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Exclusive Interview With Bro Brocean

Bro Brocean is a NorCal-based band that performs a wide range of genres most easily summed up as “island jazz pop with a punk edge.” The group is filled with incredibly talented young musicians with diverse musical backgrounds. Their frontman, Morgan Wenter combines his humorous lyrics with interesting, catchy melodies that are brought to life onstage with high energy and audience engagement.

Some critics claim that their newest album, “Fresh Wax,” is “nearly listenable,” while others have even gone so far to call it “decent music.” They’ve headlined Sacramento’s Porchfest and entertained drunk people all across the state. So if you decide to see Bro Brocean live, prepare to dance, laugh, and have your face melted off! We sat down with Morgan for an exclusive one-on-one interview…

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Tell us about Bro Brocean. Who are the members, and how did you come up with such an unusual name for the band?

We used to get a lot of people mispronouncing our name. I guess they don’t always assume that “Brocean” rhymes with “ocean,” since most of our gigs are more than an hour drive from the Pacific Ocean.

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And honestly, the word Bro Brocean came up as a joke when I was having a bonfire with some strangers on the beach when I was in high school. I forgot a lot from that night, but I never forgot Bro Brocean because of how stupid and funny it was to say out loud. Ever since then I’ve been trying to name a band Bro Brocean, and I finally found the one!

Our members change from time to time and gig to gig since everyone in the band is also in other projects, but the one consistent member is the frontman and songwriter, Morgan Wenter. I record most of the music myself, but sometimes the other members step into the studio to make it even better. My buddy (and now bandmate) Joe Skandy helps mix it since he’s a wizard with that kind of stuff.

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Our bassist, Tyler Miles and our drummer Edward Blue joined around the same time. They’re good friends and they’re pretty involved in the jazz scene in the North State and the Bay Area. More recently, we’ve had a couple new members join who are heavily involved in the Concord music scene. Joey Nunez plays keys and Joe “Skandy” Skandalaris plays lead guitar. These guys are insanely talented and ridiculously fun to share the stage with.

You are from Sacramento. How has being from northern California influenced the band’s music and attitudes?

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Some of us live in Sac and some of us live in the Bay Area, so our local fan base is spread across a wide area. California is a super diverse state and it’s been a major benefit to us since we’re very eclectic. Our live shows can give you music whiplash from bouncing around from one genre to the next. It seems to keep all types of audiences satisfied and it keeps us from getting bored.

We also end up taking all kinds of ridiculous gigs over the years where the audience will pretend like we don’t exist unless we play classic rock or country or hip-hop, so our setlists vary to match the crowd. The expectations of an SF crowd are a much than a Fresno crowd.

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But California is dope. Yeah rent is high and the covid restrictions curbed our ability to play shows for awhile, but the weather and the general vibe out here is great.

What kind of fan would someone be most likely to find at a Bro Brocean show?

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Our die-hard fans are mostly in their mid to late twenties, but I think that might be because most venues we play are 21+. It’s always funny seeing newcomers at our shows because I get to watch the shock on their face once we play a song like “OnlyFans,” which has some of the most absurd lyrics. Luckily by now, most of our audience is in the joke, so I see more people singing along and dancing than standing with their arms crossed.

Look up our live shows and you see that it’s always a party at a Bro Brocean show. Most people end up getting lei’d at our shows, which is a fun tradition. I mean, how are you gonna have a bad time with cheap, colorful, fake flowers around your neck?

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Your music has been described as “island jazz pop with a punk edge.” Who are the band’s influences, and how did they come together to form such an unusual blend?

Every Bro Brocean EP and LP is a totally different style. We’ve been compared to Ween for that reason, but they aren’t a big influence on us. It’s not that we’re “trying to find our sound,” or anything like that. We just like giving people a buffet instead of a single entree.

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The Crystal Mama EP from 2019 was influenced by a lot of old Motown recordings, as well as newer funk groups like Vulfpeck and Magic City Hippies. The new album, “Fresh Wax,” is influenced more by pop-punk groups like Blink-182, The Front Bottoms, The Frights, and FIDLAR.

The earlier EPs had totally different influences, but that’s what keeps things interesting. At one show, a new fan approached me and said “dude that was Zappa! I heard you singing about titties, that’s something Zappa would do!” I was shocked that anyone recognized that there was any Zappa influence. It wasn’t directly inspired by him, but I definitely listened to a lot of Frank Zappa growing up. The formula I stole from Zappa is to have goofy, fun, maybe even stupid lyrics performed with excellent musicianship. It worked for him and it works for us!

