Astral Jukebox is the primary creative outlet for songwriter / composer / arranger Brett Heron. He is a musician, vocalist, husband, father, activist, nature lover, and all-around lover of life with a deep-rooted passion for music (and a little mischief.) Now a new native of Seattle, Brett is wandering about playing rock and roll for all who will listen. If you are catch the light just right, you might find him busking down at Pike Place Market or the Seattle waterfront.
Who Is Brett Heron?
Heron’s youth was steeped in music, be it 70’s roots rock, outlaw country, classic soul, gospel or jazz. Heron was always active in music; he began playing piano at age ten and writing originals at thirteen. Brett played percussion in junior high and high school. He spent much of his early years in bands playing everything from Jimi Hendrix to the Smashing Pumpkins. While accepted into the University of Arkansas music program on scholarship, Brett ended up pursuing a degree in financial management and putting a music career on hold for a time.
In 2013, Heron restarted his music career with a gig at a local dueling piano bar – Willy D’s. The bar owner was a long-time pianist with the Mel Tillis’ Orchestra. He brought on Heron as a mentee. It was during this time that he began writing more earnestly. Heron moved to Seattle in 2015 to work for Amazon Music, developing emerging music markets around the world. He had the opportunity to travel extensively through Europe, Asia, and Latin America. This experience further cemented his love for global music and culture.
During this time, he connected with the vibrant Seattle music scene and local artists with a like-minded vision for creativity and passion for music. Heron formed a band and was in the process of writing a record when the global pandemic hit. Like much of the world, he put everything on hold.
Throwing It All Away
Yet, reward rarely comes without risk. In 2021 Heron abandoned a career to pursue what, in hindsight, had been his personal avocation all along. A Beautiful Catastrophe was recorded at London Bridge Studios in Seattle with producers Jonathan Plum (Candlebox), Eric Lliavois (Surfer Blood), and Geoff Ott (Tobias the Owl). The record features drummer Ben Smith and bassist Andy Stoller of the iconic Heart, and Kathy Moore (Brandi Carlisle) on guitar. Heron is holding down the fort on acoustic guitar and keys.
Thematically, A Beautiful Catastrophe is an earnest reminder that life is fleeting, and we should all strive to live and love to the fullest each day. Heron is rededicating his life to bringing people closer to the music he has loved for so long. As our guide, we will explore the sonic textures that make this world a diverse, beautiful, and exciting adventure waiting to be experienced.
