Artist of the Month: Brick + Mortar

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If you haven’t heard of Brick + Mortar you don’t know what you’re missing. This Jersey shore duo re taking the world by storm with their gritty intense music that screams. The Asbury Park, NJ band consists of Brandon Asraf (guitar, bass, vocals, electronic samples) and John Tacon (drums, electronic samples, vocals). The guys formed Brick + Mortar in 2010 critical acclaim for their buzzworthy music as well as the enticing cinematographic “Bangs” which premiered on Noisey last summer.

Aside from touring Brick + Mortar will also be busy with several other projects this fall, including putting out a fully animated music video created by artist Richie Brown and focusing on writing for their debut full length. “The goal is to make our album an audiovisual experience. I feel like the songs we are working on are our best yet. We are ready to make a full length record.”

These guys know how to make a sound that is simplistically awesome. They have a knack for creating a raw, excitable, and face melting musical experience. This is exactly what you will get with their new Bangs EP out now! Can’t wait to hear what is in store for the full-length.

ESBM was lucky enough to catch up with NJ duo Brick + Mortar to talk about signing to a major label, what inspired their “Bangs” music video, being on the road, and their plans for the rest of the year.

ESBM: Your music hits hard with raw emotion and hypnotic vibes. What influences your music?

BM: We just try to let the music fall out. We are kind of like a sponge soaking up life experience and pop culture which turns into Brick + Mortar songs.

ESBM: You guys were recently signed to Island Def Jam/Photo Finish records, how is it being on a major label?

BM:It is the first time we have been put in front of the world, so that’s exciting. But it is also a lot of work and a bit more pressure! We like pressure and chaos though.

ESBM: Your video for “Bangs” was pretty awesome, what inspired the video concept?

BM: Thanks. It was written and directed by our good friend Andrew Joffe, and edited by our other good friend/tour manager, Dan Feeny. Everyone Facebook them and tell them they are fucking awesome (they are, in fact, awesome).

ESBM: NJ, is home to a great music scene, what are some of your favorite current or upcoming artists out of the garden state?
We will always have love for The Front Bottoms and River City Extension…. I have been in a bubble for about a year writing this record, so I am ashamed to say I am not currently up on the new bands! Message Brandon Asraf (me) on Facebook if you want to show me a new NJ band.

ESBM: You have been playing a lot of shows and festivals this summer, what were your favorites so far?

BM: Lollapalooza was rad, definitely an amazing show for us personally! We are also about to play Loufest on Sept 8th which is headlined by The Killers, so that should be fucking great.

ESBM: What are your plans for the rest of the year?

BM: TOUR. Record. Music Video. TOUR. Record.

Any last words?

BM: Wait, I’m dying?

Catch Brick + Mortar this Friday, October 4th at Asbury Lanes. For more information check out their official website, Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter pages.

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