BRUSH
Seattle, Washington, United States
Music
Press
All over the map CAN be a good thing! You must go into this album with an open mind, as it starts by giving the impression you’re in for soundscapes a la King Crimson, Porcupine Tree, and Deep Forest. But then there’s songs, sounds, effects, moods, atmospheres; all in a comfortable space from someone who sounds like you’ve been friends with your whole life. It’s dark at times, but never threatening. It’s warm at times, but never quite carefree. - Johnny Valenzuela / KECH 95.3 (Sun Valley, ID)
Creative, original and eclectic material all very well produced. I knew you were a creative genius. I just didn’t know you were a F***in’ creative genius. - Vince Werner / Co-founder & Audio Engineer @ Clatter & Din (Seattle, WA)
Brilliant keyboard music ranging from Bach-ish pieces to Freur-style techno. Varied and beautiful, but weird. - Ruby / HYBRIDMAGAZINE.COM
Overall, there is more than enough here to capture the attention of those looking for something creative and unique in the singer/songwriter market. - Mark Fisher / 1340MAG.COM
As a reviewer, one receives many different styles of music from various labels and it is hard not to be in awe of the massive piles of crappy records people are investing time and money in putting out. Then something like Billy Brush’s Lair comes out of nowhere with no label support and blows a majority of major releases out of the water… - Tyler Wagnon / 30MUSIC.COM
Billy Brush . . . has stepped out to create a truly implausible album with a hint of electronica and a splash of guitar, drums and unique keyboard samples. . . . This is a great party album. Not the party where 100 people are crammed into one room, but a kick-back-and-relax kind of party. - Marissa Weltmer / The Daily Titan
Discography
Self-released LP, LAIR: 2005
Self-released LP, Love Sublime: 2007
Photos
Bio
Check out Brush's newest video!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=wK7SVon2xUs
Spend a couple minutes with Brush, and you realize you’re talking to guys who started performing young in a variety of interesting ways: for Billy Brush it was a 4-track recorder, upright piano, and a “really cheap mic.” John Buroker enjoyed being on stage. Sam Gray worked with mix cassettes, and Dave Elvin says he was “playing drum-like things” before he knew how to decide anything about his future. Eric Johnson just wanted to be a musician.
Fast forward: when Brush releases its new CD, Love Sublime, in Fall 2007, it’ll be the culmination of two years’ hard work. Billy Brush released his debut album, Lair, in 2005. The album scored airplay and charted on the West Coast. When he formed a group to support the album, it became obvious in the first few months that this was no longer a singer/songwriter surrounded by supporting musicians; this was a band. So, the band name simply became Brush.
Billy is joined by John Buroker, bass; Dave Elvin, drums; Eric Johnson, guitar; and Sam Gray, synthesizer and laptop. A behind-the-scenes fact that makes this album unique and enables the group to bring something special to stage is that all five are audio engineers. “We're all a lot more aware of what everyone else is doing in the band and how things fit together sonically,” Billy says. “Sam also samples bits and pieces on the fly, sending them through delays and reverbs; sounds that – in the past – would've been reserved as studio gimmicks but can now be recreated live.”
Their styles are different and complementary, and they definitely create something together that’s greater than the sum of its parts. But when it comes to inspiration for new songs, they’re pretty much in agreement: they draw their material from personal experience, or things they observe and then internalize.
Love Sublime was produced, engineered and mixed by Martin Feveyear at Jupiter Studios in Seattle, WA. Martin has worked with an extensive roster of bands, including Kings of Leon, The Presidents of the United States of America, Mudhoney, Crooked Fingers and many more.
Billy characterizes the material on Love Sublime as having a “darker outlook” on the human condition, focusing on “our frailties and shortcomings.”
Despite the fact that not every song paints a rosy picture, Brush wants its audience to feel uplifted and energized, like they just spent an hour with their friends. “I like to interact and talk with the audience a lot; it's important to make that connection and not seem disaffected by what's going on in front of you,” Billy adds. “I like to look out and see smiles, even if every song isn't golly-gee-whiz happy. “
He has a unique perspective on the biggest challenge he faces—and it has more to do with technology than music. “I think the greatest challenge as an indie artist is recognizing useful information and avenues from the general noise,” he says. “There are so many places you can post your music and profile that it's tough to focus your energy at times. You’re better off focusing on one site and driving all traffic to that.”
“The biggest thing to remember is that grabbing someone's ear without annoying them is a fine line to walk.”
REVIEWS: Love Sublime
"Love Sublime", the debut album from Seattle's Brush, is lush pop music at its finest. In the tradition of seminal bands like Rockpile, Psychedelic Furs and even Pink Floyd, Brush's songs leap out of the speakers and grab your attention with their huge hooks, shimmering production and intelligent song writing. The music is at once fresh and timeless, exciting and familiar, and the melodies stay with me long after the CD ends.
- Jason Parker, former Program Director, KMTT 103.7 The Mountain, and founder of JandJMusic.net.
If you're looking for a rewarding musical adventure, check out "Love Sublime" from Seattle's Brush. From the title track to the final note, these talented musicians take you to places that you think you know, and add a new twist around every turn. Fair warning, this musical trip is a complete experience worthy of an "E" ticket. Impeccable musicianship, great song-writing, and song after song that will capture you and carry you in such a way that you can't help but reach for the "repeat" button. Enjoy the ride - it's worth every glorious moment!
- Cathy Faulkner, Consultant & Former APD/MD KISW, Seattle
The band Brush has come a long way since their first album, Lair. For one, they truly sound like a band now. While principal singer/songwriter/musician Billy Brush is still the focal point of the ensemble, there is now a sense that the other players are much more involved. With Billy's first album, Lair, we heard a wealth of creative potential permeating a web of catchy songs, indulgent instrumental explorations, and a sonic landscape that really, truly could not be categorize
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