Isaac Corbitt
We know you’ve moved from the First Coast, but your fans here still love you! Where are you now?
Hey! Thanks for having me! I reside in Murfreesboro TN, just outside of Nashville TN and I have been here about five years. I am born and raised from the southside of Jacksonville FL in Mandarin.
When did you know you had an interest in music?
Growing up, my whole family sang and played instruments. My parents and grandparents would stay up after dinner playing gospel and us kids would grab random instruments and chime along so, I guess I was young when I first picked up a harmonica but it never made sense and I never got serious about it until I was around 16.
Did you start with any specific instrument and migrate to other instruments?
Yeah, I was on my way to work one morning and I heard a Doobie Brothers song
“Long Train Running” on the radio and I dug around in my Center console for a $5 Cracker Barrel harmonica my dad had bought me randomly. I tooted around to the song and it sounded like crap but a couple of the notes I hit were the right ones.. all day at work I thought about it and when I got off work I went and bought that cd and listened to it on repeat for two weeks until I had taught myself that harmonica solo.
Are you currently in a band (or bands)?
I am currently out on my own putting out original music. I still sit in with Melody Trucks and Corbitt Brothers/Corbitt Clampitt Band and Joey Fletcher Band a few times a year.
Who is your favorite musician or what musician influenced you the most?
I don’t have a favorite musician, just a collection of my favorites. Some of my main harmonica influences are John Popper “Blues Traveler”, Jason Ricci, Charlie McCoy, Gregory Hommert… as for Bands that influenced me I would say Allman Brothers Band, Sublime, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blues Traveler, JJ Grey & Mofro.
Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?
Too many to count but my favorite thing about my career is the joy that music has brought to so many, the smiling faces and pure happiness. I have had people say that songs we sang stopped them from committing suicide and that is the most powerful thing I can imagine. If I can change one person’s life that is the highlight of my career.
What area bands or musicians are at the top of your list to go out to hear?
In Jacksonville I always loved seeing SplitTone, Ginger Beard Man, Yankee Slickers, Rusty Shine, Brady Clampitt, Smokestack, Nate Holley, Grandpa’s Cough Medicine, Bonnie Blue. I know I’m forgetting a few but there is such a rich music scene in Jax its hard to remember them all.
Do you have a favorite venue that you enjoy playing locally?
In Jacksonville I LOVE BlueJay Listening Room. Hands down my favorite. But I also love all the venues that let us play, they are all different and special in their own way.
Do you have any gigs coming up to tell our readers about?
I just played in Jacksonville and a couple blowout shows but now I’m back in TN. I have some very big and exciting things coming out this summer that I’m not allowed to discuss but definitely stay tuned for some worldwide cool stuff!
What is the best way for musicians to network?
I would say going to all the local jams and going out to support the live music scene in your area, even if you have never heard the band. Go discover the music around you.
Are there any local venue owners/managers that you would like to rave about?
BlueJay Listening Room “Cara” is a pioneer and the first and best listening room to showcase talent in a safe and quiet environment. Jason Hunnicutt and all involved in 1904 and Underbelly.
If you had a question you would like to ask another musician what would it be?
Do you still enjoy playing music or has it turned into a job that you resent? If so, take a break and come back to it and revive that love for music that you once had.
Personal hobbies or interests? Family?
I play music, teach landscape painting classes, I LOVE cooking, building lamps out of driftwood….all things ARTS. My wife is currently pregnant with our first child which we found out is a BOY!
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
The music scene, sunshine, oceans, fresh water springs, fishing and all the things that make Florida so special.
Where and how can folks learn more about you and/or your band? Links to your website?
Right now i have a large presence on TIKTOK. By the end of this summer ’24 I will have my website up and running for all my music, harmonica lessons, and artwork.
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone reading this?
You only get a small amount of time on this beautiful earth God has created, don’t spend it inside the house. Go out and travel and see the world, go to music festivals and check out the artist you DONT know of, eat all the food and try to spread as much love as possible!
Do you feel stuck in life? CHANGE IT! move to a new town, get a new job, meet new people. Change is the only constant! Change is good!
Have you always wanted to pursue a hobby or passion in life but it seems too far fetched? Stop what you are doing and pursue that passion, we all have this dream that when we retire we will get to what makes us happy but what if you never make it that long. Life is short and fast, live it now.
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Mike is a native First Coaster and was a leading figure in surfing and skateboarding for most of his life. After promoting music for many years on the local music scene, Mike now brings a unique perspective to FirstCoast.Life as a contributing writer.
One Response
I have been a fan and somewhat of a follower a long time. What a very unique player he is.