The Music Industry is full of creative people. From the musicians on stage playing music with the best trombones to the artists that make the posters that the promoters use to get people to the music venues. All the different people involved in making the music industry work have skill sets to be celebrated. For more on this instrument, check out how to play trombone.
Read our other trombonist interview: inside the music mind of Alex Wasily, trombonist for dumpstaphunk.
MM: SO WHAT WAS IT THAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A MUSICIAN?
My Grandmother was probably the biggest inspiration to me. She was always traveling and performing in foreign countries with her music. It made me want to be just like her.
MM: IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF A GREAT MUSICIAN?
Professionalism
Chops (Ability to perform)
Versatility
Awareness and Passion
MM: WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST MUSICAL INSPIRATIONS OF ALL TIME AND WHAT WOULD YOU SUGGEST OF THEIR DISCOGRAPHIES FOR PEOPLE THAT ARE BEING INTRODUCED TO THEM?
Topsy Chapman
Stevie Wonder – Song in the Key of Life Album
Michael Jackson- Off The Wall Album
Prince – Let’s Go Crazy
James Brown- Night Train
Marvin Gaye- What Goin’ On Album
Trombone Shorty
Rebirth Brass Band- Take it to the Street
Jimi Hendrixx- Hey Joe
MM: IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF A GREAT SONG?
Relatable If you’re audience can relate with your song in my opinion you’ve won
MM: IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF A GREAT ALBUM?
A great album has to:
Reflect the times
Tell a Story
Be Creative
And resonate with the listener
MM: WHAT WAS THE FIRST ALBUM THAT REALLY GRABBED YOU? WHAT WERE THE SPECIFIC THINGS ABOUT THE ALBUM THAT MADE IT SPECIAL FOR YOU?
What’s Goin’ On Album by Marvin Gaye is a Masterpiece. The transitions, the flow of the overall album is great, no dead space, the key changes are amazing and the project has a unique sound that is unmatched.
MM: WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE PEAK EXPERIENCES OF YOUR CAREER? ANY FUN STORIES YOU CAN SHARE?!
Playing With Common for Essence in New Orleans was really awesome for me I grew up a big hip hop fan and Common was definitely a part of my favorites so getting to perform songs I once grew up listening to on the radio. The whole experience was surreal. I have plenty of great moments every time I play typically whenever I take the stage it’s a peak moment for me!!!!
MM: WHERE DO YOU SEE THE MUSIC INDUSTRY IN THE 30 YEARS?
To be honest I have no answer everything’s moving so fast. New technologies, new ideas, more independent artists the game is constantly evolving it’s a good thing. But long term I have no idea and tell you the truth I’d rather be surprised.
MM: FOR THE SERIOUS MUSICIANS OF THE WORLD, IS THERE A REAL PRO TIP YOU ARE WILLING TO SHARE, BE IT AN EXERCISE, A LICK, A PRACTICE HABIT, LIFE ADVICE, ETC.?
Always Have A Backup I know it sounds obvious but if you stay ready you won’t have to get ready
MM: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A YOUNG MUSICIAN THAT WANTS TO BECOME A PROFESSIONAL MUSICIAN?
Don’t do it for the money because this won’t fulfill you. Do it for yourself, your passion and your drive will take you a long way.
Always be professional.
MM: WHAT GEAR ARE YOU USING THESE DAYS? FEEL FREE TO SHOUT OUT SPONSORS, DISCUSS NEW ADDITIONS OR FAVORITE OLD GEAR. CAN BE YOUR MAIN INSTRUMENT, ACCESSORIES ETC.
Currently playing on King 5B
But I’m looking to purchase an Edwards T103
MM: WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE VENUES TO PLAY IN THE WORLD? FEEL FREE TO SHARE AN EXPERIENCE THAT MADE IT SPECIAL
HardRock Hotel Cancun Mexico it was the best time and relaxing too.
MM: IN ALL YOUR TRAVELS, WHAT IS THE BEST MEAL YOU EVER HAD?
Well I live in New Orleans so nothing tops home but Italy and New York have great dining as well
MM: HAVE YOU DISCOVERED AN AWESOME RESTAURANTS WHILE ON TOUR THAT YOU WANT TO SHOUT OUT! WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL?
Not really I try to sample a little bit of everything and see what cities have to offer everybody is different.
MM: HAVE YOU DISCOVERED AN AWESOME HOTELS WHILE ON TOUR THAT YOU WANT TO SHOUT OUT! WHAT MAKES THEM SPECIAL?
Las Vegas Bellagio. c’mon it’s the Bellagio
MM: COFFEE, TEA OR JUICE?
Juice first then Tea Never Coffee
For more information on Caleb Windsay:
Check out Kings of Brass
New Single “Graveyard” on all streaming platforms
—-Read more music interviews!
