Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Hopper.
Brandon, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story begins with being the product of two loving parents who were in the military. While in the military, my parents formed a band where my father was lead guitarist and my mother was the lead singer. Naturally, music was in my blood as a child. With my growing passion for music, it leads me to join the orchestra in 6th grade. As a middle schooler, I learned how to read and write music. I continued my musical journey into high school where I became a 1st Chair Violist in my class. After high school, I became interested in pursuing a career as a hip hop artist. Before I could get my aspirations as hip hop artist started, it was important that I chose a name that worked for me. Luckily at the time, I had good friends that were already in the industry and making music so I reached out to them for suggestions on a name.
Hang (Shevon Thomas) and Heat (Adrian Thomas) both helped me create the name BRANKNU (the K is silent… think ‘Knife’😂). We decided on that name not only because my name was Brandon and I felt like I could bring something “new” to the industry so BRANKNU was formed. After years of exploring the realm of a hip hop artist, I became interested in what happens behind the scenes with music. I became intrigued by everything that the audio engineer would do t make the music sound the way it does. This interest peaked me to look up Audio Engineering programs in Atlanta. I found a school that I was interested in but after sitting down with the admissions team, it was way too expensive for me to attend. I remember walking out of the building frustrated to the point to where I just told myself that I would just get a 9-5 job and matriculate throughout life that way.
Luckily I was blessed to have my Fiancé’ Shakira, who encouraged me to take a tour at a school that she looked up for me. I am now a graduate of the school that she looked up. So shoutout to her for the extra push! After graduating with an Associates Degree in Sound Design, I decided to start my own audio company titled BRANKNU AUDIO LLC. Once I started my business, the first year was extremely hard because it was one tough task to build a client base. Once I interned at a few studios and people got to know me as an engineer, my client base began to pick up. I began working with some of my favorite artists as well as some very talented independent artists. I had the pleasure of having in-depth conversations with Bryan Michael Cox and KeKe Palmer about the direction of my business and helpful tips to be successful. I took that advice and began creating bigger opportunities for my business. I was able to be a part of Ariana Grande ‘Dangerous Woman’ tour as audio technician.
I was also was able to work with an internationally known K-pop band named SUPER M as an audio technician as well. While working my new client base, my thirst knowledge continued, I enrolled into Full Sail University where I am currently pursuing a degree in Music Production. Now that my business is doing well, I wanted to make sure that I did my part in my community. Branknu Audio LLC has supported multiple Black-Owned businesses nationwide and is currently in the process of doing market research to promote efforts to create a program for high school students interested in Audio. My goal is to provide every student with studio time as well audio engineering lessons as long as they can maintain 3.0 average. I firmly believe that if we work together as a community we can accomplish ANYTHING and BRANKNU AUDIO LLC is here to assist in that endeavor.
Has it been a smooth road?
It hasn’t always been an easy road. During my first year of business, it was extremely hard because it was tough to get people to trust me as an audio engineer. Most people had an engineer that they were familiar with and comfortable with so it was hard to convince anyone to give me a shot. After I started taking on a few projects for free and really showing the artist what I was capable of they began to call me more, people started recommending me to work on certain projects whether it be for film, video games, or music. Now I’m blessed enough to have a solid client base that keeps me busy.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Branknu Audio story. Tell us more about the business.
BRANKNU AUDIO LLC specializes in multiple audio services such as Recording, mixing, mastering and production. We also specialize in concert and live sound set up. We don’t just specialize in music. We are able to create scores for film as well create sound effects and apply any sound design need on a project. We also do podcast editing and offer consultation on production and mixing.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I see the audio industry as timeless. As long as our ears continue to work, I see this field continuing to expand. Over the years, I can see this industry making huge jumps to advance itself. Producers are getting younger and younger and sound is becoming something that creates moods for generations to come.
Pricing:
- Mixing and Mastering services starting at $80
- Recording Sessions starting at $50 (2 hour minimum) *Mobile recording sessions available
- Free Consultations (Recording, mixing and production)
Contact Info:
- Phone: 404-931-4266
- Email: branknuaudio@gmail.comm
- Instagram: @branknuaudio
- Twitter: @BranknuAudio
Image Credit:
Marques Womack
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