We had the good fortune of connecting with Buckstein and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Buckstein, how do you think about risk?
Risk is necessary and risk should be calculated. Doing the unexpected can set you apart, but be ready for it to define you in other’s eyes, whatever it is. I work in the creative space. I create and perform art. Challenging myself and pushing boundaries is all part of the game for musicians. The most successful of us know how to bend the “rules” without breaking them completely.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a musician/singer/songwriter. My genre is predominately country music. Somedays it feels like you’re rocketing to the moon and other days it feels like you’re going nowhere fast. Breathe and just enjoy the ride.
I was on American Idol YEARS ago. I had been singing for a long time… but this felt like the moment where I would find out if I was really good or not. It was the big auditions in front of Randy, Paula and Simon. There were a couple of auditions up to this point and it was clear from looking around the room and listening to people rehearse that they intentionally let some people through who genuinely weren’t very good singers. Then it dawned on me… how do I know I’M one of the good ones?? Everyone here THINKS they’re good, right?? I made it through to the next round, but I’ve never forgotten that feeling and that lesson of self awareness.
That’s one lesson I’ve taken from all these years in the music biz: Stay hungry and humble and never be afraid to learn. You’ll NEVER know everything.
If I could have the world know something about me or my brand it would be that I’ll never be afraid to experiment and try something cool. So keep an eye out. You never know what’s coming next.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’ve done this quite a few times.
I always start by taking people to the mountains. Nothing too crazy if we’re short on time but you don’t have to go far in CO to see some beautiful country. If we’re feeling spry and adventurous maybe we’ll hit a hike or even a 14er.
For food I’d probably take you to Snooze for breakfast or maybe the Butcher Block if we’re feeling “greasy spoon”. Maybe a lunch at Beau Jeau’s Pizza in Idaho Springs and a steak at Bastien’s Steak House for dinner. Of course there’s plenty of awesome breweries in RiNo if we feel like doing a bar hop.
Then for entertainment I’d say head over the 1up for some vintage video gaming, Hit a concert at The Grizzly Rose and ride the bull. Go to Red Rocks and see a show or just walk around and take in the sights. If it’s a warm summer night, take in a Rockies game.
And of course, if you end up staying an extra week, I’ve got plenty of more ideas. We’re just getting started.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The fans. All of them. From the people across the world I’ve never met, to my family at home who never stops bragging about me. Your support is everything. Your listenership is literally the currency that allows us to do more of what we do. There is no feeling more gratifying than you singing along and enjoying the show. There is no greater feeling of support than knowing your along for this ride with us.
Website: www.bucksteinmusic.com
Instagram: @thebuckstein
Twitter: @bucksteinmusic
Facebook: Facebook.com/bucksteinmusic
Youtube: @Buckstein