Underground Artist Spotlight: Mitchell Brown

Mitchell Brown, a third-year broadcast journalism major at Penn State, is not your average college student. He navigates the world of journalism, while also immersing himself in the underground music scene.

From Philadelphia, Brown carries the rich musical legacy of the city with him, and his family’s influence has played a pivotal role in shaping his musical journey.

"My grandma was a DJ, and my grandpa always played his guitar," Brown said. "Music was always around from an early age. Over time, I realized I wanted to pursue it seriously."

His musical style is best described as "experimental," drawing heavily from the storytelling nature of artists like J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar. "I like to step out of the box. You can never get too comfortable," Brown said. Growing up, his music taste consisted of a diverse range of genres from R&B to rap, thanks to his father’s influence.

Being an underground artist comes with its challenges, particularly in gaining exposure. Brown admits, "It's hard because not many people are willing to take a chance on you unless you get co-signed by someone big. For me, if one new person hears my song, I've done my job."

His strategy for overcoming these hurdles is perseverance and consistent social media engagement. "You have to become your biggest promoter," he stresses, emphasizing the importance of platforms like Instagram where he actively engages with his audience.

Brown's latest project, "Mr. Franchise," showcases his creativity and dedication. "The inspiration came from sports—I've been a sports fan my whole life," he explains. "This project is the most recent thing I'm proud of musically," he adds.

The album creates an atmosphere close to the sports world, featuring interviews and commentary, reflecting the issues athletes face from the draft day and onwards. "I really had fun bringing it all together."

The themes in Brown's music revolve around individuality and going after one’s dreams. He encourages listeners to embrace their uniqueness, even if it's initially misunderstood. "Be different, go for your dreams. It’s ok not to have everyone understand it at first. I hope by following my dreams, I inspire others to do the same."

Looking to the future, Brown has big plans. "I want to expand musically, maybe release another album," he shares. He is also venturing into scriptwriting, a long-held dream of his. "Merging my love for storytelling and music into writing shows is something I would love to see come to life."

For aspiring underground artists, Brown’s advice is to "Take all the time you need to make something memorable. Don’t rush perfection, but don't procrastinate either." He values quality over quantity, establishing a thoughtful approach to music production.

As Mitchell Brown continues on his path, his passion for music makes him a compelling figure in the world of underground music, and his journey is one to watch.

His music can be found on all platforms at “MB3 Brown.”

Gabrielle Marston is a third-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email gmm6030@psu.edu.