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Bio
Brandon Gilliard is a world touring bass player who lays down a solid foundation of funk on every stage he plays. He has recorded or shared the stage with artists such as Janelle Monae, KIMBRA, Big Boi of OutKast, David Crowder, Erykah Badu, Avery*Sunshine, Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, Tye Tribbett, Maceo Parker, P. Diddy, Bob Carlisle, Jennifer Holliday, Ann Nesby, Archie Bell, Vicky Beeching, Daysahead, Juanita Bynum, Angie Stone, Bebe Winans, INOJ, Chinua Hawk, Roman GianArthur and a plethora of others. He has also performed with world class ensembles such as the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, The Chicago Symphony and the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.
Brandon Gilliard has performed on the stages of stadiums, clubs, auditoriums, theaters and arenas around the world from Nashville to Australia to Europe. That list includes The Ryman Auditorium aka ”The Original Grand Ole’ Opry” in Nashville, two sold out performances at The Sydney Opera House, The Super Bowl Budweiser Pre-Show, The United Center (joint show with Prince) and several performances at The White House.
Brandon has also appeared in numerous music videos and major television performances such as Saturday Night Live, The Arsenio Hall Show, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, Later with Jools Holland, Austin City Limits, Le Grande Journal, BET’s 106 & Park and the 2013 BET Awards. His bass lines have also been recorded for major movie soundtracks. His movie recording credits involve working with Henson Studios, Fox, Blue Sky Studios and world renown composer, John Powell on the upcoming major film, RIO 2.
Brandon Gilliard began playing alongside his father in church as a small child. As a teenager he performed in his high school marching band as the drum major and the school’s first electric bassist. He continued his education as a Music Major at Anderson University and graduated in 2005 with a B.A. in Music and a concentration on Double Bass. Immediately after graduation Brandon moved to Atlanta, GA to further his professional career. Soon afterward he was being called upon as one of Atlanta’s first call studio recording session players.
Today Brandon Gilliard is one of the most sought after and respected bass players in the world. His ability to adapt, attention to tone and vast knowledge of theory allow him to work with artists ranging a wide variety of genres such as country, hip hop, rock, jazz, bluegrass, R&B, gospel, classical, funk and pop. Brandon credits musicians such as James Jamerson (Motown), Rocco Prestia (Tower of Power), Pino Pallidino (John Mayer, D’Angelo) and Verdine White (Earth, Wind & Fire) as his biggest influences.
Brandon Gilliard recently finished up “The Electric World Tour” with Atlantic Records/ Bad Boy Records recording artist and Covergirl, Janelle Monae. Brandon’s bass work is also featured on Janelle Monae’s new album, “The Electric Lady”.
Brandon Gilliard has also performed and recorded with Warner Bros. Recording Artist, Kimbra. After meeting at the 2012 Monteux Jazz Festival in Switzerland they immediately hit it off and played a late night session together that can only be described as purely organic. This was a prime example of his on the spot ability to adapt to musical situations.
Brandon Gilliard’s approach to playing bass is simple yet unique. Play every note as if it’s your only chance, make it groove and remember that the artist comes first when working as a sideman.
It is often said that history repeats itself. Music history is not an exception. Brandon’s bass lines give listeners both a feeling of nostalgia and a breath of fresh air through originality. The term “New Old-School” is truly befitting.