List your band members and the instruments that they play.
Tim Britt – Guitar, Vocals, Beat box, percussion
How did the name of the band come about? When did it form?
Even though I’m a solo artist I sometimes take on the name of Tim Britt Live because I write it in all of my event titles on Facebook and friends in college used to refer to my shows as “Tim Britt Live” or “TBL.” So I have used that moniker.
Where are you from originally? If not from Buffalo, why are you here?
Originally I’m from Whitesboro, NY just outside of Utica, NY. I came to Buffalo to attend college at UB in 2006 and have been here ever since. Although I wasn’t born here I definitely consider myself a Buffalonian!
What’s it like to perform in front of a crowd? Give me three words.
The feeling of playing in front of a crowd is unmatched by anything else I’ve ever experienced. It’s a rush of energy that is so satisfying it’s hard not to smile. It’s the ultimate compliment when a group of people show appreciation for something you have played and created and put time and effort into. You get the chance to transpose your feeling into music and have that music affect the people that are listening to it and create entirely new feelings for them. The reason I play is the crowd and it’s what keeps me playing and chasing my dreams. To put it into three words: Adrenaline, Emotion, Purpose
When and why did you start playing?
My older brother played guitar and I of course wanted to follow in big brother’s footsteps so I would ask him to teach me songs until I’d come home from school and play his guitar without his knowing…sorry bro! Unbeknownst to me my parents were scheming to get me a guitar for Christmas before I had ever shown interest in playing my brother’s. Once I got it I became addicted and played for hours on end every day. It came naturally to me and was an entirely new hobby to get into!
What was the first tune that you remember “really” playing well, when you knew that you would be a musician?
The first song I remember learning front to back was Cumbersome by Seven Mary Three. I don’t know if that’s what made me want to be a musician but it created the urge to learn more and more. Once I started to get down a few DMB songs I started to realize playing was more than just a hobby.
Describe your voice/instrument. If you were to name your instrument (maybe you have) what would its name be?
I tend to think my voice is very unique and doesn’t sound too much like anyone else. If I cover certain songs then it can be identified with that artist a little bit more than usual but I think subconsciously I’m imitating the artist I’m covering. It’s like a cross between Dave Matthews and Marcus Mumford, if I had to compare it to anyone. As far as my guitar playing, I’m a very percussive and aggressive player often pounding on the body of my guitar for a source of percussion.I also like to create loops of a mix of vocal and guitar parts to create a more full sound. I’ve never named any of my guitar but if I had to I would name my Yamaha Lucile, just because I can.
Did music come naturally to you? Or were you driven to learn and play/sing? What sparked the passion? Do you come from a musical family?
It was mainly because I wanted to copy my brother, but once I did it came very easy to me and I ran with it. I was always a sports person and still very much love all kinds of sports but once I started playing guitar my whole focus shifted to music and it’s been that way ever since. I do have a pretty musical family both in natural born talent and taste for a wide variety of music. My dad had me listen to all sorts of music growing up and he still does. My mom has a great voice and can play the piano as well as many other members of her family.
Are you schooled in music? From where?
I have no formal training in music.
Which famous musician(s) do you admire?
The Dave Matthews Band, OAR, Mumford and Sons, The Avett Brothers, Jason Mraz, Gogol Bordello, The Zac Brown Band
Where is your favorite place to play/sing in Buffalo? Where would you most like to play/sing in Buffalo?
I have been playing at Gordon’s Bar for nearly 5 years and it remains to be one of my favorite places to play because it’s like a second home to me. I also love to play at the Tralf because the sound in that room is just amazing as well as the history of who’s played there. I’d really love to play a show at The Town Ballroom and the CFA at UB.
What’s your day job?
I work part time at Advance Furniture in the warehouse.
How would you describe your music style? Influences?
I’d like to think I have an upbeat bluesy feel if there even is such a thing. I play percussive acoustic guitar mixed with Dave Matthews influenced vocals while often times setting up a loop of multiple effects. I’m a one man band with a lot of energy.
What was the last live music performance that you caught? What was the best show you ever caught? What was the show that got away – the one that you never got to see?
The last show I went to was Howie Day acoustic. He created some incredibly melodic and beautiful loops with just his guitar and pedals. It’s really hard to pin point the best show I’ve ever seen because some a lot of the shows are so different it’s hard to compare. The best artist’s I’ve ever seen are DMB, Gogol Bordello, Zac Brown Band, OAR, Mumford and Sons, Peter Gabriel, and Roger Waters. One show that got away was Fleetwood Mac when they reunited in the late 90’s with the full original lineup. My Dad and I wanted to go but we never fully looked into it.
Do you play/sing covers or all originals? Ar a combination of both?
It depends on the show and venue but almost always a mix of some sort.
If you could play/sing for one famous person (alive or dead), who would that be?
Dave Matthews simply because he’s my biggest influence and I think he would like my style and my music.
If you could play/sing with one famous band (any time in history), what would that band be?
No shocker here, the Dave Matthews Band, and hopefully someday I get that chance. Side note, I played a show earlier this year with Boyd Tinsley, the violin play from DMB. That was a pretty intense moment in my life!
What are your strengths?
My ability to entertain, my energy level, my ability to connect with the audience, my guitar playing, my looping ability and my control of pitch and tone.
What are your weaknesses?
Repetition of lead guitar patterns, lack of confidence in my vocals sometimes, forgetting lyrics, not pushing myself enough.
Do you have a label? A recording studio? Have you recorded a CD?
I don’t have a label, studio, or CD but I am in the process of working on an EP.
Where and when is your next gig(s) in the city?
Wednesday November 13, 2013 | 5:30pm | Iron Works in the Cobblestone District | Iron Works 49 Illinois Street – Buffalo, New York 14203
Saturday November 16th, 2013 at Gordon’s Bar on Delaware Avenue just south of Hertel – 2263 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14216
Anything else?
I don’t take a lot of breaks when doing a bar show because I have a hard time stopping what I love to do.
timbrittlive.com
facebook.com/timbrittlive
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