How did Brandtson get started?
It started as a project a while back for Myk (Porter), and stayed that
way for a while until the definite ending of Sixfeetdeep, [then] he
decided to pursue it as a full time thing.
Tell me about the new album.
The album is a full length, it has 10 songs, [and] we produced it
ourselves. Six of the songs were recorded a year ago almost to be
released as an EP, but we never quite had the money to do it, so after
the band took form, we recorded the four new songs and Myk
and I scraped up the money and just did it.
Did Brandtson get any offers to sign with any other record companies
besides Steadfast?
No, not officially, [although] some word of mouth stuff took place. We
are hoping to go with someone a bit bigger.
Are you guys playing many shows yet?
We've only played 2 shows so far, but we've got a few more booked, and
hopefully we'll be able to get on the road some more here in the near
future.
Who influences Brandtson, musically and lyrically?
Hmmm, [that's a] tough call. I can't honestly comment, as I wrote none
of either, but I know the lyrics are very personal. Musically we are
all into similar stuff, but I wouldn't say we base our song writing on
any of it.
If it's not too hard, could you give a brief summary of what each song
is about?
This would be much easier if I had written them, [then] I could say what
was going on in my life or through my head at the time, but I didn't, so
in all honesty I can't, but I think the lyrics somewhat speak for
themselves'. Sorry to back out on the question, I just don't feel
comfortable interpreting others' words.
Does Myk sing all the lead vocals in the album, because some parts
almost sound like there's two different vocalists?
Yeah, there are two vocalists. Our drummer, Jared, sings mainly on
"ninevah" and does the majority of the back ups on the newer stuff at
least. We have some newer stuff in the works that he sings more on.
What's your favorite song on the album and why?
My favorite is "blindspot", both lyrically and I think musically too.
Its also the saddest to me, [because it] reminds me of my old
girlfriend. "...you know me better than I know myself, and I trust you
more than I trust anyone else..."
What do you guys do for day jobs?
Myk and Jared both work together in a motor repair shop. John works at
a bookstore, and I am for the first time in my life (well since 16)
unemployed. I worked for 5 years at the same job, [and] hated it. [I]
got a new factory job for 2 months [and] hated it more than anything,
and quit a month ago, so I need a job quick.
What's your favorite Jawbreaker song?
Wow. Tough question. On what does one base his answer; physical
prowess, keen detection skills...? Sorry. I started a movie quote and
couldn't let it go unfinished. I don't know, [though]. I am so into his
lyrics, [so] it would be really hard to pick just one. Jet Black,
Ashtray Monument, Ache, Jinx Removing...shall I go on?
How are things going with Steadfast Records? Any other new stuff coming
out besides Brandtson?
Things are going slow, but they are alive at least. It's frustrating
because I am so held back by money. I have all these things I want to
do but no $$$ to do them. Next up is the 'Radiowaves And Gibberish'
compilation CD [which should be] out on the 7th of August.
Any final comments, questions, or things that you hate about Idy?
Thanks for your time, [and] please contact Steadfast for a catalog and
stuff. Come see us play in your town if we ever make it there. Idy's
hair is scary, but then again so is John Tesh's, so what are you gonna do?
Write Matt for a Steadfast Records catalog at: Steadfast Records, PO Box 53, Avon Lake, OH 44012-0053
