Broke-Ass of the Week: Shawn Brewster of Oldboy
Every week we feature a different person from the community shedding a little light on their life of brokeitude. Who knows, maybe you’ll learn something about the human spirit — probably not.
Wanna be a Broke-Ass of the Week? Holler at us here and we’ll send you the questionnaire.
Shawn Brewster has come a long way in the past four years. Starting off as a solo artist with a desire to “fill out his sound”, Shawn now comprises one sixth of the Cleveland-based folk rock band Oldboy. Along with friends and band mates, Michael Kinsella, Greg Hyland, Pete Simon, Chris Volpe and Rob Kovacs, the guys have just released their album titled “Covered in Sound” and are gearing up for a tour later this year.
Below are his answers to our grueling questions about being broke. He did a very funny job with them.
Name: Shawn Brewster
Age: 36
Occupation: Graphic designer/house painter/musician/kick ass dad
What neighborhood do you live in?: Middle America. We don’t lock our doors.
Best money saving tip: Split dinners when you go out to eat.
What do you refuse to spend money on?: Hookers.
Most expensive thing you’ve ever bought: I don’t think a house or car should count. My laptop, that was real money, spent all at once. Anything with a payment plan is magic money.
How’d that feel?: Like I bought a “get shit done” box. I have no excuses about anything. Other than making my bed and putting my clothes away this is the hub to my success.
Favorite cheap eat: Hospitals.
Favorite dive bar: Nemeth’s Lounge in Painesville. Cheap beer. Great jukebox. Good food. Awesome tenders of the bar.
Best deal you’ve ever gotten: A Volkswagen Corrado for $200. I went to the ATM to buy it. I loved that car.
Favorite free thing to do: Laugh with friends.
If you woke up a millionaire, what’s the first thing you’d buy?: A fence.
Despite not having money, do you still love your life?: I’ve never had money. So that is just a given with me. And I love making things happen without it. My kids make me feel blessed. My friends inspire me and show me how fun life can be. Music is my release and my only-child selfishness fills in the blanks.
Do you own my book?: No, do you own my cd? I will have some this weekend at my mom’s garage sale. Stop by.
Best hangover cure: Sleep, water, crappy food and movies.
Are you a hipster?: Absolutely not. Although I do think every generation has them and are essential to sub-pop culture. Kids will always have their costumes and secret club mentality.
