Soulful Strides: Marc Broussard's Musical Journey Taking a Walk Podcast Episode Summary

Introduction In the episode titled "Soulful Strides: Marc Broussard's Musical Journey," Buzz Knight, host of the "Taking a Walk" podcast, delves deep into the life and career of the Louisiana-born artist Marc Broussard. Known for his distinctive bayou soul sound, Broussard has been a captivating presence in the music industry for over two decades, blending funk, blues, R&B, and rock into his powerful vocals. This episode explores his musical roots, career milestones, personal anecdotes, and philanthropic efforts, providing listeners with an intimate look at his journey.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings Marc Broussard shares heartfelt memories of his early exposure to music, largely influenced by his father’s passion for jazz and soul. At the age of five and a half, Broussard began performing alongside his father, setting the foundation for his lifelong love of music.

Notable Quote:

[11:10] Mark Broussard: "I started playing with my father on stage when I was five and a half. I feel like I developed a love of performing before I ever knew what social anxiety was."

Influence of Family and Early Experiences Broussard reflects on how his father's musicianship and protective nature shaped his own approach to music. An early incident involving a damaged guitar leads to a lasting understanding of the value of musical instruments and the sacrifices involved.

Notable Quote:

[15:29] Unknown: "Was he protective with you as far as you touching at an early age, his guitars?"

[15:36] Mark Broussard: "One of the first times I ever got to take one of his guitars was probably about 14 years old... I ended up letting a buddy of mine play the guitar that night... So, yeah, I was banned from his guitars for a long time."

Musical Style and Bayou Soul When asked to define "bayou soul," Broussard eloquently describes it as a soulful expression rooted in the Bayou’s cultural richness, characterized by a swampy groove and deep Southern influence.

Notable Quote:

[07:45] Mark Broussard: "Bayou soul is soul that originates in the bayou. It's a little bit swampier than what you might hear in modern R&B. It's got a little more groove... It's just down-home Southern soul music."

Career Highlights and Challenges Broussard recounts pivotal moments in his career, including signing with Island Def Jam at 20 and his determination to prioritize artistic integrity over label demands. A memorable incident on national TV exemplifies his commitment to his musical vision, where he defies his label's choice of single to uphold his artistic preferences.

Notable Quote:

[19:46] Mark Broussard: "We decided the best course of action was just to record a covers album... I refused to play the song... We play Rocksteady, and as soon as we hit the downbeat, I see all my label executives and managers start leaving."

Philanthropy and the SOS Foundation Broussard discusses the inception of his SOS Foundation, born out of necessity after parting ways with a major label. The foundation focuses on philanthropy, leveraging his music to support various charitable causes and engaging his fanbase in meaningful ways.

Notable Quote:

[36:16] Mark Broussard: "SOS2 was the first of those releases. It's been a swimming success. We've been able to raise tens of thousands of dollars through each one of these projects for various charitable causes all around."

Impact of Music on Fans Highlighting the profound influence of his music, Broussard shares moving stories of how his songs have healed and united fans, underscoring the therapeutic power of music.

Notable Quote:

[39:56] Mark Broussard: "There was a guy in a wheelchair who said my song 'Home' helped him show signs of cognition after being in a coma... And another father and son reunited after 11 years because of my music."

Creative Collaborations and Future Projects Broussard elaborates on his collaborative spirit, recounting experiences with esteemed artists like Bonnie Raitt and Joe Bonamassa. He expresses admiration for collaborators such as Yebba and Stevie Wonder, indicating aspirations for future musical partnerships.

Notable Quote:

[46:21] Mark Broussard: "Joe Bonamassa is one of the most talented yet humble people I've ever been around... We're scheduled to go back into the studio next month to record an original album."

Children’s Book and Community Engagement Expanding his creative endeavors, Broussard discusses his venture into children's literature with the book "I Love You for You," aimed at fostering love and acceptance among children. His involvement includes school visits and hospital readings, further cementing his commitment to community and philanthropy.

Notable Quote:

[42:43] Mark Broussard: "The book is about a parent or an adult figure saying, 'No matter what you're going through, I love you for you.' We've partnered this with a hospital opening to support chronic and terminally ill children."

Recent Achievements and New Music Broussard celebrates his latest album "Time is a Thief," produced by Eric Krasno, describing it as the best of his career. He shares the serendipitous nature of its creation during the pandemic and expresses excitement about the album's reception.

Notable Quote:

[50:38] Mark Broussard: "The new album is called 'Time is a Thief.' It came out in September, and I think it's probably the best of my career."

Conclusion Marc Broussard's journey is a testament to artistic integrity, deep-rooted musical influences, and a heartfelt commitment to making a positive impact through his art. Buzz Knight's insightful conversation uncovers the layers of Broussard's career, personal growth, and unwavering dedication to his craft and community.

Final Quote:

[54:28] Buzz Knight: "Thanks for listening to this episode of the Taking a Walk podcast. Share this and other episodes with your friends and follow us so you never miss an episode."

Key Takeaways

• Artistic Integrity: Broussard consistently prioritizes his musical vision over commercial pressures.
• Philanthropy: His SOS Foundation exemplifies using music as a force for good.
• Collaborative Spirit: Strong collaborations have enriched his musical journey.
• Personal Impact: Stories from fans highlight the profound influence of his music.
• Continual Growth: His recent projects showcase ongoing evolution and creativity.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

1. Early Musical Influence

   [11:10] Mark Broussard: "I started playing with my father on stage when I was five and a half. I feel like I developed a love of performing before I ever knew what social anxiety was."

2. Defining Bayou Soul

   [07:45] Mark Broussard: "Bayou soul is soul that originates in the bayou. It's a little bit swampier than what you might hear in modern R&B... It's just down-home Southern soul music."

3. Choosing Artistic Integrity

   [19:46] Mark Broussard: "I refused to play the song... We play Rocksteady, and as soon as we hit the downbeat, I see all my label executives and managers start leaving."

4. Philanthropic Commitment

   [36:16] Mark Broussard: "We've been able to raise tens of thousands of dollars through each one of these projects for various charitable causes all around."

5. Music as Healing

   [39:56] Mark Broussard: "There was a guy in a wheelchair who said my song 'Home' helped him show signs of cognition after being in a coma..."

6. Collaborative Inspirations

   [46:21] Mark Broussard: "Joe Bonamassa is one of the most talented yet humble people I've ever been around... We're scheduled to go back into the studio next month to record an original album."

7. Children’s Book Initiative

   [42:43] Mark Broussard: "The book is about a parent or an adult figure saying, 'No matter what you're going through, I love you for you.'"

8. Latest Album Pride

   [50:38] Mark Broussard: "The new album is called 'Time is a Thief.' It came out in September, and I think it's probably the best of my career."

Final Thoughts Marc Broussard's story is one of passion, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of musical excellence. Through his candid conversations, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of what drives him as an artist and the meaningful ways he connects with his audience and community.