Bronson invited media to experience The J. Hernandez and Sons Bodega pop-up first-hand in Brooklyn, where there were culinary delights from well-known local chefs, and handcrafted cocktails with Altos tequila from 100 percent hand-cut, Mexican blue agave. The audience there was dancing to music from local DJs, and Action Bronson also performed at the bodega. “It is going to be great. They are going to have a good old time. They can expect fun, passion and excitement,” he said.
On his partnership with Altos Tequila Olmeca, Bronson said, “It feels like a gentle kiss from a summer wind on a hot day. It’s great. Bodegas are the fabric of our culture and this city. It’s a beautiful partnership.”
A few years back, Bronson performed at The Paramount in Huntington on Long Island. “Oh yeah. That was good,” he exclaimed. “The Paramount was dope. I love it all. For me, I love performing at home. Queens is on Long Island, so Long Island is home. Strong Island.”
When asked what motivates him each day, Bronson responded, “I put on Carlos Santana’s ‘Soul Sacrifice’ performance at Woodstock 1969, and that gets me going, every morning.”
Bronson shared that his music is inspired by travelling, the world, and New York City.
On his pre-show rituals, Bronson revealed, “I like to depress myself before a show. Then, when I get out there, I am surprised, especially when they like me.”
For aspiring singer-songwriters, the only advice he had is for them to “be themselves.” “The key to longevity in the music business is adapting, and always being fresh and staying true to who you are, and building that strong fan-base and feeding them,” he said.
He listed Queen, Carlos Santana, Nas and Michael Jackson as his biggest musical influences. In the dream collaboration department, Action Bronson shared that he would love to someday work with D’Angelo, whom he dubbed as one of his “favorite artists ever.” “D’Angelo’s music is phenomenal,” he said.
Digital transformation of the music business
On the impact of technology in the music business, Bronson said, “Technology has blown the music industry up into the sky. It’s a whole new world now. I wasn’t in the music industry my whole life, but I just know that it doesn’t work the same way. It’s a totally new day and a totally new age.”
Regarding his use of technology in his daily routine, Bronson noted that he reads The New York Times on an app on his phone, he uses the calculator, and he records his music ideas on his Voice Memos. “That’s technology at its finest,” he admitted.
Bronson is a jack of all trades: TV personality, musician and chef. When asked how he balances it all, the rapper said, “It’s like juggling with the balls on fire. You don’t want to drop them. You just keep going,” he said.
To learn more about Altos Tequila Olmeca, check out their official website.
For more information on Action Bronson, visit his homepage.
