Today’s Notable Young Professional is musician Bruno Bin, whose American blues-rock sound influenced by his Brazilian roots are generating major buzz in Toronto and beyond. You’ll get a chance to experience exactly what makes his sound so special as his debut full-length releases today…
Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I’m a singer-songwriter currently based out of Toronto. I mix American blues-rock with Brazilian roots. My debut full-length comes out today (September 2). You’re all invited to the album release party in Toronto, September 6th at The Handlebar.
Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I consider myself a very creative person. Writing and performing music fulfills just that.
What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
Best part about it is I get to do what I love. Not many people can say that. Most challenging part is to find a healthy balance between music and the rest of your life. If you want to do well in the music industry, you have to be relentless. But to constantly be relentless, you need to know when to step out of it, decompress, and jump right back in.
What is one sign that you’ve seen over the years to suggest that your work/life balance is off?
Stress. Unhealthy lifestyle. Working hard, not smart. Those things will drag you down quickly. I’ve recently started taking Muay Thai lessons and it’s been working wonders. I go there for about an hour or so 3-4 times a week, bust my ass, but most importantly completely forget about the outside world.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I’d like to be playing larger venues and touring internationally.
What is one major challenge that you’ve had to overcome in your career? How did you overcome it?
For years, I was touring and playing in bands while still going through an immigration process. That really limited what I was able to do with my career. Luckily, that’s over now!
What does success look like to you? Does Money = Happiness?
My goal is to write, record, and perform music that I love for as long as I can. If people like what I do and can relate to it, great. It shouldn’t be what motivates you to keep going, though.
What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
Definitely finishing this first solo full-length album as Shaky Knees – from writing and performing the songs to sourcing studio musicians, producers, and even things like artwork, registering the songs and pressing the album. There’s so much that goes into creating a professional product that’s ready for the public. I’m 100% independent, which means I get to make all the calls, but it also means there’s a lot more on my plate. The album is called “7Years” and I’m super proud of it.
Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Keep doing what you’re doing. Break down your goals into smaller achievable goals and stick with it. Have a vision, even if it seems like you’re never going to get there. Hard work always pays off.
Where is your favourite place to wine/ dine in your city and why?
Nawlins. It’s a tiny little restaurant near King and Spadina. A small piece of New Orleans in Toronto. Great food. Great music. Almost every night they have blues/jazz musicians playing right at your table. If you go, try the blackened fish and check out the Blackburn Brothers. One of the best bands I’ve ever seen live.
When you’re not working how do you love to spend your “Me” time?
Anything with my girlfriend and my dog Rambo involved is a guaranteed success. He likes to swim. We like the sun.
Where is your favourite place to travel? Why?My girlfriend is Finnish and I’m Brazilian, which means we have to go to both these places before anywhere else every year or so (what a problem to have, right?) I’m planning a Muay Thai retreat sometime next year too!
If you had to choose a theme song, what would it be?
“I Don’t Owe You A Thing” by Gary Clark Jr.
If you weren’t doing what you’re doing, what would you be doing?
I don’t think I have an answer for that. I’d probably still be in Brazil, a lot more tanned.
Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
Amnesty International; they’re a global movement of people fighting injustice and promoting human rights. My move to Canada, being born and raised in Brazil, really painted a clear picture in my head of how unevenly wealth and opportunities are distributed in the world.
What to you is notable?
Taking a chance. Being different. I’m a big fan of people who are not afraid of failure and unable to follow the norm.
Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
iPhone.
#NOTABLE
Want more updates on the most Notable things happening so you know before your colleagues do? Get our exclusive newsletter here and follow us on Twitter for all the latest.
Photography by Boy Wonder