Forcing Me To Bend

Many independent artists make the claim that their music is truly universal in appeal, but veteran rock soul singer/songwriter Jeff Brodnax has the frequent flier miles to back it up. Since venturing into solo territory after spending the 90s in the funk/rock groups 24-7 Spyz and Egypt, the Norfolk raised, NYC based multi-talented artist has performed in New York, Prague, Japan and Korea—and recorded his dynamic and heartfelt new album Forcing Me To Bend in Paris at ArtsSonor Studios, in part with producer and mixer Bob Ebeling, whose array of all-star credits include Rufus Wainwright, Eminem, Rob Tyner and Kid Rock.

The multi-faceted collection is the long awaited follow-up to his 2002 debut Acoustic EP, which has sold a cumulative total of over 10,000 units—many from his hundreds of street and subway performances in New York, Paris and Korea. So while Brodnax’s diverse resume boasts appearances at hot Big Apple clubs like Joe’s Pub and Rockwood Music Hall and The Guru Club in Prague, his burgeoning career has been forged as an old fashioned street musician (which Brits traditionally call “busking”).

Most days, he hits the streets (and below the streets) from his drive to survive as a musician, but on occasion, it’s by formal invitation. A few years ago, a big corporation in Korea was eager to promote the country’s new subway system and invited various NY musicians (including Brodnax) to perform onstage in their subway as part of a major production. He originally met Ebeling “down under” in New York, and it was while playing there one day with trains and people passing by that he was inspired to write the passionate and inspirational acoustic song “Forcing Me To Bend” that became the album’s title track and guiding thematic thrust.

“The song is about the music industry and the many daunting challenges artists like myself face in trying to get our music heard by the people we are trying to reach,” says Brodnax. “The lyrics came to me when I was down there playing and they’re about never giving up no matter the obstacles. That’s always been my nature, to see the good in things. Between the first and second albums, I endured several personal tragedies, but I took them and used them creatively for ultimately good things. I see a meaning behind everything that happens and am glad I was able to process those events in a positive way.”

While enduring those powerful emotional changes, Brodnax’s musical sensibilities have shifted significantly over the years. As a singer with the NYC based 24-7 Spyz, he sang everything from funk and rock to old school soul, reggae and ska. As one of the key songwriters with the Northern Virginia-Washington, D.C. based Egypt later in the 90s, it was all about the funk rock. At the heart of his solo songs are compelling lyrics and acoustic soul rock melodies and passionate harmonies which have captivated listeners all over the world. Many compare the vibe of his lyrics to those of the late Jeff Buckley and Radiohead’s Thom Yorke, while musically, Brodnax—whose rich, nuanced dreamy vocals flow over mellow funky rhythms--is influenced by a fascinating combination of legendary artists: Nina Simone, Sly Stone, hardcore punk rockers Bad Brains, The Cocteau Twins, the indie rock trio Blonde Redhead and Led Zeppelin.

The song that broke the creative dam and paved the way for the rest of Forcing Me To Bend was “Angel,” a dramatic loving tribute to Brodnax’s little brother Christopher who had cerebral palsy and passed away at age 26. The hypnotic and seductive “Cleverly” takes a slightly more whimsical turn as it chronicles his thoughts about a girl he met in the subway that enchanted him and engaged his fantasies but wouldn’t let him get too close, physically or emotionally. The moody and thoughtful “Flower” uses the metaphor of the seasons to chronicle the ups and downs of a relationship that begins in spring, struggles and falters in winter but can return to its former glory again as the leaves turn green. In the spirit of Jane’s Addiction’s “Standing In The Shower…Thinking,” Brodnax spins a witty and gentle ode to the end of writer’s block on “Homecoming.”

“Artists can talk all they want about how they’re writing just for themselves and not for the audience to appreciate,” he says, “but the reality is that there’s nothing as exciting as feeling the energy of people as you play in front of them। Whether it’s in a subway somewhere or a club, I love performing and watching as people enjoy themselves. I’m always fascinated by the writing process as well, how we start with something so small, a simple idea that builds and becomes something so great and melodic that takes on a life of its own. When people listen to my songs, I want them to feel good and let their imagination take them wherever my music and lyrics inspires them to go.”

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