Today we’d like to introduce you to Brody Buster.
Hi Brody, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am a self taught musician. When I was 7 years old my mom handed me a harmonica and I taught myself to play. We moved from Paola, KS to Memphis where I busked for tips on Beale street. BB King’s team noticed me and invited me to play at BB Kings Blues Club. This is where I met The King himself who notably said that I was “the best harmonica player of our time, despite his young age”.
I became a child prodigy. Landing a full time spot at BB King’s Blues Club in Los Angeles. I was featured on countless TV shows, including The Tonight Show and even an episode of Full House. I began to travel Nationaly and Internationaly playing music.
Throughout my teen years I continued playing full-time music and then settled back in Kansas.
In my early 20s I took a break from Blues and dabbled in rock-n-roll.
In 2017, needing money for my growing family, my roots called me back. I began my project Brody Buster’s One Man Band. I entered the International Blues Competition. Took 2nd place overall and 1st place harmonica. This led to extensive touring and a new album. At that point I was already struggling with mental health and drug use. A series of unfortunate events would find me a full fledged drug addict in the coming years. I let music fall by the wayside. Playing here and there but not fully committed.
In 2023 I moved from Lawrence to Lee’s Summit where I got clean and began pouring myself into family and music. I self-released “Redemption” in 2025. My Redemption story became a critically acclaimed album. Nominated for awards. Including my first Blues Music Award nomination and a coveted spot in the Kansas Music Hall of Fame. Since Redemption’s release I’m now back to playing full time, touring and living the life I was supposed to all along.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No. Being a child prodigy has it’s perks but also comes with extreme down falls. After the shine of being a little kid wore off, I had to push hard to show the world I was more than a little kid who could play the blues. I was a musician.
I had done drugs for years but in 2020 a bad marriage and the suicide of my brother led me into a drug addiction that was taking over my soul. I didn’t care about anything.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a blues/roits musician. You can find me playing all over Kansas City and touring extensively. I play 250 shows a year. Either with my full band or One Man Band. I’m know for my harmonica skills. The One Man Band is myself, guitar, harmonica, kick and snare drums. The sound of a full band with one man. I am extremely proud of my latest release “Redemption” I poured my heart into it.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Always go to the jams!
Kansas City is full of amazing jam opportunities to connect with other musicians. Going to jams was my first step in showing the music community that I was back and ready to play. I always try, if time allows, to hit a jam in every city I find myself in. It’s the best way to network.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brodybustermusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brodybuster?igsh=NWtiZ2dhdXc5OHR4
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17jQ13CHtQ/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@brodybustermusic?si=fZ0WV81ZDAYC3WfC
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/10tYeohDjVB0PzKXxC6mMv?si=XGqdGztoT5i2j_Xp91Ad4A&utm_source=copy-link
