Episode 34 Jeff Victor: Keyboards, Composition, and Unbounded Creativity

Jeff Victor has been playing and composing music since he was a toddler. He began playing the piano at a very early age and rather than learn to read music, developed his ear so that he could play just about anything. Listen as he shares more about his childhood, his work in the industry, and why he feels like he’s only just finding his stride and his passion. From being a near mute to truly flourishing in speech and music, Jeff has shown creative prowess since the earliest of years. Before he became a teenager, he began playing in a band and spent the next decades touring, recording, and generally making a name for himself. Once his touring days were over, he began working in advertising and started creating musical support for big name brands. While he enjoyed how lucrative that type of work is, he burned himself out with how tedious, tiresome, and creatively draining it is. He has since begun working more in music production and creating keyboard sections for big name bands while also creating entire accompaniments to guitars and vocals, including his own. He has rekindled his passion for creating intricate and revolutionary musical numbers which has spurred a whole new side to his endeavors. Jeff is sharing it all with Andy, including his memories around Andy’s move into the music business full-time and how inspiring it is that he’s truly living the dream. If anyone understands innovation and remaking yourself in the industry, it’s Jeff. Listen in to hear all about his newest endeavors and what keeps him going despite this ever-changing business. Show Highlights: [00:10] Hear a bit about Jeff Victor’s background and experience.  [01:17] How Jeff and Andy met.  [03:22] Jeff shares more about his early years and its effect on his career.  [06:49] Despite not being able to read music, Jeff developed his ear to learn new music. [08:01] Jeff recalls his first time playing live.  [11:15] Andy and Jeff talk about the early days of Jeff’s band with Peter Himmelman, Sussman Lawrence. [12:43] How does Jeff look back on his time with Sussman Lawrence?  [15:00] What it was like opening for big acts like Greg Allman and Joe Cocker. [16:38] The story behind Jeff auditioning for Prince.  [19:42] How did Jeff and the band feel about having to skip out on tours due to Peter’s faith?  [22:46] Hear about the transition from being in a band to commercial music.  [25:55] Jeff shares the original music he created for Target.  [28:28] His work with Soul Asylum and other big acts.  [30:46] The cool thing about file sharing is… [32:31] Is there any way to recreate the “hang” vibe of recording music?  [34:24] Where does Jeff’s versatility stem from?  [36:40] What is his process with composition when working with a brand?  [39:00] Why he’s made a shift away from ad music and what he’s shifting to. [42:30] Learn about his work with Behr Paint and how it created an alter ego.   [48:07] What is coming up for Jeff?  [51:40] Jeff shares how much he enjoys sharing about his passions. [53:55] Jeff recounts a conversation he and Andy had when Andy decided to go into music full time.    LINKS & RESOURCES Jeff Victor: Imagine Color/Kasper Ramone https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u33shd7GEvk    Mentioned during the interview:  Episode 27 Peter Himmelman Part 1: Journey of a Singer-Songwriter, Recording Artist, TV & Film Composer, Speaker, Consultant, and Author Episode 28 Peter Himmelman Part 2 Journey of a Singer-Songwriter, Recording Artist, TV & Film Composer, Speaker, Consultant, and Author Follow The Music Makers:  The Music Makers on Instagram The Music Makers podcast theme song was written and produced by Andy Kushner with help from the rhythm section and horn players of the band, SoundConnection. Sponsor: Kushner Entertainment Check out Andy's Other Podcast: The Wedding Biz