After the rousing response to their much-loved EP 'Always Has Been' last year, New Jersey-based outfit The Brothers Union are back on the grind once again to deliver their latest EP 'And Always Will Be...'.
Capturing more of that rich and riveting indie-rock aesthetic they are known for, this new five-track collection makes for an incredibly warm and dynamic listen. Filled with broad and emotive textures, a soaring atmosphere, and mesmerising hooks throughout, 'And Always Will Be...' sees them continue their ascent as one of the more exciting names on the rise right now.
So with the new EP available to stream now, we sat down with guitarist and vocalist Mike O’Reilly to find out more about his background and what has been inspiring him most lately.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was most definitely the guitar. In 8th grade, I went to a private school for a year and all the guys I had made friends with were all playing with their starter set guitars. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. I had always loved music and guitar but didn't know how to play. My Dad had an acoustic guitar lying up in the attic of our house and I grabbed it and learned on 2 strings. I had asked my parents to bring it to the shop and put the rest of the strings on it and the rest is history - I had become obsessed with it. That Yamaha acoustic my Dad got for his 16th birthday in 1979 is still the acoustic guitar I play at home all the time.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
The type of music that I loved when I was younger was split into 2 groups. One half was pop-punk bands like Blink 182 and Sum 41 and the other half was bands like AC/DC, Van Halen, and Metallica.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album(s) I remember owning personally was in 1999 when my parents got me Blink-182's Enema of the State, Dude Ranch, and The Mark, Tom and Travis Show live album. (They did not know how many curse words I would soon learn from that live album, Sorry Mom)
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
A song I wished I could've written myself is such a hard question but at this moment a song that jumps out to me is probably "I Need My Girl" by The National. That song always hits me in the feels and I love that band so much.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Habits and rituals for writing new music: I wouldn't call them habits or rituals but I usually have these days where ideas are pouring out of me. I'll come up with structures naturally and find riffs that I end up saving on my phone.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Favourite artists at the moment: I have really been on a big National kick lately, I'm digging the new Middle Kids music as well. Also I've also been listening to a lot of The Tallest Man On Earth lately, his songwriting is next level. I saw him for the first time last year and it was one of the best shows I've ever been to.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
If we could open a show for anyone: Just because it would feel like a full circle moment I would have to say opening for Blink-182 would be the band I'd love to open up for. Those guys seem like great people outside of music as well. Honorable mention would be The Gaslight Anthem (fellow New Jersey hombres).
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part about being a musician is creating something that never existed prior and that art/song being able to touch someone's soul in a certain way. That's how I got into music in the first place. Seeing bands I loved play live and giving that spiritual experience to certain individuals out in the audience is magic.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The most frustrating part is definitely trying to be a band in today's music industry. There's so many bands trying to pursue the same thing you are and it's just so flooded. I know I play/create music for the right reasons though. So many people just want to be famous or something.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Best piece of advice: If you love doing it, never stop and that is how I'm going to live out the rest of my life. For the love of music, it saved my life many times.
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The Brothers Union's new EP 'And Always Will Be...' is out now. Check it out in the player below.