Instagram Influencer Spotlight On: Braxton Cook @braxton_cook

1) Tell us a little about yourself. What are you doing now and where do you come from?

I’m a jazz musician from the D.C. area but I am now living in Harlem, NY. I’ve played the saxophone, piano and sung since I was about 12 years old. Now having studied Jazz Saxophone at The Juilliard School I mainly play Jazz ,however I have numerous other musical influences such as RnB, Funk and Soul e.t.c.

2) What are your topics of interest? What do you post on Instagram the most?

My main topics of interest are music, saxophone, art, fashion, and travel. I post pictures of me playing music or I post amazing photos destinations that music has taken me on my travels around the world (touring and performing).

3) How did your Instagram name come about?

My instagram name is simply my name. I’m fortunate because Braxton is a pretty distinct first name lol

4) What are some apps you use to edit your photos? Share with us your photo-editing routine!

I love using VSCOcam to edit my photos. I like filters that capture my vibe and energy. I’m generally a pretty mellow, cool, easy going but positive person. So I mostly use color photos but never too saturated and bright when I’m in them. I like the washed out filters with hints of blues and stuff. Thats my vibe right now…

5) Any Instagrammers whom you really like? Which Instagrammer inspires you the most?

My favorite instagrammers are usually my favorite artists… So I love Miguel’s page. Super eclectic but very real and genuine! I love Jessie Boykins III page because he captures his intensity, earthiness, and spirit in every picture. The images match the music and them as people. I think those are qualities of my favorite pages. They capture something real about the person’s energy and who they are. I aspire to do the same…

6) If there’s one thing your fellow Instagrammers just gotta try now, what’s it gonna be?

My musician friends and followers need to try Lebayle’s Mouthpieces! They have changed my sound for the better almost instantly.

7) What’s your favorite part about being an influencer?

That I can truthfully help people and inspire people. Everything I do I actually wholeheartedly believe in it. So when I’m posting a video of myself practicing a song or solo transcription I believe that this is the absolute only way to improve and anyone following will see results from following my footsteps.

8) What are some of your top tips to brands for running campaigns? How do you maintain authenticity?

I think you need a mission statement and need to be reminded of that everyday no matter what. You can’t lose sight of why you started your brand or company in the first place. Thats how you maintain authenticity. Everyday you look to that mission statement and say to yourself am I still upholding that mission?

9) What would your advice be on the importance of quality and original content?

I think your content should be of the best quality you have available to you. Not everyone has the same access or resources. However, I also believe that your content must be honest and if you are really truly honest with what’s important to you then it will be original! There’s only 1 me and only 1 you…

10) What do you like best about partnering with brands?

I like that when you partner with certain brands it sends a message about who you are. For instance, I’m a really chill and laid-back guy. So when it comes to clothing I’m all about Converses, Ripped Jeans, vintage T and some cool jewelry, as opposed to some of my mentors that are more about Suits and Movado watches. Part of my mission is to make Jazz and good music more accessible to our generation and I believe by being honest with myself and who I am, I can connect with those people because of my laid back style of dress. It lowers the pedestal that Jazz has been up on for years which has ultimately made the music far too inaccessible for younger generations. Partnering with the right brands sends your message loud and clear to people who you are as an artist.

Topics:

• Art
• Fashion
• Film, Music & Books
• Travel

Country:

United States of America