The ascent of an American songwriter : Jonathan Brightman? Downloading and the internet are both a blessing and a curse for musicians. What is your take on the industry as it stands today? Where do you see it heading? Jonathan Brightman: I think the musician will have to catch up with all this technology. In other words, a band may have to use more of their own words, images, actions and give more of themselves up to be noticed. These days anyone can edit a video and put up content. We’re going to have to learn how to be as creative on several formats now. “Badass” is one of the coolest songs I’ve heard in a long time, what are your favourites on the record? Jonathan Brightman: BADDASS is my favourite. It’s just a funny song.
Jonathan Brightman and Buckcherry: Josh Todd grew up in the Anaheim Hills neighborhood of Anaheim, California and later moved to Lake Forest, California. Early on, Todd fronted the Hollywood glam rock band Slamhound. He eventually met lead guitarist Keith Nelson through their tattoo artist (Kevin Quinn). The duo made a few demos before being joined by bassist Jonathan Brightman and drummer Devon Glenn, calling themselves Sparrow. Sparrow began performing around the Hollywood club scene, receiving a strong, local following due to their old school rock and roll vibe, and were signed to DreamWorks Records shortly after. The group changed its name to Buckcherry after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from a record label called Sparrow (owned by EMI). Although the band’s name is a spoonerism of the late Chuck Berry, the group said it was inspired by a drag queen acquaintance of theirs named Buck Cherry.
Black Robot is a California-based hard rock band formed in 2008 by bassist Jonathan Brightman (JB). Brightman recruited Detroit-bred front man Harold Johns on vocals and Black Robot recorded their debut in 2008 with Grammy winning producer Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Shooter Jennings, Rival Sons). Former Buckcherry alumni Devon Glenn & Yogi Lonich and legendary keyboard session player Fred Mandel (Queen, Alice Cooper, Pink Floyd) make guest appearances on the album. In 2009, guitarists Andy Andersson & Staffan Österlind and former Hot Sauce Johnson / Rumblefish / Earshot drummer Possum Hill were added to the line-up. The band has been described as a “new powerhouse” and “good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll influenced by acts like Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Black Crowes and the Rolling Stones”
Tell us about the whole ‘Black Robot’ concept? Jonathan Brightman: The concept is to return to the time when bands were making albums and exploring the music with no concern whether it’s cool or appropriate for the radio. We like giving the audience a chance to use their imaginations with our Robot. We’d like to see the Robot come to life one day.
Over the past decade Brightman Music has been a top Producer Management firm located in Southern California with a presence in New York City and Nashville, Tennessee and London, England. We represent some of the recording industry’s most highly recognized award winning producers, mixers, songwriters and engineers as well as tomorrow’s game changers. We hold a unique emphasis and proven track record on the discovery and development of groundbreaking chart-topping new artists. Our clients work with artists and record labels, big and small from every corner of the globe. We celebrate musical diversity and support artists of all genres. Find additional information on Jonathan Brightman.
How long after the demise of Buckcherry did you begin working on new music? Jonathan “JB” Brightman: The way this happened…right after I left Buckcherry Huck (Johns, singer) was moving to Los Angeles. I had made friends with him and we just started writing. So we had written some songs, but there was no agenda to create a band. What Huck and I really intended to do was to have Yogi (former Buckcherry guitarist) and Devon (former Buckcherry drummer) in the band, but that didn’t really work out. I needed some time away from what would become Black Robot. When it came time, I called Yogi and Devon and said to them, “Let’s just go in the studio for two weeks and let’s make a record.” I didn’t have any expectations. I wanted to get in the studio, record, have a good time and if a great record came out of it then we’d release it. It was no pressure.