Interview : Bryan Chan

		Ever since his appearance on ABC’s Making the Band (season 1) LMNT’s lead singer Bryan Chan has acquired quite a bit of media stir.
		Though he didn’t seem to fit Lou Perlman’s formula for boy band perfection, Bryan's own unique style and musical talent only meant he was destined to hit the charts, no matter what. On that note LMNT was formed, and widely received particularly by the Disney Channel and Radio Disney, with well-known hits like Juliet, Girl Crazy, and other tracks off their album All Sides.

The band toured with Britney Spears in 2002 as the opening act on her Dream Within A Dream Tour and contributed to several motion picture soundtracks including the multi-platinum The Lizzie McGuire Movie, Kim Possible, and 101 Dalmatians 2. The group however took a break early 2004 to take on individual projects.
Bryan whose early musical influences include gospel, pop and classic rock, delivers a soulful rock style, which may be heard on the singer/writer’s recently wrapped 6-song EP.
While he pens his name to a record deal, Bryan Chan let us in on his thoughts and views on the music biz and his solo debut.

FEATURES

Stylinzine.com: Was 'Making the band' everything you expected?
Bryan Chan: I really didn't have any expectation, I just knew that it was being produced by the Real World People so I thought "man are they going to really film us 24/7?" - all I can say is that it certainly launched my music career.

SZ: When you and the rest of the guys formed LMNT did the show's publicity and exposure help or hinder your goal as a new band?
BC: It certainly helped open doors for us, but at the same time we were tied to the show and O-town's success, failure, and label. Some people thought there was room for two groups from the same show...others thought one was enough.

SZ: Share your thoughts on the 'Boy Band' stigma.
BC: If you have some white males singing pop music that dance you are a boy band.

SZ: What do you thing is the most important trait you have as a musician?
BC: That I learned how to sing in a gospel choir and I was taught to sing from my soul...I don't know anything about technique. I just sing songs the way that I feel them and trying to do it any other way is very uncomfortable for me.

SZ: Do you play any instruments or compose your own lyrics?
BC: I can play my chords on a guitar but I have to admit that I suck...I am certainly better at writing lyrics and melody.

SZ: Aside from music do you have any hidden talents or quirks?
BC: I am pretty good at staying organized and on top of my schedule. I've also been labeled Game Master by my friends at home...I'm pretty good at rallying a group of people into a competitive game of charades or scrabble.

SZ: Who would you say is the most over rated artist to date?
BC: Weird Al Yankovic...he got famous by capping other peoples song's.

BRYAN CHAN
"the solo sessions"

Available soon exclusively at
www.bryanchanonline.com

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SZ: Describe the most gratifying aspects of being a musician?
BC: All the free stuff, and people telling you how great you are even though you know your last performance sucked.

SZ: As a solo artist the focus is on you and your music alone as such describe some of the key differences in being a band member and a solo artist.
BC: You can't hide behind anybody, if you're flat or mess your words everybody knows that it's you...I think you have to be a lot more prepared and ready to go.

SZ: Tell us about your upcoming album and how would you describe your music?
BC: We just started working on the songs last month and I'm really happy with how it's turning out. I would say that it's acoustic pop, very organic, live instruments, no fancy effects or samples. It's feel good music with catchy hooks.

SZ: The music industry is a very competitive field as such what words of inspiration would you give to aspiring vocalists.
BC: Never let anyone tell you what's going to be the next big thing...do what you feel in your heart and follow your passion. If there really were a crystal ball that defined what makes a hit song or artist there wouldn't be so much garbage floating around.

SZ: New artists pop up all the time, with that in mind what do you think it takes to sustain staying power.
BC: Being true to yourself. Trying to do something that's not you or what you don't believe in will eventually wear on you and show itself. Either people will see that and get sick of you or you'll get sick of doing it anyway.

Thanks for the great interview!

—Bryan

Interview portion photos courtesy: Nashville Publicity Group and Brian Mayes

*Pictures modified by SZ Graphics

Published February 29th 2004

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	Our interview with Bryan Chan

Ever since his appearance on ABC’s Making the Band (season 1) LMNT’s lead singer Bryan Chan has acquired quite a bit of media stir.