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How important is social media to a band’s success? How do you measure success in the first place? What does it mean to be in a successful band?

MTV doesn’t play music videos anymore, so I don’t think we’d be nearly as popular without people seeing our videos on YouTube. We’ve gained fans across the globe just from acting ridiculous with a camera. If you haven’t seen our music videos, definitely check them out!

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I’m pretty active on Instagram and TikTok, and our fans find out about most of our shows from our posts. But if you wanna keep people around, you gotta share your personality with them and be worth paying attention to without just the music. The algorithm also doesn’t exactly reward you for just posting a concert flyer.

As far as “success” goes, I don’t even know what that means. Music streaming doesn’t compensate the artist well and most shows don’t pay the artist much once you split the payment among the band. So it obviously doesn’t pay that great to be in a band. Luckily for us, we have great merch and great branding so people love to represent. We also all play in multiple groups spanning tons of genres, so we find ways to get more gigs.

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I think the cool thing about our group is that people in Sac and the Bay know who we are and they don’t forget our name. People who go to our shows know the words to our songs and they’re down to come back to see us again and again. It’s hard not to feel successful when you have that much love from your fans!

Tell us about your latest album “Fresh Wax.” What can listeners expect?

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Upbeat, catchy songs with great musicianship, production, and of course, humor. It’s a pretty filthy album, so don’t play it in front of your mom, but it’s a great one to listen to on a car ride, at the gym, or at a party. I knew that we needed some more upbeat songs to play live because people weren’t spilling their drinks or falling in heels enough with our earlier music. Gotta keep the shows interesting!

What’s next for Bro Brocean? What plans does the band have for the rest of 2022?

The “Fresh Wax” EP was such a big project that I’ve needed a break to just play shows and get inspired again. This summer, I’ll have a chance to finally compile all the snippets of songs that I’ve been recording on my phone into something coherent. It’s such a long process, but it’s worth it to have more music to share. And anyone who knows me knows that I take forever to edit videos, so you can expect to finally see that music videos that we filmed months, or maybe even years ago!

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Thanks for the interview!

facebook.com/BroBrocean

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www.instagram.com/bro.brocean

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Artist Spotlight

San Sebastian shares his creative inspiration and aspiration for the new single “Again and Again” – [Exclusive Interview]

San Sebastian

Swedish artist San Sebastian has released his second single, “Again and Again.” Known for his danceable pop sound infused with a nod to club music, San Sebastian presents a sonic vibe that resonates deeply with his audience. Drawing inspiration from notable artists like Tove Lo, Kylie Minogue, and Troye Sivan, he creates a distinctive blend of vulnerability and optimism. His latest single exemplifies a personal journey, exploring the intricacies of navigating complex emotions within a fractured relationship. Here, San Sebastian takes us behind the scenes, providing insights into the creation of “Again and Again,” detailing the production choices that shape its emotional core and outlining his future aspirations.

Questionnaire
1. Who are the band members, if any, and were there any particular artists, genres, or band’s main influences?

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San Sebastian: I’m a solo artist, though I often perform with professional dancers Alicia Gjerulf and Elsa Davidsson. My musical inspiration is drawn from renowned artists such as Tove Lo, Kylie Minogue, and Troye Sivan.

2. Where was the single recorded, and who was involved in its production? Name the record label, producer, and sound engineer who mixed and mastered the song.

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San Sebastian:Again and Again” was originally written by the well-known Swedish artist Darin Zanyar and songwriters Pär Westerlund along with Petter Tarland. I worked on re-creating the track with senior producer Johan Kronlund, who also produced my debut single, “Hear Me Out.” Both singles were released under the auspices of my record label, Metronica.

3. Regarding production, what aspects of “Again and Again” caught your attention? What were some of the critical production decisions that shaped the final sound, and how did they contribute to the overall sonic quality of the track?

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San Sebastian: I collaborated with the producer, Johan Kronlund, for nearly 2 years, so we have developed a good understanding and shared vision for the desired sound we aim for in my music. The goal was to turn my flaws into something optimistic, capturing a sense of future possibility by blending a melancholy message with an upbeat, danceable rhythm.

4. What inspired you to write “Again and Again”? Was there a particular ethos, music style, or events that sparked the songwriting process for this single? Were there any collaborations on writing the lyrics?

