We had the good fortune of connecting with Bryard Huggins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bryard, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Muse Entertainment, my indie music production company and record label, began unofficially in 2014. I was hired by now Boston-based production company Butter Pecan Productions LLC to create and produce original songs for a children’s book series by author Gloria Respress-Churchwell (founder/CEO of Butter Pecan Productions). Upon attending and ultimately graduating college at College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati, I was approached by Butter Pecan again to write and produce music for their second children’s book. At the same time, I moved back to my hometown of Nashville from Cincinnati upon graduation and established my musical and business roots there. Trying to plot out my next move with already four albums under my belt as a contemporary jazz pianist, I was approached by the parents of two young aspiring singers and a recent Nashville transplant from Kentucky who moved there for the music scene, looking to make an album. When I ended up signing one of the two young ladies, who was 15 at the time, as well as the Kentucky singer/songwriter, my mission became clear: this is an opportunity for me to pour into aspiring artists looking to break into the industry much like I was at one point. I was that young kid with all of this music dreaming of making an album when out of the blue, a producer heard me and signed on to help me produce my debut record in 2011. Muse Entertainment stumbled into my lap in 2014 unbeknownst to me – but the vision became official in early 2019 when I was hired to compose and/or produce music for a stage play, a musical scripted podcast series, a gospel album, and an upcoming musical in Memphis. The other thought process in starting Muse was an opportunity for me to separate my contemporary jazz recording career with my writing/producing career. Pre-Covid I was getting all kinds of composing and producing gigs, as well as opportunities to mentor others in the industry – which inspired me to go get my Masters degree in music business to better help me understand the music industry as a whole, thus being able to better guide others in these practices. Muse is broken up into two tracks: the composition/production track and the record label/artist development track. The latter deals with all things artist: artist songwriting, artist production, marketing, recording, branding, distribution, legal affairs, and everywhere in between; the composition and production track is centered more so around hired gigs like music for film/TV, production of original or arranged music, etc. All in all, I built Muse as a place that gave creative dreamers the ability to come as they are and leave happy, knowledgeable, and empowered. It’s a place to breathe life into diverse projects through music and musical interpretation. It’s a place where we get to interact and work with versatile clientele worldwide who come to the table with a multitude of visions and experiences. I’m so blessed to have Muse Entertainment and am so grateful for the opportunities it’s not only opened for me, but for others.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It’s so rewarding to be able to share what I do on platforms like this. Hopefully it inspires others that they too can make it in this industry (even though I by no means have ‘made it’). But we’re making it, and that’s what’s important. I am a composer, record producer, and contemporary jazz piano recording artist in addition to being the founder/CEO of Muse Entertainment. I began my musical journey when I was just a few moments old when my great grandmother spoke into my life upon seeing my long fingers, “he’s going to play piano.” It wasn’t until the age of four that I stumbled upon that gift that was foreshadowed by my great grandmother years earlier. My parents discovered me trying to pick out the “Charlie Brown Christmas” album by Vince Guaraldi by ear on the piano. At age six, I started writing music. From that moment to the present, I have been so incredibly blessed to have the opportunities I have had in this industry. I graduated from two music conservatories with a bachelors and masters degree in commercial music production and music business respectively; I have recorded and released six studio albums and several singles; I have been afforded the privilege of mentoring and producing several artists and creating music for various clients, platforms, and projects through Muse Entertainment; I was honored to be able to tour in the US and the UK with the Empress of Soul Gladys Knight as her featured guest artist, performing in some of the famous venues in the world; through the support of my family I moved from my hometown to Los Angeles to further my creative endeavors…grateful is an understatement. But I’m not there yet. This is a fierce business and only the strong and persistent survive. It was not easy; it IS NOT easy. I’ve had those moments of despair…impatience…worry…guilt…even imposter syndrome and insecurity. There have been more “NO’s” than yes’s. Several closed doors, many of which still keep closing. All the while, trying to overcome extreme social anxiety and a low self-confidence. Needless to say, it’s been a grind. But God is good and I’m so thankful I get to pursue a career in a field that comes so natural to me. That’s the key: when you are passionate about something, when you are gifted in something, you realize your purpose and your design. Then, you fight for it. Through this journey I’ve learned resilience. I’ve learned hard work. I’ve learned assertiveness. I’ve gained confidence. I’ve mastered determination. I’ve cleared the negative energy around me (as a natural pessimist, this was a hard one) and am working on being as positive as possible. I’ve learned what is for ME is for ME. The only way I can make it happen is to go get it myself. I’ve learned to take charge of my career, have my own sh*t, and that I don’t owe anybody anything. I’m working on how to let my talent speak for itself. All this to say, take this little gem away from my story whomever reads this: step by step, one foot in the front of the other, you’re gonna be fine kid, you lowly musician from Nashville in these streets just doing what God put in motion.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Moving to the Los Angeles area was the change I so desperately needed, for my career and for my personal life. Hands down, BEST decision I’ve ever made. What’s been the best blessing is moving out here with my younger brother (also a creative in film and music). The biggest thing about living in the second largest city in the United States is the hunt to find your circle, your “kitchen table” as Michelle Obama calls it. One thing I’ve learned is that everything here is a web: you know one person, then meet their friend, they know someone else, then the four of you become friends…multiply that by several friends you might already know in a place. The blessing in this besides establishing who your people are is the knowledge they have about the city you’re a new resident in and the several recommendations you get from them as you grow your life there. Since moving here, I’ve had several friends and family fly out for a visit and they know that I come through with all the spots. I’m a proud foodie first and foremost so they can bet they’ll be eating good while they’re in my hands out here in Southern California. If my best friend or family member – particularly those who had never been to LA or aren’t familiar with it but have been before – came for a 4-day stay (a Thursday – Sunday trip; a week is TOO long haha), they can expect an action-packed week.

