Gimmick Club: Multi-Instrumentalist

We are all told, “Everyone has a purpose." And while I believe that to be true, I also believe everyone has principles, everyone has methods and everyone has a gimmick. I want to explore the unique individuals of the world and investigate further into their gimmicks. Today I had a chance to sit down with multi-instrumentalist Timothy Blackman, to discuss his passion for photography/videography, being an multi-instrumentalist, and his love for producing. Below is our interview which lasted over an hour.

Me- So let's start, what's your gimmick

Tim- I am a man of many gimmicks. My first gimmick is that I’m a musician and multi-instrumentalist here in the city. Playing drums and bass mainly but also piano and guitar. I also produce hip hop, r&b, and neo-soul music. 

My other gimmick is being a visual artist. I said visual artist over more common terms like photographer and videographer because it sounds cool but mostly because I often find that the stories I want to tell don’t necessarily conform to a specific visual medium if that makes sense?

Me- That certainly makes sense, so let's focus on the first gimmick. Being an multi-instrumentalist. When did you begin playing and what was your first instrument?

Tim- Good question. I can't exactly pinpoint when I first found visual arts appealing but I've always been a tech nerd at heart haha. My first memorable experience with video came when I was a freshman or sophomore in high school. I had a class called "Literature and Popular Music" and it was the same class I discovered music production. But the class taught us how to produce news station style broadcasts so was introduced to video during this time. That was my favorite class by the way, and I failed it pretty badly [Laughter]. A short time after taking this class, I bought my first video camera and eventually my first macbook for editing and music production.

Me- So before we talk about beats and music again, realistically, which one would you rather excel in? Music or visual arts? Because you're very talented at both and I'm sure you'll excel at both, but if given a choice?

Tim- Man, that's tough [Laughter]

Me- Lol ok let's do a easier one. What made you begin producing?

Tim- I kinda like the creative control when it comes to producing. Sometimes with bands, you get the whole "too many cooks" syndrome. When I make produce a track, during the process I get to be like Beethoven [Laughter]. But I love composing in a group setting too, don't get me wrong. 

Me- That too many cooks philosophy is too true. Are you more of an r&b producer? Or rap producer?

Tim- R&B

Me- Are you on soundcloud at all?

Tim- I am, I need to update it though. 

Me- Looking real smooth on that profile picture.

Tim- the pic is cringe [Laughter]

Me- Not at all [laughter]. So who are your inspirations musically?

Tim- inspirations or influences?

Me- Influences

Tim- I really enjoy the music from James Brown, his drummers both have a major impact of the sound of hop hip and rap especially in the early days. 

Me- Do you find yourself mimicking their sound from time to time?

Tim- His command of rhythm was also something to admire. I also really like Jimi Hendrix and BB King because of how emotional they played their instruments. BB King was the... king of playing full solos with feeling and soul. Less is more was his mantra for sure. I'd say I find myself trying to emulate their sound more than actually mimicking. [Laughter]

Me- So you play more off emotion than trying to read and compose?

Tim- I'd say so.

Me- Nice, so what's your next goal?

Tim- I'm really working hard to get more established as a videographer. I want to keep freelancing enough to maybe start a video production company one day. 

Me- Are we talking Music videos, movies? Short films?

Tim- All of that and maybe some advertising and commercials.

Me - I dig that. So is there anything else you want to add? 

Tim- I'm good man, thanks for this dude.

Me- no problem, where can people find you?

Tim- @timmy_blackman on IG and @therealtimblackman on FB. Mi.T Blackman on Youtube and soundcloud.com/timothy-blackman

Me- Nice, once again thank you very much for this and welcome to the Gimmickclub. 

(More photos from Timothy Blackman below. Shots are from His performance with Louie Picasso & The Gallery)