By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Branded as “inspirational acoustic alternative rock” with over 200 songs in his arsenal, My Silent Bravery has always been a storyteller at heart.
While many artists relied on livestreams as a way to just get by during the pandemic, MSB has used it to consistently push himself and his music to new fans and his “bravehearts” alike.
Such is the case later this week, when he releases his new single “Great Expectations” on a livestream alongside URSULA.
The Music Bugle had the opportunity to chat with MSB about his name origin, songwriting process and much more, which you can check out below.
Music Bugle – What excites you the most about your style of music?
My Silent Bravery – What excites me most is being able to create the style of music I enjoy. As an independent artist, I don’t feel pigeonholed into one genre. I generally would consider the bulk of my music in the rock/pop/alternative world, but I also have songs that fit under the reggae, rap, blues, Americana and country genres. I like creating music that feels inspired and authentic, regardless of feeling a need to fit in any one genre.
Music Bugle – What was the moment that made you want to become a musician?
My Silent Bravery – My musical journey began when I was 18. I had a high school senior project where I learned how to play the guitar and wrote my first song. It was a big turning point in my life, as it was one of the first times, I felt like I was choosing what I wanted to learn about and explore. Coincidentally, the song I wrote my senior year called “Side Of The Road” was featured on the hit TV show “One Tree Hill” several years later and was one of my first big achievements.
Music Bugle – How did you decide on the name “My Silent Bravery”?
My Silent Bravery – The name came about because I was touring under another band name with the initials MSB for a while. Around 2010, my manager at the time suggested we change the band name for marketability and for Google ability. I chose to go with a more commercial name. I wanted to keep the MSB in place, as my fan base was familiar with it and had a connection to it. My friend Caryn suggested My Silent Bravery and I really thought that embodied what the music was about. To me, it symbolizes inner strength, perseverance, persistence and ability to overcome obstacles. I have been dealing with a sports injury over the years and it is a challenge in my life and I continue to work hard to overcome that obstacle. I now try and inspire others to overcome their obstacles through the messages in my music and I think that band name is fitting for that!
Music Bugle – What’s your goal for every new single that comes out?
My Silent Bravery – I think there can be lots of goals with every new song and release, but there are always some underlying goals with releasing new music. Every song has its own story and inspiration. Most of the inspiration for my songs comes from life experience. I find I need the songs to resonate internally if I want them to resonate with others. For me, each song is a story, and I try to tell the story to the best of my ability. I then hope listeners will connect with the story and be drawn into it and relate emotionally and how it applies in their own lives.
Music Bugle – Which of your songs were the hardest to write?
My Silent Bravery – Every song sort of poses its own challenge when I sit down to write either alone or with others. I think a song I wrote with my friend Jim McGorman of The Goo Goo Dolls called “The Rest Of Our Lives” was a challenging one. It is a song I wrote for my wife for our wedding song and I wanted it to be perfect. As we all know, perfect is hard to do, but I was really happy with the final outcome.
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
My Silent Bravery – I would say John Mayer and Chris Stapleton have been in heavy rotation.
Music Bugle – How were you initially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
My Silent Bravery – I think we all have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s the biggest challenge we have faced on a global level in my lifetime. It obviously affected musicians in a big way with touring. I think we were all ready for it to end and get back to living and going out in public or hugging our loved ones without worrying about the consequences.
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need a break?
My Silent Bravery – Funny you ask that because I hadn’t taken a break in about 10 years and then I went to Bermuda a couple years ago! It was awesome and I hope to go back soon!
Music Bugle – What’s something that people might be surprised to know about you?
My Silent Bravery – I spent time living overseas in Australia and traveling New Zealand in my early 20s.
