Brandon “The SEVENth” McCall
Before Brandon “The SEVENth” McCall accumulated millions of streams online, opened up for national acts, toured in 8 countries, and gained high profile press coverage on online media outlets - The Grand Rapids, Michigan native was teaching himself how to use hand-me-down instruments, recording gear, and design software from family members and friends over many years. That time spent lead to him, joining marching band in early years, experimenting with Adobe illustrator and DAW software, taking some traditional music studies, and developing a passion for recordings and producing music.
Q: How did you get involved with Lions and Rabbits?
A: I use to intern at the Oddest Supply Company when they were located in the downtown market, I got introduced to the gallery through their Collaborative work and events at the time.
Q: What themes/ideas are highlighted in your work? Intentions?
A: Thought provoking.
Windows GR 2020
Q: Run us through your creative process - How do you start, flow and finish?
A: I like to have a blank canvas and be in a good mind state to know that what I create in the moment might lead to the next thing. I might not complete or finish the idea, or I might change it, but I know it’s a perpetual motion of just keeping the creativity flowing and staying open to change.
Q: What obstacles/struggles have you encountered throughout your career as an artist? Or challenges you face through your creative process
A: I care more about the music than social media. Although like many artists, I for sure post my music/art and some personal stuff on there. I know it’s a way to connect but sometimes I just want to post music and not have to wait months in advance for “pr” stuff. I think most artists experience this. I definitely try to straggle the line, that’s the best way I keep balance with it.
Q: Can you share a little more about how your art career started. Have you always been in your field? Were you self taught or had additional schooling?
A: When I was a kid I knew I wanted to be an architect and a music producer. Turns out I did the producer thing but I’m a graphic designer and no architect lol. I’ve had people close to me who guided me and helped me get into design and music all my life. In high school I was in marching and concert band, and recording music in Sony Acid just for fun with friends. In/after college I started taking music seriously and also learned how to use Adobe illustrator from a friend who attended art school.
Q: Who/what are your biggest inspirations that play a key role in the work you produce?
A: My family. We would always take road trips and the music I’d hear would be so mind blowing to me. I remember hearing stuff like Stevie wonder, Earth Wind and Fire, and Heatwave for the first time and being hypnotized by the sound. It was so much detail and instrumentation to it but everything was is in its place - I try to tap into that. That’s what I strive to do in my art.
Q: Is there anything you wish you could change about your work?
A: To be more accessible/tangible
Q: What mistakes have you made? What did you learn from them? What are you trying to get better at?
A: Paying attention to detail is not a one time thing. It’s gotta be applied to every little thing you do. The faster you can point out a problem, the faster it should be addressed and modified.
Q: Do you feel supported by your community as an artist? In what ways could you feel more supported?
A: I feel supported by the community and I feel I reciprocate the support when I engage with other like minded artists and individuals working hard here - it’s so many of them making noise and I love to see it.
Q: Describe a moment when you felt most proud of yourself
A: I feel the most proud about my first born/daughter Ruby. Being her dad is phenomenal and a blessing.
The SEVENth and Venus Flyy Trap at Lions and Rabbits event
Q: What's most important to you about what you create, and how it impacts others?
A: I use my art to express my self in ways words can’t. So in many ways , me creating is very therapeutic and allows me an outlet to release emotions, thoughts, or concepts that I have experienced or thought about. Sometimes I come across my own work and it shoots me back in that time of where I was at, most of the time I see the growth.
Q: What's next? What are you currently focusing on or looking forward to?
A: My new project “Remind Me Again” released Feb 17 and is available on all streaming platforms. The cover art was shot at Lions and Rabbits by Leandro Lara, and I did the graphic design, music production and recording. I’m excited about this and hope you all check out the music.
Q: What does being an artist mean to you? What is the function of artists in society?
A: Being an artist means being responsible to voice your opinions/visualize your viewpoints and put them out there for the people to consume as they wish.
Q: And of course, if you could chose any vehicle to travel, real or imaginary what would it be?
A: Broomstick
Follow more of Brandon’s work on /linktr.ee/theseventh_ago and instagram.com/TheSEVENth_Ago
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