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San Sebastian: The song “Again and Again” was initially composed by the famous Swedish artist Darin Zanyar and his co-writers. I immediately liked the idea of the song’s core concept; its melodies and lyrics spoke to me. The producer and I reimagined the sound to make the song reflect entirely my unique artistic identity.

5. How did you aim to take listeners on an emotional journey with the message or lyrical narrative you are trying to convey through this song? What feelings do you hope to evoke through the music so far?

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San Sebastian: I want my lyrics to be honest and resonate with many people’s feelings. I try to transform my flaws into something optimistic, showing that everything has a future. I hope that people, by listening to “Again and Again,” will find pieces of their own experiences within the song’s lyrics while still perceiving this growing hope through the positive upbeat and alongside the danceable energy inherent in the production.

6. Please briefly describe the song, the E.P./Album, and the thinking behind the Project. What does “Again and Again” mean to you personally? How does it reflect your growth as an artist?

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San Sebastian: The song tells the story of a broken relationship, where one person is left behind, feeling shattered and powerless. Unable and unwilling to let go, they cling to the memories of a love that once felt real and the hope that they might reunite. Despite knowing they will get hurt again, the chance to feel happiness, even briefly, makes the pain seem worthwhile. By combining vulnerable lyrics, expressive melodies, and a more positive and hopeful production, the song illustrates those who put on a positive front and hide the absolute truth.

Again and Again” represents my second single in collaboration with Metronica. I describe my musical style as danceable pop inspired by club music. Both my debut single, “Hear Me Out,” and my recent release, “Again and Again,” follow this musical direction. My active involvement in a DJ duo also keeps my heart closely connected to the club vibe, which naturally influences my music.

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7. Do you have any favorable quotes from previous reviews or specific aspects, lines, and phrases of the song that you would happily share?

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San Sebastian: My previous song and debut single, “Hear Me Out,” was recognized across various blogs internationally. The fact that it was so well received is heartwarming and makes me very happy. However, if I have to highlight one thing, it would be all the positive comments regarding my vocal abilities, specifically its range and how I deliver the songs.

8. Did “Again and Again” create any standout moments or surprises that made it a memorable atmosphere or mood for you? If so, what were your biggest challenges, and how would you describe them?

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San Sebastian: A memorable highlight was our spontaneous release party, which drew almost 500 attendees. It was an incredibly heartwarming experience to see how all these people adjusted their schedules and re-booked engagements, altered travel plans, and other meetings to join. I will be eternally grateful for this display of support and gift of love.

9. How do you envision performing this song live? Are there any special events, musical tours, and performances that San Sebastian’s fans should expect soon or plan to incorporate?

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San Sebastian: I have actually had the opportunity to perform “Again and Again” live on stage several times with two of my professional dancers, Alicia Gjerulf and Elsa Davidsson. I hope to present “Again and Again” on more stages in the future, incorporating additional live band support from professional musicians and dancers to create an immersive experience for audiences.

10. Is there a music video planned for this single? If so, can you share any insights into its concept? How does this single fit into your future musical plans? Is it part of a larger project, like an album or an E.P.?

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San Sebastian: I’m not planning to create a full music video for “Again and Again.” However, I have already created teaser videos, which I use in the release marketing and the ongoing song promotion. I have no concrete plans to release an EP that includes “Again and Again.” Instead, I am focusing on my next single, which I plan to release in early 2025.

 

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CLICK HERE TO STREAM San Sebastian’s Again and Again on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH San Sebastian | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

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Indie

Interview with Free Mace

Free Mace’s new album “Better off Bitter” is releasing 7/19/24. This new album was independently produced, engineered and funded from a home studio location in Jacksonville, FL. All processes were done by Mason Thomas Staub over 3 years time.  Mason sat down to answer some questions in this one-one-one interview…

Mason, your new album “Better off Bitter” is set to release on July 19th, 2024. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this album and what themes, tones, and stories the listeners can expect? 

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The main inspiration behind this album is the evolution of artistry and production. Free Mace’s previous album, “Media,” was the transition into more Rock and Indie music. “Media” is a genre fusion set in a dystopian, technocratic, and bleak world, inspired by the global pandemic. As soon as “Media” released, I began drafting the early instrumentals to songs (such as Reality). Every album or EP has been a concept and “Better off Bitter” is no different. The main concept of “Better off Bitter” is being better off bitter. Over the 4 years of living in Jacksonville, FL and not being originally from there, I was the new guy in town. Because of this as well as the advantageous disposition of others involved in or surrounding the industry, I’ve faced ageism and superiority, judgment and prejudice, as well as seclusion and loneliness. Add an incredibly toxic relationship that consumed all my mental capacity for a bit (refer to the song Good Time Girl), and you get the varying emotions and experiences of “Better off Bitter.”

