Today we’d like to introduce you to Braxton O’Neal.
Hi Braxton, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a husband, father, and IT professional who’s kept music at the center of my life since I can remember, playing multiple instruments since childhood. I hold a BA in Music Composition, but landed the IT gig shortly after college. Along my career path I grew into being the voice of my company’s North America phone systems, and even ended up being highlighted in a company video that showcased the people behind the brand. I had the opportunity to work with a former coworker who created a children’s ebook series, where I took his lyrics and concepts and created songs for them. I’ve always kept music in parallel with my career while keeping my family first.
In the ‘90s I had an original band with a college friend called HAL9000, and we still perform and record music together. After disbanding, I spent the next twenty years performing in a Weezer tribute called El Scorcho. We had the opportunity to perform on stage with Weezer in 2008 where I played the bassoon. I got called out by Rivers Cuomo in front of 60,000 people for not knowing some of “Peter and The Wolf,” where the bassoon represents the grandfather, but I redeemed myself with the solo to Beverly Hills. That video is on YouTube somewhere!
Being part of the early tribute scene taught me a lot about event building and branding. Around 2019, we added a Foo Fighters tribute part to the El Scorcho show and rebranded as Foozer – the Foo FIghters & Weezer Tribute Show. I used that tribute scene experience to create the ATL Alt-Rock Fest, which sold out the Avon Theater and is now expanding to nearby cities. I also perform with the ‘80s live tribute Atlanta Vice and vintage rock group The Fever Dreams. I continue writing original music, and my bandmate from HAL9000 and I plan to release new material in 2026 under the working title Ex-Slacker. To keep everything organized from a business perspective, I utilize the conglomerate name ATL Tribute Bands and Beartron Entertainment LLC. None of this happens without the support from my family and bandmates.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My experience has been that creativity, performing, and marketing are rarely smooth. When we would release albums back in the ‘90s, it was imperative to have that grassroots building of a fan base to really make an impact on the scene. I had no clue what I was doing back then. I’ve since learned the DIY side of music over time, balancing it with a full-time IT career and family. Touring isn’t realistic for me, so I focus on local and regional shows and finding creative ways to keep momentum. When writing original music, I can be my own toughest critic, which slows me down. Figuring out how to break through all of the noise and get the show, event, or music release to capture the interest of current and potentially new fans is the biggest challenge. The industry shifts quickly, but the joy of playing and the community around it keeps me going. My bandmates are also my friends, and that shared effort makes the tough parts manageable.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Musically, I perform with Foozer, Atlanta Vice, The Fever Dreams, and create original music. In the Atlanta music scene I’m most known for being the Rivers Cuomo lookalike in Foozer (formerly El Scorcho). I run Beartron Entertainment LLC, which manages our shows and events. I learned marketing out of necessity, and with a good number of sell-out events for shows, artists and even some promoters have asked for advice. I’m not an expert in the music business, I just try to apply some of my same IT project management and leadership skills as best I can and remain open to learning. The community around these projects is what I’m most proud of, and what sets me apart is persistence, structure, and genuine care for the people involved.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
It’s hard to predict the industry because I’m a DIY musician, marketer, and performer figuring things out as I go. AI is showing up everywhere, and it’ll likely become even more part of the tools we use. I see that people still want real connection: younger kids as well as adults are showing up at our ‘80s and ‘90s shows, and they’re forming bands now with the desire to play music in front of people. I try to do all-ages events whenever I can, because live music isn’t going away and I’ve personally been told that people really like it when everyone can enjoy what we do. Venues will book what draws crowds, platforms will push new tech, and everything will keep shifting. My approach is to be aware, adapt when necessary, continue creating, and keep it fun.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beartronentertainment.com
Image Credits
Harrison O’Neal
Mario Panebianco
Dan Almasy
Matt Jeffirs
