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 The Brian Chris Band - Teri Merchant & Susan Snider
Posted byadmin on Tuesday, May 01 @ 01:00:00 CDT
Contributed by admin
BRIAN CHRIS BAND
Brian Levering - Vocals
Chuck Morrongiello - Guitar and Bass
Mike Tzigos - Drums and Percussion
Rob Stony - Keyboards
What is there to say about a band that does it all? Their music makes a statement; they are successful businessmen, they write their own music and they own their own record label. From my standpoint it just doesn’t get any better than that. If you think nothing they do can top that, it can and it does. They are sending out 500 packages to our troops in Iraq in hopes to lift their spirits and let them know that we appreciate what they are doing to make us free. These packages will contain their CD and a video of “Fight For The Cause,” along with some other things to remind them of home. This is my second interview with musicians that have a CD dedicated to our military in some way. As you know, Paul Coleman is involved in “Operation Homefront.” We should hook these two bands up.
The conversation Teri and I had with Chuck and Brian was, to say the least, enlightening and very informative. We talked, laughed and discussed a wide variety of music and interests. I do not know where to start. I found both men to be well educated and most definitely someone I would like to sit down, have a drink with and just talk.
I found their music to be that of rock star quality. To pinpoint one style would not be possible. That is because they have a style of their own. “Fight For The Cause” truly makes a statement of not only this war, but also every war that our country has been involved with. Each song gives you a different aspect of them and how they feel about life. I judge music by listening to it, then deciding. “Would I buy this CD and would I pay for tickets to a concert to see them?" My answer is, “YES, I definitely would." I get a real feel for their sound and popping it in my CD player and letting it play while I work is a sign that I want to see them perform live. I could go on about these two forever, but I’ll let the interview and their music speak for itself. Chuck, Brian, you won me as a fan. Now its time to go get ‘em!
Susan Snider
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Susan and I had the honor of getting a request from Tamar to interview and do a review of The Brian Chris Band out of Tampa, Fla. The written interview below gives you some of the basics about Brian and Chuck; where they've been and what they're doing now with their music. So, I'll talk about what I was able to learn about them from our telephone interview.
I was very impressed with their knowledge of music from a generation of the past, MY generation. Every musician has their own music background and influences and sometimes it is very clearly heard in what they are writing today. However, their writing style is uniquely their own. They draw from their own life experiences, of course, but if I had to categorize their music I guess I would call it traditional modern rock. There are a few songs on their debut CD that focus on sending positive messages and support for what is going on in the world today; "Fight For The Cause", "Change" and "Too Tired To Fight." Whether it be the war in Iraq or supporting individuals with their own demons and addictions, they have found a way to address these issues in some of their music. What I heard from talking to them is that they are very sensitive to and aware of what's going on today in our country and in the rest of the world. There is a lot of pain and misery out there and hopefully they can reach some folks with a message that says...."We care. Let's help each other." That kind of message in music, whether it be from another era or what is being written today, is not always a popular band wagon to jump on sometimes. I think the response to their new CD and in particular, the song "Fight For The Cause" and their video, will make an impact in a positive way. I personally hope so. Our country is divided right now, so I think if they/we can reach out and grab some of those people who seem to be a little confused as to where their loyalties lie...it'll be a real good thing. Aside from that, their music is just good ole rock and roll to me!
Here are the links to their video for "Fight For The Cause" and their web site. That song is already a winner in my book and I'm really looking forward to seeing what they are going to do next. Make sure you listen to their other songs on their site, too. I think you will like what you hear.
Teri Merchant
http://www.youtube.com/BrianChrisVideo
http://www.brianchris.com/
INTERVIEW WITH THE BRIAN CHRIS BAND
Where were you all born and raised?
BRIAN: Tampa
CHUCK: I was born in Brooklyn NY , And my parents moved us to Long Island.
At what age did you become interested in playing music and when did you start playing professionally?
BRIAN: I started late. I was about 18. I have been playing in bands ever since. Professionally? This is the first time.
CHUCK: I started playing guitar at 16 when we would cut classes and jam at my friend's house. We starting getting very popular. Over a four year period my band "Strange Brew" became the #1 band on Long Island. We were warming up for national acts and getting a lot of exposure . Every night we played somewhere else. Then it ended.
Who were your early influences and who do you like to listen to today?
BRIAN: The Who, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi. Today? Shinedown, Chili Peppers, Bon Jovi.
CHUCK: Hot Tuna , Airplane, Django Reinhardt, Duane Allman, Dicky Betts, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker, 38 Special, Derek Trucks, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Hendrix, Carlos Santana and anything that is stringed.
Do any of you come from a musical background? If so, how much did they play a part in what you're doing today?
BRIAN: They're many people in my family that sing and play. Many much more talented then I. What part did they play? Really not much other than good genetics.
CHUCK: No background that I know of.
