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Interview with Brick + Mortar

September 3, 2013
Jon Berrien
Latest posts by Jon Berrien (see all)

 GroundSounds recently caught up with indie-rock band Brick + Mortar. Check out the interview below along with their addicting new song “Bangs”. Be sure to visit their website to stay updated with new music and shows!

How did you meet and how did the band come together?

We met when we were 14.  John told me to play the bass, so I did. We started playing together and never stopped.

Bangs EP is out now and it’s received a lot of praise. What is the writing process like for you guys? How long does it typically take to create one of your songs?

It’s always different for us, sometimes a song falls out fast, other times we rewrite it 20 times. Usually, I write a bunch of bare bones ideas at home then bring them to John to flesh out. That’s where it becomes Brick + Mortar. 

Where do you draw inspiration from lyrically?

I really just get into my own head and let the lyrics evolve. I have never directly tried to writer about any one idea or subject. It has always been natural for me.

Your video for “Bangs” is extremely fun to listen to and plays like a mini-movie. Describe the concept and the filming process?

Our friends wrote and directed that video. They even raised the money and found volunteers to make it. We are beyond lucky. It was shot like a mini movie and was one of the best experiences we have ever had as a band.

“No I Won’t Go” is incredibly addicting and has a great vibe to it. What inspired the song?

Addiction I guess, all the excesses and excuses we allow ourselves to have. Whether it be relationships, drugs, lifestyle, or power, we are all hopelessly addicted to something.

You’ve got LouFest coming up in St. Louis with some big names like The Killers, The National, Fitz & The Tantrums, Alabama Shakes, Edward Sharpe, and more. Who are you most looking forward to seeing at the Festival? What are your touring plans after this festival?

Brandon : The Killers for sure. Hopefully we catch some of Edward Sharp and Local Natives.

John : I’d like to catch the Killers again, we saw them briefly when we were at Lolla. We have a couple of one offs in September and October, but we’re planning for a fall tour for November.

You’ve said that at your shows “the audience is part of the band.” What do you mean by that and what do you want an audience to take away from one of your shows?

I mean just that. At some point, you will be asked to participate. We plan on taking this to greater and greater levels as we grow bigger as a band (well, if we do!!).

What location or venue would you most like to play? If you had your choice of who to share that stage with, what bands/musicians would you choose?

I have no clue what venue I would most like to play… We will go on tour and I’ll get back to you. I guess playing a show where I opened for Biggie Smalls, Kanye West, Justice, and Nirvana would be rad.

How long have you been with Photo Finish Records/Island Def Jam and how was that experience been so far?

This is our first record with Photo Finish Records/Island Def Jam and it has been great…We have a long way to go, but great so far.

What are your plans for the rest of the year and where is the best place to stay updated with you online?

Write more music and TOUR!

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