Musician Brandon Callies performed an acoustic rendition of Nirvana ’ s “ Smells Like Teen Spirit ” at the Landon Winery in Greenville during the inaugural Hunt
County Festival of the Arts in May .
Along with his musical talent , Callies has become known for his art projects , which include drawings , canvas paintings , wood burnings , album art and show posters , among other mediums .
“ I believe the visual art compliments the audio ,” Callies said . “ I ’ ve always drawn my own show posters and album covers . It has helped me keep it all in house .”
Callies ’ varied talents extend to his performing .
“ I sing , play guitar , and I play bass guitar ,” he said . “ I dabble in a few other things , but I ’ m best at those three . I like them all equally . They are different muscles that are fun to exercise at different times . “
Callies can be seen at multiple local spots . He was a featured performer at the recent inaugural Hunt County Festival of the Arts , where he played at the Landon Winery . He ’ s also taken the stage at the Texan Theater . He performs both as a solo act and with various bands .
“ I play in a band called Heart of the City , and that takes up a considerable amount of my time ,” he said . “ I am also in a band called Deadwind Howler and a band called Hurt Purchase .” Callies said his need to stay in motion is what drives him creatively . “ I have to stay creative and active or I start to feel a little lazy ,” he said . “ I think that creating and recording is great , because it ’ s an audio documentation that will stick around long after I ’ m gone .” And Callies spreads his music around . “ I perform a lot in Dallas , Austin , Houston , and San Antonio , but I ’ ve traveled a good amount performing all over ,” he said . “ The band had a fantastic night in Madison , Wisconsin , so that place holds a pretty special place in my heart .”
Callies formed one of his groups , the Brandon Callies Band , in 2007 . The band ’ s material was described as a blend of “ indie , folk , and Americana ... with a dash of the occasional doom rock .”
As a song lyricist , Callies finds inspiration from all over .
“ I look at songs like a movie ,” Callies said . “ You want to come up with a story that is relatable and entertaining . It doesn ’ t always have to be an autobiography . I definitely write a lot of fiction .”
Callies believes his busy and varied interests will keep him active for years to come .
“ I certainly intend to keep creating . I would not know what to do with myself if I did not ,” he said . “ Music is in my bones . I ’ m just looking forward to seeing where the road takes me .”
SUMMER 2022 9 GREENVILE LIFE