Ron Brunk‘s latest singles, ‘Real Person‘, and ‘These Days‘ got us thinking hard about what’s going on in the world right now, and our place in it. He recently spoke to Essentially Pop about his own reflections.
What keeps you motivated to keep putting new music out into the world?
The drive, the NEED, to create is like a raging hurricane in my soul. The only difference is, it’s all storm and no calm. I’m tormented constantly by the merciless wind, pounding waves, vicious lightning, and driving buckets of biting rain.
Your songs often reflect your real-life struggles and triumphs. Do you ever worry about being too open, or is honesty just part of your process?
No, I never worry about being too open. I put my true feelings and my real self out there in everything I create. All of my artistic creations scream out from within my own true self. I create and express what is inside me, and let the chips fall where they will.
‘Real Person’ makes it clear you value authenticity. What does “real” mean to you in today’s world?
The word “real” is defined as a thing that is not artificial or imitation. So, when it comes to art and creativity, it’s all about genuine human beings who create genuine, original things. That’s true, REAL art. Art is not something that a computer, a machine, or artificial intelligence creates for you. I realize that technology can be a wonderful tool for humans to use to assist them in the creative process. But it’s altogether different when something non-human is doing the creating, and then the human falsely claims credit for the result. It’s shameful and disgusting that there are lazy, talentless people are doing this. As you can tell, I am very passionate about this topic.
The humour in that track stands out. Did you want listeners to smile while still thinking deeper about the message?
You nailed it exactly. The idea is for the message to get through to people, but to make them smile and enjoy the process at the same time.
In the ‘Real Person’ video, you’re surrounded by lifeless figures while you bring all the energy. What were you hoping viewers would feel watching that?
I thought it would be hilarious to create a video about a “real person” with a video featuring me and two mannequins! I admit, I have a quirky sense of humor. I mean, the entire premise is ridiculous and funny. And, there is also the idea that you alluded to, that the mannequins are lifeless, while it’s me, the human, who actually brings the life to the song & video.
‘These Days’ captures a sense of frustration and concern about society. Was that song harder to write than most?
Not at all. I carry that burden of frustration and concern inside me 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So, a song like ‘These Days’ flows out automatically and easily with blistering rage and all-consuming sorrow. Our society is in a VERY dark place, on the verge of collapse. It’s vitally important that artists speak up about it and express what’s happening through their art.
There’s a feeling in the track that people are ignoring what’s happening around them. Why do you think that is?
I think many people are ignoring what’s happening around them because of several reasons. First, I believe that deep down, many people know that things are bad, very bad. As a result, they are terrified in the depths of their soul. And when people are terrified, they often want to ignore the problem. Secondly, I think many people are simply oblivious to what’s happening because they are totally consumed with themselves. They rarely look up from their phones to observe the real world around them. Thirdly, many people simply don’t care. It’s called extreme apathy. Until it affects them directly in their daily life, they won’t step out of their safe, little, technological bubble and take action. Sadly, by that time, it will be too late.
The dancers in the ‘These Days’ video add a dramatic layer to the story. What do they represent to you?
To me, the dancers perfectly represent all of those oblivious and apathetic people we just mentioned in the previous question. The dancers are the perfect depiction of those who tap dance through life, spinning and twirling amidst the destruction. Idiot dancers doing pirouettes through scenes of total devastation. It’s the perfect juxtaposition.
You’ve said that not much surprises you anymore. Has that outlook changed how you handle the ups and downs of life?
Yes, that outlook has a big effect on how I handle life. It helps me to look at things with more wisdom than I used to. I’m learning more and more to take things in stride, rather than being derailed by those ups and downs. I still stumble at times in this area – oh, how true that is! – but I’m definitely much better than I used to be.
Looking ahead, what message do you most want people to take from this album?
There are several messages I’m conveying with this album ‘NOT DEAD YET’. The most obvious one is contained in the title song itself – yes, I could go at any minute, but I’m not dead yet! Life is full of challenges and pain, but as long as there remains one breath in your body, never give up!
Another message I want people to hear is that the world is in a dark place, and we all need to open our eyes and recognize the dangers.
A third message I tried to bring is, no matter how dark things are, never lose your sense of humor!
Finally, on a personal level for me as an artist, I want people to see that I am always trying to cover as much creative territory as possible. That’s why I filled this record NOT DEAD YET with so many different styles and genres of music. The album contains Americana rock, blistering hard rock, New Orleans-style piano groove songs, a funny country song (ala John Prine) about saving the planet, a tongue-in-cheek reggae song about cats, a rip-roaring blues song, and a straight-up dance song!
I doubt that anyone in the world has ever made a record covering so much ground! I’m very proud of it and excited about it.
Find out more about Ron Brunk and his music online on his official website, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram.
