Louis Middleton ’10 performs and records with Zander Bleck. In this post, he gives some words of inspiration to the Berklee community on following their dreams.
I am Berklee College of Music alumnus, a professional working musician, and entrepreneur. Long story short, I am probably like every one of you; just trying to make a successful career out of whatever it is each and every one of us loves doing. This is the first post of a three part series of blog “rants” that I am going to be writing for the Berklee Blog. In this first post, I’d like to give you a bit of an overview of what I’ve been doing since I left Berklee. I’d like to stress that I left Berklee with not only positive intentions, but with a positive idea and reflection on my time at Berklee, and no, Berklee didn’t pay me to say that.
I am currently the full-time keyboardist/backing vocalist for Interscope Records artist, Zander Bleck. I am also a social media/networking guru and the “Door Guy” at Philadelphia’s Legendary Dobbs rock music venue, located on South Street. I’m always looking for new opportunities, and although Zander Bleck is my “full- time gig”, I like to keep myself fresh and involved in the music community.
Zander Bleck is an up and coming, soon to be released artist produced by Redone (Lady Gaga), Sakke, and Mutt Lange (AC/DC, Shania Twain, Lady Gaga). You can check him out here! I will tell you it has been a HUGE pleasure working with Zander. Along with having a killer voice he is also a super nice guy to work with. His music is catchy, memorable, and dare I say…EPIC! I have been extremely fortunate to be his keyboardist/backing vocalist from day one, and look forward to the future, as we are about to take off on our first official tour with David Cook, winner of American Idol. The next post will have more details involving this gig.
Touching on some other things I consistently do with my time, I have been working door at The Legendary Dobbs for quite some time now, whenever I get the chance. I never want to give this “gig” up as it keeps me involved in the local music scene, it’s a networkers dream and I get to watch FREE ROCK shows all the time as a perk! Along with this, whenever a studio-recording project pops up, I’m there, as well as just sitting in and doing songwriting sessions with my peers. I am VERY fortunate to say, since leaving Berklee College of Music, along with taking a few of their online courses, my music career has sky rocketed, and I make a living doing music. I’m living “the dream” as some may put it and I can’t wait to see where the journey takes me (I give credit to my father for using the word journey). I believe everybody has a shot in life at achieving their goals and being successful at what they love doing; you just need to keep an open mind, try new things sometimes, and maybe even humor yourself to see where life takes you. Above all, love what you do and believe in what you do; you are your biggest fan. In my next post I will be a part of a questions and answer interview, talking more about how I came across the gigs I’m involved in and where I believe my career may take me next! If you enjoyed this Blog post, please let me know. I always appreciate your feedback, comments, and questions! Thanks for reading, and stay focused on the dream!
- Life After Berklee: Tales of a Business Manager - November 22, 2013
- Life After Berklee: Division of Labor - November 22, 2013
- Nashville Berklee Jam with Bryan Beller ’92 – April 29, 2013 - June 11, 2013
Leo Lopez
Wow, You have really inspired me, I have always wanted to live out my dreams and do what i want. I know it isn’t easy but your words really help me get through these tough times right now “I believe everybody has a shot in life at achieving their goals and being successful at what they love doing; you just need to keep an open mind, try new things sometimes, and maybe even humor yourself to see where life takes you.” GENIUS!!!!!
ha well right now i’am trying to achieve my goals and take my first step by applying to berklee. My audition is thursday ahhh ha im so excited wish me luck.
Thanks for those words of wisdom
Louis Middleton
Hey Leo, you’re already on your way! Just keep in mind its all about the journey. Auditioning for Berklee is an amazing experience and opportunity. Keep on doing what youre doing and feel free to reach out to me on Facebook or twitter @Louisbrice. Rock on man!