Brent Magstadt

The calendar is empty.

- Growth:
When Lego's became too labor-intensive as a child, I re-directed my energies into the artistic world, focusing on music, which remains a life-long passion. After years of writing, performing and teaching I finally decided the time was ripe to make my move as a solo artist. With a large backlog of unrecorded material the selection process was daunting. In the end I released my first solo endeavor as a snapshot of my abilities both in the compositional and performance arenas. There's much more to come!

- Influences:
I am a lover of nature, and of fine art - especially photography. Is it possible that photography can be influenced by music? Music by photography? If so, then I would cite The Who, Jaco Pastorious, Neil Young, and Mozart as major influences. Of course in the photographic realm, Ansel Adams must be on my list. Overall however, it's Mother Nature herself who drives my passion for capturing light and sound; both inside and out. There's never a dull moment in her world, and I feel blessed to be a part of it, honored to observe, flattered to participate.

- On Music:
I love music composition and can't think of a finer day than arriving at the coffee cup, digging out the pencils, and scribing the melodies I hear in my head. It satisfies two very integral parts of my being: the analytical (music being very mathematical on some level), and the creative, where I can delve into my soul, see what's there, bring it out, and share it. The process is fascinating for me.

There's also the performance aspect. The energy derived from other people who are also connected via this somewhat nefarious audio linkage is what really keeps my fingers moving. It's the Aid in Kool. One without the other is just not happening. There's not enough science to grab the energetic formulas when live performances are occurring. They just happen, they're a snapshot of people's spirits, and then we get to move on, continue our experiences. The live audience is so real and tangible; but the energy itself is indescribable.

I'm also an avid admirer of performance art, both visual and musical. The ultimate of course is live performance art. However, for pure perfection that embraces today's technological world, film has got to be the one. In this medium, an artist has the ability to deliver exactly what it is they want, from all points of the emotional map.

- Studies and Interests:
Speaking of, I love maps. I'm lucky enough to be able to apply them regularly in the wild austere places on this beautiful planet we live on. I love to run, sail, socialize, play music, snap shutters, and connect with people.

Paradoxically, I also love solitude and the peacefulness of a solo nap in the sun on a winter's day, my book idly forgotten in my lap, the tea cooling at a pace all its own.

Brent L. Magstadt has been cranking out power chords since he was sixteen, and shooting nature/scenic imagery for more than a decade, for personal peace and well being.