The first time I heard his music, I was immediately a fan. I’ve known this singer-songwriter personally for about 5 years now, and he’s always been an inspiration to many budding singers-songwriters. Well, I got this amazing passionate and humble talent to give us an exclusive on his album, music and his life! You should also take a listen to some of his songs whilst you read this:
1. So tell us about how and why you got into the local music scene!
Well I first performed live on stage at the age of 16, at an Interact Club event in high school. It mostly started from there. Mainly though, my dad, the late Errol de Cruz, was a journalist/editor by day, and musician/singer by any other time he could. Most of the support and influence came through him, and his push towards me going for my music. I had been writing my own music since I picked the guitar up, but only took the path of the local music scene about 4 years ago. I had come across many established artistes when I first started, and was wondering how I had not heard of many of them, but yet, they each probably had an album or two to their names. Upon seeing that, I thought to myself, why not give it a shot too, and, here we are.
2. Tell us more about your album, and what were the challenges you faced to get this record done?
This new EP, Black, is more of a darker side to my music. It’s not heavy, just darker, and I would say, the emotions are heard a lot more. The plan to get about it was already in mind upon the completion of my first record, Even So. It was just a matter of when, and releasing it within a year from my first record, seemed like the right thing to do.
The process of getting this record done, was relatively easy, as I got to work with some really professional and talented individuals. The biggest challenge I faced was whether the songs would actually appeal, and, well, I am still figuring that part out. Hahaha.
3. What is the most meaningful song in your album, and why?
The most meaningful would have to be, Black. “Black” was a nickname I used to get, among many others, ever since the age of 7. Though now looking back, I was hardly that dark as a kid. But I guess, in comparison to the kids around me, I was pretty dark. And it did not help at all that I did not speak Tamil, as that was the general assumption too. So, kids just started looking at me weird. Not everyone, just a few. But those few mattered as a 7-year old, you know? “Black” evolved into other names such as “Orang Minyak“, “Black Dog“, “Blackie” and even some others in different languages. This went on all through primary and secondary school, and sort of dissipated from college onwards. But of course, you’d meet the regular idiot every so often. So yeah, Black, holds most meaning as it is an accumulation of all those years.
4. What do you hope to achieve with this album?
I just hope that the music would get out there, and touch as many people as it possibly can. Of course, the wider the reach, the better. But that really it’s the main goal. Because once you have people moved by or believing in your music, the force that creates can be quite something. And well, lead to much greater possibilities.
BREAK TIME!
Take a listen to Brendan’s rendition of our national anthem!
5. Is there any particular project or accomplishments that you considered to be the most significant part in your career?
Honestly, it is the fact that I have two published records to my name. I had been talking of and well, dreaming about it, for a long time, and to actually have it happen, and hold two CDs that I have made, is quite surreal. Never thought I would have my own records when I started out at 16. And it is quite the accomplishment thus far, I believe.
6. Where did you get inspirations from, for your music and life in general?
Relationships, in love and life. Be it a romantic relationship, or a friendship, or family ties, each different type of relationship I have encountered in these 28 years, have always brought something different to the table. I could be high on love, or down in depression, or hyped with laughter, or smothered in pain, the list just goes on. But it’s mostly relationships that drive me generally. Be it in a positive manner or vice versa.
7. Do you have a spirit animal?
Hahaha. Umm. Well, I have not been asked this before, but am going to go with my star sign, and say it would be the Lion.
8. What is it like to be Brendan De Cruz for a day?
Brendan de Cruz does not know when to sleep! He always wants to gallivant and have a great time out! hahaha.
Seriously, it can be easy at times, and it can be tough at times too. But in a day, being Brendan de Cruz, is definitely less work than a 9-5 job!
9. What’s your future plans with your music career?
Much more music, and many more albums, and the main goal, would be local and international festivals. I also hope to collaborate with other artistes too, and well, spread the music.
10. Any advice for budding musicians out there?
If you have not tried yet, always give it at the least, one shot. And once you do, and your will persists, never give up. You will fail multiple times, if not 90% of the time, but the matter is to keep getting up, and well, just try again. I mean, wouldn’t you rather slog 9-5 a day for yourself, than for someone else?
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If you want to catch Brendan in his next act, join him at these dates & venues:
1. October 6th – Gaslight Cafe
2. October 26th – No Black Tie (a Foo Fighters Tribute)
3. October 27th – The Sticky Wicket
