Brian Batch
Austin, Texas, United States | SELF
Music
Press
"Alpha Rev's textured sound sets it apart from the rest . . the most obvious difference between this band and its zillion competitors in Austin is the instrumentation . . the result is a more deeply textured, often orchestral sound that allows the band to take a variety of approaches to its material." - Punch Shaw
"[At the Backyard in Austin, Texas] bands of the future made me feel as if the Austin music scene could go on forever. . . then came Alpha Rev. I know, I know, I've flogged this act into eternity -- and other groups with socially adhesive symphonic sounds -- but hearing them expand their presence on the big stage made me think someday, these teens will remember when they saw Alpha Rev for free and could walk right up to the stage." - Michael Barnes
Voted one of the top 8 bands in 2008 by Austin Monthly. "Their sound has been described as Beethoven meets Buckley, and their influences include everyone from Radiohead and Pink Floyd to Nine Inch Nails and Pink. . . Alpha Rev is starting to take the nation not by storm, but by music [that is] simply, undeniably, and overwhelmingly beautiful." - Lauren Trojniar
"Alpha Rev have "hit makers" written all over them and are easily the most accomplished and polished artists that the heart of Texas has to offer, offering something unique to many bands these days - a real soul and simultaneously a radio-friendly presence. It can only be a matter of time before they're all over mainstream media and everyone is claiming to have seen them first." - Rob Malton
Discography
2007: Violinist on Flyer Records LP with Alpha rev
2008: Singles recorded by Brian Batch available on audio section of this epk.
2009: Violinist (co-writer) and backup vocalist on LP to be released by Hollywood records
Photos
Bio
People in Austin, Texas know they are in for a good show when they see Brian Batch step up to the stage with his trademark blue violin. As one of the original members of the Austin band Alpha Rev (now signed to Hollywood Records), rock critics have noted that “the most obvious difference between [Alpha Rev] and its zillion competitors in Austin is the instrumentation. . . the result is a deeply textured, often orchestral sound.” (Fort Worth Star Telegram). Alpha Rev gained nationwide attention opening for acts as varied as Blue October and Spoon before they were discovered and signed to Hollywood Records after a CMJ showcase; their groundbreaking new record produced by David Kahne (Paul McCartney, Sublime) was just released in April of 2010. Alpha Rev is currently featured as VH1's new "You Oughta Know" artist, and has been featured on Celebrity Rehab, Greek, the Bravo network, ESPN, and featured in the major motion picture "The Last Song."
Brian grew up isolated on an airport for gliders in Midland, Texas, and found the violin was a great way to escape the pressures of small town Texas life. As seen in Alpha Rev, Brian’s daring solo violin orchestrations bring emotion and edge to an instrument that is often more known for classical beauty. But even though violin is the backbone of this young artist, he is also a talented singer and composer whose style hints at old school soul such as Otis Redding or Stevie Wonder. Notably, even the Austin Symphony has performed Brian's original compositions, with Brian singing and on guitar. As Alpha Rev gains ground nationwide, Brian will continue to explore his own brand of soul infused rock, with his blue violin leading the way.
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