Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Plant.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been playing music since I was a child. I was the youngest of 6 kids, and everybody played. I thought it was something every family did. I didn’t even realize it was an “optional” activity! I started seriously on violin probably around 6 years old. I took piano lessons, guitar lessons, played in several orchestras, actually played baritone in the band, and in high school I was active in the drumline playing snare! So music has always can in the forefront. I went to college and received a degree in physics from Oklahoma State University (continuing to play violin in the orchestra) while working as a theoretical physicist for TQOG (Theoretical Quantum Optics Group) at the Nobel Research Center. I decided I wanted to pursue music fulltime at that point and enrolled as a graduate student in jazz performance for bass at the renowned University of North Texas.
Moving to Texas, I immediately meet hundreds of incredible musicians from around the world and at that time the professional studio scene was BOOMING for studio musicians. So I jumped right in.
I also started touring with several groups and freelancing as much as possible. Meeting so many amazing players and people along the way is what truly helped me branch out into so many different areas including writing, acting, doing cartoon voice work, etc… I’ve been very fortunate and that’s not lost on me. I’m thankful for all of it.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
In the beginning I was working A TON for either no money or very little money. On one hand I was happy to do that b/c as a musician you want to play all the time no matter what! But on the other hand, it’s a real struggle sometimes for a grad student to work SO much without much to show for it.
But ultimately that really helped me in the long run b/c many of those people I met during that period opened some incredible doors for me and gave me opportunities that I wouldn’t have otherwise had.
I’ll also talk a little here about touring while having kids. That took a serious toll. When my third child was born I had to leave for Europe and Asia for a month…. When he was only four days old! That killed me. But luckily I found a great balance eventually.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Jeff Plant – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
The most simple answer is that I’m a musician. I also do other things like acting and writing and voice over work…. but people mainly know me as a musician.
As far as performance goes, I specialize in bass performance. I play in many groups both live and in the studio. I’ve toured and played with artists all over the spectrum….rock, jazz, R&B, funk, country, metal, rap, classical, even polka! I’ve been lucky enough to work with many Grammy award winning artists and even been on hundreds of jingles, commercials, and even written and played for some very well-known video games.
I guess I’m proud that I’ve been able to continue on my musical career in a manner that demonstrates both professionalism as well as maintaining an attitude that keeps people feeling comfortable and happy. I like it most when people relax in tense situations b/c they know I’ve got them covered.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m always looking at expanding my horizons. I want to expand more into other areas than performing music. For instance, I’ve been writing a show that involves animation, live puppetry, and music altogether. I’d love to see that come to light in a way where I can both perform as well as direct and write. The music in this case will be just as important to me as the acting and designing and directing…..
Plus I’m loving the cartoon voice work. I hope that expands for me b/c it’s just such a blast.
All of the groups I play with also have their own goals and dreams as well and that can always being huge change, so we’ll just have to wait and see what transpires!
Contact Info:
- Website: JeffPlant.com
- Phone: 214-450-3738
- Email: Music@jeffplant.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=789428529
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