Singer/songwriter Jay Brannan is a New Yorker by way of Texas, California, and several stops in between. He first made headlines as an actor in John Cameron Mitchell’s indie film sensation “Shortbus”, offering an international platform for his first full-length musical release, entitled goddamned, which made its debut as the No. 25 overall Top Album on iTunes.
One Billboard-charting covers EP, three world tours, and a slew of YouTube videos later, Brannan brings us Rob Me Blind, his second full-length album of originals, produced by Grammy-winning producer David Kahne (Regina Spektor, Paul McCartney, The Bangles, Lana Del Rey, etc.). He is celebrating a two day CD release party at Eddie’s Attic and he joined us for our 5GB series before his show.
What’s the first gig you ever attended?
Hmmm well i was raised quite religiously, so i saw lots of music performed in church or youth camp settings, etc., but my first BIG live concert i ever attended was Alanis Morissette’s tour supporting Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie in Houston Texas!! i was way up in the cheap seats of the arena and remember seeing this tiny little Alanis jumping around stage in her dreadlocks. i bought a t-shirt and still have it to this day, it’s a Hanes Beefy T! haha
What is the best gig that you ever played/performed?
Wow that’s a hard question! i have so many amazing memories from shows all over the world, but i think a show i had in San Francisco last year (2011) at Bottom of the Hill where i really felt like everything just flowed perfectly. i felt good about my performance and the connection with the audience and everyone seemed so excited and energized, but also very attentive and supportive. that was a really fun night! but there’s so many other great memories of New York & Paris & London, i’ve really been so lucky and usually have really amazing audiences!
What is the best gig you have ever seen?
Just a couple months ago, i saw Sinead O’Connor at Highline Ballrom in NYC. it holds like 7 or 800 people, so was a really intimate venue for Sinead. i was absolutely blown away by her voice, she still has such a powerful instrument, and you could still see that angry and passionate 19-year-old girl up on stage. i think i stood in the audience with my jaw on the floor thinking “wow i should never sing again” haha. something about her voice is just completely soul-shattering. i’m in awe of her ability. and she had laryngitis that night!! i don’t think i would’ve survived if she was in top form. i can’t imagine it being any more amazing.
What is the gig you would most like to play?
Another hard one!! i’ve always dreamed of opening for Lisa Loeb or Ani DiFranco. those are 2 of my favorites, and i think i would really fit in stylistically. oh wait — i would’ve died to have played Lillith Fair!! i tried soooo hard to get in on the reunion of it, but they only wanted predominantly female acts. i told them i would consider sacrificing an appendage to get on the tour, but it didn’t work haha
What would be the lineup for your dream gig?
Meiko, Regina Spektor, Lisa Loeb, & The Cranberries unplugged
Catch Jay Brannan, August 18th & 19th @ Eddie’s Attic
