We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexander Charles and Cameron Clements N/A and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexander Charles and Cameron Clements, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My favorite quote comes from one of my favorite composers, Ryuichi Sakamoto, who unfortunately passed away last year. These words were also some of his favorites – “Ars longa, vita brevis”, which translates to “Art is long, life is short”. Something that I strive for and that the band strives for on a daily basis is to create music that both lasts and is a net positive here. Our time is so short, so we’re all just trying to make something beautiful that makes someone’s day better, makes someone think a little differently, or makes someone get up and shake their butt. All of those are wins for us.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The 524 is different in that our music is a synthesis of a lot of different influences. Of course we take our roots in the traditional brass bands of New Orleans but we also inject elements of funk, soul, R&B, jazz, and pop to create a really unique sound that’s both steeped in tradition but is a thing all its own. We’re really excited to continue developing that sound, making records, playing shows, and hopefully adding something new to the brass band scene and music as a whole. Most people in the band have gotten at least a degree in music if not two or three, so we all had a long and somewhat arduous academic process to get where we are professionally. Certain challenges come with that but most of the challenges have come from managing time and schedules, writing music, and navigating the business side of music. I’d say the most important lesson we’ve learned is that progress takes time – but we fully believe that if you keep your head down, do good work, and stay genuine that will come. We’d like the world to know that we’re going to continue giving electric and infectious high energy shows, we’re going to keep writing killer new music, and we’re going to keep being the kind of band that San Diego will be proud to call its own.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Man, San Diego and its surrounding areas have so much to see, taste, and hear. For food we’d hit up places like The Friendly, Lefty’s, The Wise Ox, HiroNori, Donut Bar, and Papalo. Coffee at Seven Seas or Blue Bottle. Drinks at Raised by Wolves, Youngblood, or Shakespeare’s (a frequent band hang). We’d catch a show at Winston’s, The Holding Company, Music Box, or Belly Up. A few in the band are avid hikers so we’d probably go up into Joshua Tree or San Bernardino and spend some time out there. There’s also great nature over at places like Torrey Pines and Anza Borrego if you want something closer. That week would be packed.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Maybe it’s a bit general but we’d love to give a shoutout to both the city of San Diego and all the people who have been involved in our shows and work over the past year (we’ve only been together for a year at this point!). This city brought all of us in the band together and we couldn’t be more grateful for that – it’s hard finding people you really connect with but to find it with 8 other people in a band is pretty rare. So we’d love to give a shoutout to the great folks over at some of San Diego’s best venues like The Holding Company, Winston’s OB, and Seven Grand, Roy over at Rarefied Recording, as well as our regular haunt Five Suits Brewing. It’s been great getting to play these venues as well as the numerous private clients that have had us out for events. You guys are what allows us to keep going (as well as everyone who comes to listen) and we’re forever grateful for that.

Website: https://524brass.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/524brass

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/524brass?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@524brass

Other: Linktree – https://linktr.ee/524brass

Image Credits
Chris O’Brien
Cameron Clements

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