If you type in “Brenton Duvall” to Hype Machine’s (www.hypem.com) search bar, you might be surprised. With 3231 likes on the first song that pops up, I would call that respectable, especially for a 19 year old. Originally from Washington DC, this CU Boulder student is making some big strides. He is just getting started so I would keep your eyes peeled: he’s bound to open for your favorite rave musician any day now.
What made you want to start mixing songs?
Mixing songs I guess just came from taking in so much music all the time and at the same time I was playing guitar and I really got into melodies. I have perfect pitch and so that’s always made me think of different ways a song could go. I would hear a song and just play it, so eventually I wanted to make it something into different. That was around the time mashups were getting popular, so I can’t say I wasn’t inspired by that either!
What’s your favorite remix you have done?
My own? I’d have to say “That’s All.” It’s just a really great melody I thought of with this cool sample and I made this whole instrumental before I decided what vocals. Gucci Mane is such a whack job, but his flow and lyrics were actually close to perfect. I get alot of props for making that goon sound so different. I’d definitely say that’s the one I’m most proud of.
Which upcoming music festival has the best lineup? Why?
Bonnaroo, probably because they can. I think more than anything the festivals are about the atmosphere and the people that attend. It’s insane to see fans of all different genres congregate to just be free and have an awesome weekend. Bonnaroo has been around forever, and it’s the Mecca of music so to speak. They’d be hard to ever beat.
Are you touring? If so where? Give us a typical night in a nutshell?
Yes, I’m currently touring. We’re kind of all over the place. I fly out of DIA usually Wednesday of each week and return around Sunday, depending on the cities we’re going to. It’s really hectic. A typical day before the show is stressful. I’m nervous, getting my set together, checking into hotels, getting to soundcheck, seeing people who live around the venue I’m playing at that I never get to see otherwise, and then you just have to make sure the show goes off right. Until you get on stage, it’s insane. Once I’m on there, the stress and worry disappears. It’s all worth it.
How long does it take you to make a new song?
Anytime from like, 30 minutes to a year. I swear I have some little 8 bar hooks that I still come back to and I made ’em in high school. Those aren’t even done yet. Usually though, about a week. It’s a very, very long process because I play all the instruments on my songs. So even after I’m done arranging and recording, there’s alot of post production.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
I don’t know. Shows are hectic, and even though they make money they aren’t my favorite thing to do. I’d love to just be the guy who can produce in his home studio and send the track off to a label that can put it in the right peoples hands. I love pop music. I hope to the guy behind the stuff you hear on the radio in like 10 years. Just doing what I love
If you could say one thing to your fans/ people that listen to your music what would you say?
That they’re awesome? I don’t know. I never know what to say when someone tells me they like my music. I obviously can’t be like “Why is that?” But I really appreciate everyone that supports me. I’d like to think I work very hard and the strangers that support me and come to my shows are the nicest people in the world. I will always talk to them and thank them. I actually love them.
Thoughts on Lady Gaga?
FINALLY SOMEONE ASKS ME. OK. LADY GAGA IS A GENIUS. I am the only straight man in America with the stomach to say that. Yes, she is insane. And probably like half robot or something, I don’t know. But people like Gaga, Bieber, they get SO much hate because they figured it all out. I’m not gonna call Gaga the next Madonna, but that’s because she won’t ever try to be. You don’t have to like her music. She’s an icon.
What has been the most rewarding moment so far?
Talking to my heroes. People who I dreamed of talking to one day, people who I got AUTOGRAPHS from back in the day, I talk to them now. I share the stage with some of them. It’s the most surreal thing in the world. This all happened very quickly. It’s all so rewarding. Whenever there’s stress, you have to remember that you are getting to do something that a lot of people work hard to do. Every second is rewarding.
When you have a minute, check out Brenton’s blog: www.potomacboysclub.com!
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CU Boulder chapter.