Brando Brannon Bates is NOT a movie star or a rock star

Nov. 19, 2012 - PRLog -- Brand-0 CD: Google Play
Brannon Bates movie: Indieflix


Celebrities are often known for their narcissism and being full of themselves. Which is why it was a shock at first to see Brannon Bates posting on Facebook that he is NOT a Movie Star and he is NOT a Rock Star. After a puzzling few beats the star explained what he meant by saying "I am a Legend". That sounds more like the celebrity way of thinking.

By it's a far away cry of surety isn't it? After all the double threat artist has just recently arrived on the "stage". We attempted to meet with the star but he was busy working on his next film "Echoes Beneath" but was eager to do an online interview to answer some of these questions. We asked Brand0 what he meant and how serious he was when he made this claim and it was a very refreshing interview with one of the most down to earth and "normal" celebrities we have had the pleasure of interviewing.

FM: So Brand0, what did you mean when you said you were a Legend considering you have only had a couple of cd releases and one feature film?

Brand0 Brannon Bates: Haha That was a quote from Freddy Mercury, one of my idols that I took so much from when I was finding myself in music. It was before Queen had a hit and he had just started singing with the band and he called himself a Legend. He was right, and I do feel that way about myself. I think you need to believe in yourself or nobody else will. It all starts with you.

FM: So you do think you are a legend? Even though you have only had the couple of releases?

Brand0 Brannon Bates: You know it's not always about the amount of films or CD's you do. It's about the quality. James Dean only had a few films and I would have to think he is still one of the biggest Icons in film history to date. I strive to create images that have a classic quality, that burn an image in your memory. That takes time. My projects take years. I like to think a lot before I do something. I like to have a full grasp on what I want the viewer or listener to remember. I must see it myself before I can paint it for others to see. Some actors / musicians may be seen a lot more often than I am but when I am seen it is something that you will remember for a long time.

FM: So there is no rush to get more projects out for you?

Brand0 Brannon Bates: Absolutely there is. I want to leave behind as much art as I can and I'm not sure how long I will be around to make it. So yes, I work as much and as fast as I can. But it isn't up to me how fast it comes out of me. I am a vessel and the vessel fills and pours out when the... whoever is in charge of it... is ready.

FM: What did you mean you don't know how long you will be around, is there something we don't know about?

Brand0 Brannon Bates: Oh no, I'm healthy and happy. I just sometimes wonder how long I have to continue making my art. I love it so much, I love the music, the videos and movies. I'm just so grateful for every second of it. But I just wonder if it will be cut short sometimes. So I do make use of my time as much as possible. When others are out drinking and enjoying life, I am writing, editing, etc..

FM: So it seems like a lot of weight to carry on your own shoulders, and we notice that you don't work with the mainstream studios a lot. Why is that? Do you have something against them?

Brand0 Brannon Bates: Oh goodness no. I found myself at the studios. I learned everything I know from them. I started with MGM doing stand-in work and when I moved to Hollywood I was a bike messenger for Paramount. I love the studios and there is nothing like being on the lot. It's always a blessing to just... be there. The people are wonderful, and the food is always a treat. But when I am making my own projects I want full control. I don't want anyone telling me to cast some girl just because she is the niece of one of the Execs, and I don't want someone telling me to make something more politically correct. I want what is in my head to be made, that's why I'm doing it. I see a vision and I want to see it on the screen just like I see it in my head. If any portion of it is forced to be changed then it is a diluted version of what it should be, and that just isn't acceptable. So I struggle and scrape together budgets, until I can find someone that is fully supportive of my creations and are willing to let me do me.

FM: So what's next for you? Is it movies or music or...

Brand0 Brannon Bates: Right now I am very excited about a horror script that I wrote and will be filming this year called Echoes Beneath. I think it will be a classic. I plan on doing it in just a year which is very quick considering my last movie took three years.

FM: And music?

Brand0 Brannon Bates: You know the music comes when it comes. I will start missing it and will just sit down and write a full CD. I've been playing guitar since I was about ten and it is something that I love. So I don't force it, I do it when I want. Perhaps a Brand-0 Christmas CD?  hahaha  hmmm