made his initial mark on music through audio engineering, where he discovered his creative passion and love of songwriting. Brock, a musician now based in Sydney, has worked with some of the largest Australian record labels and has a musical upbringing. He has been writing songs since he was four years old and began learning drums when he was eight. Since then, he has become a multi-instrumentalist, but he now enjoy songwriting and composition more. Brock’s discography is equally impressive, with one of his most recent three singles reaching number one on Australia’s country chart, and with over 80,000 streams on Spotify alone. Brock is a seasoned industry professional who exudes class and authenticity; he is a future Country legend that you cannot miss.
A new pumped-up country anthem was conceived by the brilliant mind of talented singer-songwriter Brock Curtis, who desired to create the year’s most upbeat, “life is perfect” hit. ‘The Kind Of Life We Like,’ which features inch-perfect production, is a dense soundscape with idyllically layered timbres: driving electric guitar lines, potent power chords, spacious acoustic drums, and Brock’s clear, tonally-rich vocal performance round out this mix. This was one of those songs where every line and lyric flowed effortlessly as soon as the guitar was picked up. He desired a humorous song about his own and many others’ maturation. He desired something that would motivate and inspire you to live this life. After recording his demo at home, Brock sent the song to his close friend Justin Wantz Productions in Nashville, who gave the song its current form. ‘The Kind Of Life We Like’ is a must-listen for any music enthusiast and is guaranteed to induce the best vibes. Check out the song and the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
Brock Curtis: I grew up in a small rural South Australian town. Im the youngest of 6 kids so I grew up with a lot of different music around me, I started mucking around on the school drum kit when I was 8 so mum decided to get me some lessons and I fell in love with it. One thing led to another
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
Brock Curtis: I learnt drums from a local guy who played in a band and had a few guitar lessons here and there but id say a bulk of what I know I figured out myself along the way
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘Brock Curtis’?
Brock Curtis: I grew up with older brothers so one of the biggest musical influences in my upbringing was Metallica and to this day they are still one of my favourite bands.
Brock Curtis is my first and middle name, just sounds a bit better than my full name. Curtis is also my mums maiden name, so I like to honour her with using that.
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
Brock Curtis: I’m still all about the music, I leave big gaps for guitar solos and rhythm sections. I want my recorded songs to have the same sort of feel that a live show might have. Maybe it was the way I was raised but I have such a strong respect and admiration for artists that can sing and really play their instrument at the same time.
5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as COUNTRY?
Brock Curtis:
If I went back and looked at every song i’ve written and recorded over the years I think I would be put into a mental institution. The amount of different styles and genres i’ve written, about all different things, some real, some fake. But I think I needed to go through that to learn what it was I really wanted to write about what sort of music just came easier than the rest. Even still ill write a completely random song that no one will ever hear just to get it out of my system.
I love the story telling behind country music, I think the stories behind the songs are some of the best in the world and something that everyone can relate to in some way and that’s something I really aspire to write like.
6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
Brock Curtis:
I think it can be all of the above, and for some people their music if a platform for them to say what they want to say about certain things. I would say the music I have released has been more of a personal narrative and just for the enjoyment of listening. But I would also say that I have definitely written songs that fall into the former, so who knows, maybe ill release them in the future.
7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
Brock Curtis:
Thats a big question! Yes and no. I don’t think ill ever be satisfied with anything I do and I also think that is what drives me to do bigger and better. You definitely do get a bit of a high when one of your songs comes out but at the same time it might not get as may listeners or streams as you have wanted. So its a constant battle with yourself to remind yourself why you do what you do and to trust the process.
8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
Brock Curtis:
Its never the same process twice for me. First and foremost I would consider myself a guitarist so I tend to fall into a song once I have just been sitting down jamming on the guitar. I need it to come naturally, I cant force it, I never connect with the song when I try force it. Ive sat on songs for weeks and never been able to finish them and then i’ve written songs in 15 minutes that I would consider some of my best.
I think collaborating with others is a good way to get something out that you don’t always know how to say yourself but generally most of the time its just me, my guitar and a sheet of paper.
9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
Brock Curtis: I wouldn’t say i’ve had the easiest life, I also wouldn’t say i’ve had the hardest life. I think some of the best songs come from both of those things. A lot of it is your perspective on the outcome. And I think the exact same rules apply to music. You’ll always come across something that makes life harder, you’ve just gotta learn to work with it.
10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
Brock Curtis: When I released my first song, I didn’t promote it or market it or anything I guess because deep down I didn’t really want anyone to know. But I couldn’t believe it, I got an overwhelming amount of support from friends and family and people all other the world sending me messages. So that was pretty cool and encouraging.
11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
Brock Curtis: You’ve gotta ignore it. Social media sucks, dude. Its such a blessing and a curse but I think its so much more of a hassle than anything. Take me back to the good ol days
12. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?
Brock Curtis: There’s nothing like playing in front of a crowd. But at the same time I cant wait to get home, sit by myself and write some more original songs that you can play live to see the audiences reaction to that one. You can’t have one without the other. But nothing beats playing in front of a full, happy, here to have a good time crowd
13. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
Brock Curtis: I think everyone should be free to interpret music in their own way. If it means one thing to me it might mean something completely different to someone else but if it helps them then my job is done.
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