Can you give us a little musical history on the other band members? How did The Brian Chris Band come together?
BRIAN: Chuck was auditioning a singer with the drummer he was playing with then. I came in and free styled lyrics over Chuck's original licks as if the songs were already written and we were off.
CHUCK: I met Brian years ago from an ad that I put out back a few years ago. I liked his style and his very cool lyrics and we just hit it off and the rest is history. Brian is a natural. He's a powerful, talented musician. The drummer I've known for years, Mike the Greek.
Tell us a little bit about your writing process. Is everyone involved?
BRIAN: No, Chuck and I are the only writers in the band. He writes the rhythms and I do the lyrics and melodies. We both work on the arrangements and dynamics of the song.
CHUCK: Only me and Brian and L&M (our record company). I start with a acoustic or electric then it goes from there.
Other than writing and playing music do any of have other careers? In other words, have you quit your day jobs?
BRIAN: Not yet, but that is what we are shooting for. We're both in sales and marketing so that is what is really driving the business end of the band right now.
CHUCK: I own my own successful financial business, which is through a Fortune 500 company. I basically can do what I want. Also started a non-profit society with friends called The Center For Civil War Photography. (www.civilwarphotography.org)
I see that you are signed with a label. Was it difficult to find a record company that took a chance on you as a new band?
BRIAN: It is an Indie label and is essential to breaking through some of the barriers out there. It was not hard to make the deal, but we are still a self- promoted, self-managed team.
CHUCK: Not difficult at all, we own the record company.
How many CDs do you have out now? Are you working on a new project?
BRIAN: "Fight for the Cause" is our debut album and we are currently writing material for a follow up. We are hoping to have it released in the fall of 2008.
CHUCK: This is only one at this time, new material for a new CD is in the works for 2008.
I notice you're coming out with a video. Do you know when it will be finished and if so where will we be able to see it?
BRIAN: The video is almost done we are simply working on the logistics of releasing it. Where can you view it? At first it will be on youtube and our myspace and web site. After that hopefully MTV or VH1 or any other forms of media that wants to help us spread the message of hope and freedom.
CHUCK: We will have the video out within a week. Then everybody can see it. We are all very proud and excited.
What was it like to shoot a video and how long did it take?
BRIAN: Not long for the band itself. This video was for our troops and not about us so the band does not appear very often. However, the video and its message took quite some time to get correct. This was a heart felt project and we put everything we had into it. We support the troops and they deserve it.
CHUCK: It was a blast. The whole concept of writing a song about our beloved troops, then together with great historical film footage . It's making a statement and a message. It took about maybe a month.
Have you been touring? If so, where is your favorite place to play?
BRIAN: We have not set our tour dates yet. We are promoting the CD through all forms of media right now. We want to create the proper amount of hype for this album to accurately determine where our strongest market is and then we can set off across the globe. Before the tour, we are going to set up key events to help promote our cause.
CHUCK: We had just got out of the studio so we plan to have a killer CD release party, then do some special venues.
Do you have any interesting stories you'd like to share about life on the road?
BRIAN: Like I said, we have not been on the road together yet. But neither one of us is a stranger to it. All the good stories, I have promised all of those involved that I would take our secrets to the grave. But trust me when I say that it was tiring, but I miss the race.
CHUCK: Silence is golden.
If you could play any venue in the world, where would that be?
BRIAN: Tampa Stadium.
CHUCK: I would love to play at the Garden in New York.
Given the chance to play on stage with anyone you choose, who would it be and why?
BRIAN: Bon Jovi. Why? I have followed their career ever since the beginning. I love their style of writing and I think it would make a great show.
CHUCK: That would have to be Mr. Jeff Beck, all of my other favorites are dead. Jeff Beck is the daddy of electric guitars.
I see that your song "Fight For The Cause" is a salute to our troops and military service. A lot of artists have taken hits over this subject. How do you feel about that?
BRIAN: The hits we're taking for supporting the troops are nothing compared to the hits the troops are taking trying to support us.
CHUCK: Well, we love what the troops are doing. These solders that give up there lives need to be recognized, so we thought we would write a rock anthem for them in tribute to what they have given up for us. We feel strongly about showing our support. "Fight For The Cause" needed to be written.
What's your ultimate goal as far as your music career? Where would you like to be in 5 years?
BRIAN: On top. Co-writing songs with our ideals, doing sound tracks. Maybe some appearances in a movie or two.
CHUCK: To tour and play great venues with great musicians. I think we will have many CDs out and a movie sound track.
Is there anything you'd like people to know about The Brian Chris Band?
BRIAN: This is just the beginning, so climb on board so you can say you were here when it all started. And having said that, we appreciate all of those people that have been involved in supporting us along the way. Any help that we receive at this point we are hoping to have come back to those who helped by bragging rights when this thing is world-wide. So come along for the ride!
CHUCK: Check out our new CD and we hope you enjoy our magic...
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