brandon bogues

Wednesday, 17 March 2010 15:01 .By Rajesh Chintaman

Singing praises for St. Maarten's open and welcoming ambiance, rock singer/song writer Brandon Bogues is readying to launch his partly St. Maarten inspired solo debut album "10/10/10."

He said the name 10/10/10 has nothing to do with St. Maarten current constitutional battle but more to do with the official release of the album planned for October 10, 2010. His life was indelibility linked with St. Maarten during his last visit here in 2009; his life took a negative swing when a long term relationship ended. St. Maarten, he said, offered him the perfect mix of comfort, ambiance and open-mindedness for him to start writing songs. "This island offered me the perfect ambiance, people and atmosphere I needed to express myself in that period of my life. Most people here are open-minded and very supportive of the arts and music; and that helped me," Brandon said.

The result of pouring his soul onto paper is reflected in 10/10/10. Brandon said the CD offers his audience some island intensity mixed with mid-western Rock. The seven tracks and a bonus song will entertain and evoke the power of traditional rock music.

The creative process for 10/10/10 was lengthy, Brandon explained that after writing and recording the songs, he listened to the tracks and realised something was missing. "It sounded static and then I realised I needed to add some of the St. Maarten elements to it." Brandon approached sound engineer Jack Henry and explained what he needed. He said Jack was able to subtly include some nuances of St. Maarten.

On island to promote the launch of his CD, Brandon explained that he has decided to allow for pre-sale of the album via his MySpace website myspace.com/brandonbogues. Persons interested in purchasing his album can download the CD for US $15.

"This trip to St. Maarten is a complete 360 for me, a metamorphosis for my talent and style," he said, explaining that before the creation of his album he was more into promotion, marketing and the business side of music. On his first trip to St. Maarten, he was the Marketing Advisor for a visiting band "Roots Down Below."

The 24-year old Detroit, Michigan, resident has grown attached to St. Maarten and brings his music to the people, while here on vacation. Over the last two weeks, he has performed at Lady C, Lagoonies, Pineapple Pete and La Bamba.

Brandon has been performing since he was 15 and his trademark while performing is always smiling through his performances, "I don't stop smiling because there is nothing else I would rather be doing." Brandon leaves St. Maarten Monday, March 22.
- The Daily Herald SXM