Back across the pond for something more “traditional” today!
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
We are from Central Oregon. Jesse and Gus are both from Terrebonne, Oregon and I (Brandon) am from Bend. Jared is Originally from Portland before relocating to Central Oregon last year.
How did you meet?
Jesse and myself (Brandon) met about 10 years ago when we both joined a country band at about the same time. We instantly clicked with our mutual love for punk rock and since then we have always been close friends. Jesse and Gus, however, grew up best friends, playing in countless bands together over the years. When we were in need of a drummer, Jesse instantly said “There is no one better than Gus”. After one practice we all knew he was right, and Gus instantly became an integral part of the family. At the same time we needed a drummer, we were also searching for a new guitar player. A close friend of mine mentioned Jared had just moved to town and was an incredible guitarist. Just like Gus, once we met up with Jared the chemistry was undeniable as well as the skill. Ever since then, the constant work and life on the road and solidified us into an inseparable family.
How long have you been playing as a band?
I have been working and crafting music as a singer/songwriter for about 4 years. But “Brandon Prinzing & The Old Revival” has been playing as a full rock band for only about 8 months.
Before you get sick of being asked… where does the band name come from?
As songwriter constantly on the hunt for the right band, it has always been difficult to find the members with the same vision and chemistry. From the start, Jesse, Gus, Jared and I had a chemistry like I’ve never experienced. It was like we were playing an old-school rock show, a mix of every band that made us who we are. We looked around and we saw less and less people out there keeping that old art alive. We loved the angst of punk rock, the honesty of folk, the passion and showmanship of rock ‘n’ roll. Playing music makes us feel alive, and we feel like what makes music great is it’s ability to connect to people of any background together, simply out of a mutual love for singing and dancing in a room for a few short hours. There is something so simple, raw, and honest about that. Rock ‘n’ roll tapped into that truth from the beginning, and this band felt like a revival of that. Thus the name “Brandon Prinzing & The Old Revival” was born.
What are your influences?
Just like anyone you ask, we have huge array of musical influences. From AC/DC, Boston and countless classic rock bands, to punk like MxPx, NOFX, post-hardcore like The Used, and so many more. Personally as a songwriter I have been largely been influenced by the honesty and passion of artists like Frank Turner and Dave Grohl.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
I think what makes us unique is our passion. You can fault us for many things, but one thing we know we have right is why we do this. This means more to us than making a record and hitting the road. I believe what I say. Every lyric I write comes strait from the heart, from an emotional and vulnerable place. Music can unite people; It can make you feel alive like nothing else I have found in this world. That’s a special thing. I think our music and lyrics reflect that, and I think if you come to a live show you will see that we believe it to the core of our bones.
Do you have any particular lyrical themes?
Our main lyrical themes I think would be honesty. Whether it’s triumph or defeat, those emotions are raw and loud, and I try to capture them when I am at the peak or depth of dealing experiencing it. Life can be ugly, but there is a lot of beauty in the ugly things. When you boil it down, showing the fight of the human condition in an honest way is what we amount to lyrically. Love, hate, win, lose or draw.
What’s your live show like? How many shows have you played?
Our live show I would describe as high-octane fun. We want to chant with you, scream our lungs out with you, dance with you and feel alive with you. That makes each show different depending on the place and that particular crowd of people. We love to connect. Feel alive. Revive! Each show is a special few hours in time that can never be exactly recreated again, and that’s what we live for. Individually we have played more shows than we can count, but the “The Old Revival” has played roughly 25 shows.
What’s the wildest thing you’ve seen or done at a live show?
Well, countless antics come to mind, from jumping off speakers, moshing with the crowd, getting guitar knobs (accidentally) stuck in someone’s dreadlocks, and so one. I think my favourite would have to be Gus’ insane ability to throw a drumstick at Jesse with pinpoint accuracy, from across a stage, without missing a single beat. Never ceases to amaze me.
What kit do you use / guitars do you play / etc.?
- I Play a 1984 Fender Strat through a Vox AC15.
- Jared – Fender Strat through a Fender Hot Rod Deluxe
- Gus – Orange County kit with a Pork Pie Snare and Zildjan cymbals
- Jesse – Supro Huntington 2 Bass through an Orange 4 stroke 500
What, if anything, are you plugging/promoting at the moment?
We just released our debut album Hear This produced by Aaron Gillespie on October 12th.
What are your plans for 2018?
Tour, tour and tour some more.
If you were second on a three-band bill, which band would you love to be supporting and which band would you choose to open for you? A chance to plug someone you’ve toured with, or a mate’s band we’ve not heard of before!
Great question! I would have to say I would love to be support for our friends Larry and His Flask and have Aage Birch open up! That would be a show to remember.
Brandon Prinzing & the Old Revival: official | facebook | instagram | youtube
