Kicking off this new year we're excited to welcome Brushville into our TalentPlus family! This rocking country band from Illinois are bringing their sound to the Show-Me-State and we can't wait for you to hear them! On the eve of their newest single release "Somewhere in Love" we got together with the band to learn a little more about the group. Read on to be introduced to Brushville and be sure to check out their new album Taking You Higher this February.
How did the band come together?
The band started in Normal (IL.) with a bunch of friends wanting to put together a country band and have a good time. We were a group of like-minded individuals wanting to pursue music farther than any project we had been in previously.
How would you describe your sound?
Our sound would be more of an edgy pop/rock country sound with big guitar sounds.
When did you start playing music?
Kirk (lead guitarist): I started playing the violin at the age of 6, trumpet at the age of 10, choir at the age of 8 and guitar at the age of 14.
Darin (drummer): I fell in love with drums at the age of 5 at a Ventures concert. But school and my parents wanted me to start with piano. So I started piano at 7 and officially started my percussion education in 5th grade and went on to get a music degree.
Dustin ( lead vocals): I grew up surrounded by country music my whole life. My father sang at home constantly, and my uncle was in a band that my parents would take me to his shows. I joined the school band in 5th grade starting on saxophone and then transferring to drums through high school. I started teaching myself guitar my senior year of high school and sang around the house and in my car. It wasn't until college that I started playing acoustic shows and singing out.
Marc (Bass): I played classical piano from ages 7-14. I taught myself guitar at 16 and took up the bass in college.
What is your favorite moment of performing for a live audience?
We really enjoyed performing at Rock to the Rescue where we were the only band that wasn’t a national/signed act raising money for the Tornado Relief for Washington, IL. On that bill were Brushville, Head East, Survivor, Richard Marx, Styx, Ted Nugent, and REO Speedwagon. We performed in front of over 8,500 people in the now Grossinger Motors Arena.
What influences your music the most?
Darin: Most of us grew up listening to classic country, 90’s/ 2000’s country, pop, & classic rock music. Some of us have had in-depth music education and performance experience. So we are really able to draw on a lot of that diverse musical experience, with roots in classic country and rock, and a constant ear to current music styles so we can create a sound all our own and continue to evolve.
Kirk: I studied classical guitar in college so that is a big part, I grew up listening to big guitar bands as a teenager such as Van Halen, AC/DC, Def Leppard, Led Zeppelin and the Scorpions to name a few. I would spend hours at the public pool from the time I was 3 til High School listening to all the 70’s and 80’s music on WLS AM Chicago. My dad played country music in the car so I was exposed to a wide range of music.
Marc: It can be anything. My favorite bands/artists are Queen, The Beatles, Prince, Radiohead, Supergrass. I really love music with great vocal harmonies but I can listen to and be influenced/inspired by anything. Our rehearsals are like brainstorming sessions where we bounce ideas off each other and we will experiment with anything and everything.
Dustin: I listen to all kinds of music it all depends on what kind of mood I'm in. I am always listening for those unique moments that catch my ear or give me chills. I listen deeply to lyrics and find those that relate to me. That is what influences my own music. Writing or recording songs I feel like people can relate to whether they are serious songs or just fun songs.