Firstly, I’d recommend if they’re coming east to west to catch a flight that lands them in SoCal around lunchtime so they have time to relax before dinner. I live in the San Fernando Valley so we’d keep night 1 lowkey by doing happy hour and dinner at one of my favorite spots, The Front Yard at the Garland in Studio City. Day 2 we’d get up early and grab smoothies from What A Peach (also in Studio City) and make our way into Hollywood to the sites: the Walk of Fame, the Chinese Theatre, the Dolby Theatre, the Hollywood Sign, and Capitol Records. From there, we’d hop back in the car and head down the Sunset Strip into Beverly Hills, where we’d grab a quick bite somewhere in the Rodeo Drive district. From here, we’d drive over to Westfield Century City to, in my opinion, the best Mexican spot in town: Javier’s. There probably would be a wait, in which case we’d stroll around the mall full of unique stores as well as favorites. After dinner, I would INSIST they try Bacio di Latte’s gelato (Nutellina is my favorite flavor). If it’s summer and the sun is still out, we’d drive back to my place via Coldwater Canyon, passing through the heart of Beverly Hills. Day 3 we’d start early with a hike at Runyon Canyon in Hollywood, treating ourselves to some good ole fashioned Chick-fil-A afterwards (I’m a Southern boy through and through so I bleed sweet tea). After changing clothes, we’d head to El Matador Beach in Malibu, taking the scenic route through the mountains near Thousand Oaks which offers breathtaking views of the ocean. From Malibu we’d drive down the PCH to Santa Monica and the Pier. We’d then grab dinner in Venice Beach at The Waterfront (on weekends, it doubles as a beach club with a DJ) where I’d probably invite some of my LA friends to join us. We’d leave Venice as the sun is setting and head to the famous Randy’s Doughnuts in Inglewood (the Nutella Raised doughnut is to die for!). I turn down early these days so I’d be exhausted by the end of this day. Back at the apartment I’d probably suggest we check out this hilarious and kinda cringe British dating show ‘Naked Attraction’ that’s become popular here in the States. If the next day is Sunday and the date they fly out, I’d recommend they’d get a later flight so we can go back to The Front Yard for their incredible brunch OR swing by Porto’s Bakery for a lighter breakfast. We’d drive to LAX through downtown and they’d make their flight on time because Sundays are LA’s easiest traffic days.

Now, this itinerary would vary depending on the friend or family member that came to visit but this is my standard plan that I always say is open to revision per person. Los Angeles is such a great city and exploring it with someone who is visiting gives me such a pride for my new home and an excitement as I’m trying to get all my friends from back home in the South to move out here!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I would not be where I am without God. He is the one who gave me this gift and set me on this path. He’s kept me all this time and though I sometimes get angry and impatient at what may or may not be happening career wise (the industry is tough), He always comes through in the end. I do what I do because of Him and I’m beyond grateful. Secondly, shout out to my parents and my family. From the start they believed in me and after I stumbled upon my musical gift, gave me everything I needed to be successful in this industry. There wasn’t a recital they missed. There wasn’t a show they skipped. There wasn’t a plane they didn’t catch or a distance they didn’t drive to come support me. One thing about our family is that we are extremely close so wherever my parents with, usually a group of about 14 people followed: grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins. I owe a lot to my family and am just so blessed to have them. Thirdly I’ve been so fortunate to have several mentors and elders pour into me throughout the years, but two in particular stand out: my former elementary math tutor Ms. Hackworth and my second grade teacher Ms. Rowe. I was a shy, nervous kid in elementary school. I struggled with math. I didn’t fit in (I was the only African American in my grade for several years). I wasn’t athletic, I was artsy and musical, because of this I was picked on. But despite all of this, these two women saw me. They understood me. It’s nothing worse than feeling like an outcast to those you think matter, but there’s nothing better than feeling like you’re seen by those who do. These teachers gave me the confidence to continue being myself in spite of it all. They recognized and nurtured my natural creative gifts by finding ways to allow me to share those gifts with others. They helped mold me into the man I am today and words cannot describe how thankful I am for them and their contribution to my life.

Website: https://www.bryardhuggins.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryardofficial/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-imglkJreSAg-LxCgmBy4w

Other: TikTok @theblackpianoman

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