“Better off Bitter” describes the tone and tempo of the album, as well as mood of the songs. The goal of this album was to experiment and set a new standard against mainstream concepts, while not being so far removed from them that the music is unrecognizable. I have been describing “Better off Bitter” to people as a “Jazz Orchestra in a Pop-Punk band format.” I’m aware that this is a big claim to make, however, I’m confident that the unique sound that has been created is new and nostalgic at the same time.

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You independently produced, engineered, and funded this album from your home studio in Jacksonville, FL, over three years. What were some of the biggest challenges and rewards of handling every aspect of the production process yourself?

Some of the biggest challenges were motivation, isolation, and insecurity. When doing everything yourself it requires an incredible amount of discipline and vision. There were countless times I found myself vacationing in the doldrums for extended periods with minimal creative output. The beginning of an album always begins as a peak that declines over a period until release. It’s simple and stressless to explore, create and form new ideas, expressions, and feelings. After this honeymoon-like period, then the reality hits of how much goes into the processes of production. The starting production is always hopeful and motivating, so it’s easy to dedicate double-digit hours in a studio. When you start getting to the nitty-gritty, like listening to the same 10-seconds of audio on loop thousands of times, that’s when things aren’t done as jubilantly. That would bring me back to a creative null for a bit, until I felt confident to approach things again with a fresh perspective. The isolation came out of my own doing when I chose solitude to separate myself from distractions, toxic attitudes, limiting perceptions, and peer approval. I prioritized myself and focused on what was important; the completion of “Better off Bitter.” I became more mindful in the process in regards to how I would spend my time in the doldrums. I had a new motivation that allowed me to be more realistic about what songs would make the album (originally 15 instead of 10), what the context and sound would definitively be, and when a deadline would be. After finally completing it, that’s where the insecurity set in when it comes to the acceptance of the album, “Better off Bitter.” 3 years of work is a lot of time to think about how things will be, but I’ll just have to wait and see.

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\Which track on the album holds the most personal significance for you, and why? Can you give us some insight into the creative process and meaning behind that particular song?

I would say that the last track on the album, “The Heretic,” has the most significance to me because it’s the finale. This is the last song someone will hear and the last chapter to the story conveyed in “Better off Bitter.” The idea of “The Heretic” comes from the snake-oil sales in the name of religion. The concept that an individual with certainty can sell others with a promise rather than those individuals being at terms with uncertainty. I wanted to provide an image of an interaction between a salesperson and a potential customer. Eventually getting discovered for their fraudulence, the salesperson is forced to lead a vagabond life until the discovery of reinvention.

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Over the course of three years, your musical style and influences might have evolved. How do you feel your sound has changed or matured from your previous work to this new album?

The previous Free Mace album, “Media,” was a transition into more up-tempo music. I would see how people would react at the concerts and the up-tempo would always have a better response from what I could tell. It’s not that the audience didn’t enjoy the slower tempo music, it was more about what their body language conveyed. I started to notice people would be involved dancing and moshing to up-tempo music more than standing still with a head bob to a slower tempo. I wanted to do an album that would capture this high energy from beginning to end, while telling a meaningful story about emotions, experiences, and ideologies. “Better off Bitter” is the highlight album of the Free Mace discography, available everywhere 7/19/2024.

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As an independent artist, what advice would you give to other musicians looking to produce and release their own music without the backing of a major label?

The best advice I would give to anyone and everyone would be to always stay true to yourself, no matter what.

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What are your plans following the release of “Better off Bitter”? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or other projects that fans can look forward to?

Following the release of “Better off Bitter,” there will be 2-3 music videos available in varying cinematic styles. Currently in the process are one animated video (Available 7/19/2024 on YouTube) and one live-action Frank Sinatra/Edgar Allen Poe inspired video. There will potentially be shows in the future, but am needed a backing band on location for performance, so if you’d like a Free Mace show where you are located and have a professional band to provide, I will see you there!

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https://freemace.hearnow.com/better-off-bitter

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