{"title":"Brainstory","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBrainstory is a talented trio composed of two brothers, Kevin Martin and Tony Martin, along with drummer Eric Hagstrom. With their unique blend of soul, funk, and psychedelic rock, they have captivated audiences worldwide. Their music is characterized by powerful vocals, intricate guitar riffs, and infectious grooves that will make you want to dance. Brainstory's captivating performances and undeniable talent have earned them a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim in the music industry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKevin Martin's soulful voice takes center stage as he effortlessly delivers heartfelt lyrics that resonate with listeners. Tony Martin's mastery of the guitar adds depth and complexity to their sound, while Eric Hagstrom's dynamic drumming drives the rhythm forward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're a fan of soulful ballads or energetic rock anthems, Brainstory has something for everyone. Their passion for music shines through in every note they play, leaving audiences wanting more. Don't miss your chance to experience the magic of Brainstory live - get your tickets now!\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"nobody-but-you-bw-gift-of-life","title":"Nobody But You b\/w Gift Of Life","description":"\u003cp\u003eProduced by El Michels Affair. Songs only available on this 7”. Incredible two-sider. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThey're baaaack….. While Brainstory is in the studio finishing their sophomore full-length, they treat us to this bombshell of a 7\" as a taste of what's to come. They teamed back up with El Michels Affair who is handling production on the whole album and everything about this is levelled up. This show-stopping plug \u0026amp; ballad two-sider is clear evidence of that. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eSide A is an uplifting, dance floor burning, smash hit that shows what years of touring and backing Lady Wray have brought out of Brainstory. \"Nobody But You\" is built on drummer Eric Hagstrom's crushing back beat that lays the foundation for this inspirational feel-good banger that manages to take the uncomfortable truth that \"nobody will save you but you\" and turn it into pure blissful motivation. Then…. then, they drop a ballad on the flip side that is going to cause an entire scene to reconsider how they are doing it. The B side \"Gift Of Life\" is drop-dead gorgeous, haunting, and profound all at once. An homage to the mysteries of life and the intangible truths that the human experience is built on.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Big Crown","offers":[{"title":"7\"","offer_id":50395180400971,"sku":"2129575","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Brainstory_-_Nobody_But_You_7_9e5b0b2d_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726457002"},{"product_id":"buck","title":"Buck","description":"\u003cp\u003eThrough a introduction from Chicano Batman’s bassist, Brainstory caught the ears of Big Crown head honchos Danny Akalepse and Leon Michels. Shortly thereafter they were on their way to Queens, to record at The Legendary Diamond Mine with Michels at the helm. An instant chemistry yielded 10 songs in 10 days and now Brainstory has gifted the world with one hell of an introduction to all things Buck. Highlights include the sublime slow burner, \u003ci\u003eDead End\u003c\/i\u003e which was the A-side to their first 45 on Big Crown that sold out in a matter of days. With Kevin’s sublime falsetto floating atop Tony and Eric’s unflappable and unmistakable backbeat, this tune has become a favorite with the ballad heads, the low-riders, and the slowie collectors. \u003ci\u003eBreathe\u003c\/i\u003e showcases another side of their sound taking a page out of the Shuggie Otis playbook and flipping the script with some stoned out west coast swag. Kev and Tony’s father, Big Tone, an accomplished performer himself, steps in on \u003ci\u003ePeter Pan\u003c\/i\u003e to sing lead vocals over a chorus of friends and family. Bassist extraordinaire, Tony, takes over lead vocal duties on\u003ci\u003e Sorry\u003c\/i\u003e, a smoked out, G Funk groove that is just waiting to be sampled. These guys have come a long way from their self released EPs and opening tours with Chicano Batman. Their musical growth is undeniable, and taking their California sunshine vibes and mixing them with Michels’ NYC aesthetic has proven to be an amazing combination. It’s a debut record that pulls influences from so many genres seamlessly it’s hard to nail down. Call it Funk, call it Rock, call it Soul, but over here at Big Crown HQ, they've decided to call it Buck.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Big Crown","offers":[{"title":"Clear | LP","offer_id":50417061757259,"sku":"1073841","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Black | LP","offer_id":50417061953867,"sku":"1073840","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50417062117707,"sku":"1073838","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/3328dade-5e6d-4081-a9ed-c1120003f4a9_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726715420"},{"product_id":"sounds-good","title":"Sounds Good","description":"\u003cp\u003eBig Crown Records is proud to present Brainstory’s sophomore full-length album \u003ci\u003eSounds Good\u003c\/i\u003e, produced by El Michels Affair.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBased in L.A. but hailing from the Inland Empire's own Rialto, California, two-thirds of Brainstory, Kevin and Tony Martin are brothers by blood, while Eric Hagstrom is a brother through their music and long term friendship. Since they started the band they have constantly faced situations that forced them to rise to the occasion. They got signed to Big Crown Records, they stepped up their game. COVID happened, they learned to record themselves. They started touring a ton sharing the stage with the likes of Lady Wray and they got their live show super tight. All of this time spent grinding and growing has certainly paid off. The path to take their art to the next level is clearer than ever, and once again, they are here for it. If there is one thing that is abundantly clear on Sounds Good, it’s that Brainstory has leveled up.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePart of this evolution is undoubtedly attributed to having access to and working constantly in their own studio in Long Beach. Another major factor is that their brotherhood has expanded. \"I've been playing music with my brother all my life and now with Eric for a long time,\" Tony tells us. \"Leon, though, is like another brother I've just met.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLeon Michels, Big Crown's co-owner, produced this record and applied his unmistakable golden touch in crucial ways. The other member of the extended Brainstory brotherhood whose contributions were essential to the album, is studio engineer legend Jens Jungkurth who controls the tones and textures of the music. \"That's what you're hearing, our connection, the fun moments, the little details,\" Kevin describes. \"This record isn't half what it is without them—and it made us want to match that effort,\" and match that effort they did. Album opener \"Nobody But You\" is an uplifting, dance ­oor burner, that shows off a new side of Brainstory's range. Drummer Eric Hagstrom’s crushing back beat lays the foundation for an inspirational feel good banger that manages to take the uncomfortable truth that “nobody will save you but you” and turn it into pure blissful motivation. \"Peach Optimo\" is a laid back half time tune that blends the bounce of Down South Hip-Hop with California G funk and Jazz. They once again show off their B said ballad talents with \"Gift Of Life\" but this time taking the genre to a new place with lyrics about existentialism and a track that is drop dead gorgeous, haunting, and profound all at once. \"NyNy\" is an homage to Kev and Tony's recently deceased grandfather while \"Too Yung\" is a show stopping, deeply personal, stripped down number about being introduced to\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ealcohol at a young age. They put another hit on the boards with \"Hanging On,\" a Latin \/ Psychedelic Soul inspired banger featuring Claire Cottrill on background vocals while \"XFaded” addresses the all too common vicious cycle of smoking and drinking too much over a trippy shuf­e.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\"It's been four years since our last full length record, and with everything that's happened since, it's like we've been catching up to ourselves.\" That's one way to describe change: catching up to oneself. Each member of Brainstory has gone through shifts, both personally and musically, and all of that threads through Sounds Good. It's easy to say that the music industry can be short on lasting, genuine relationships. However, for Brainstory, from day one it's been about standing by each other, for each other. Their friendship started the group. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Big Crown Records","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50479253193035,"sku":"2177148","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Green LP","offer_id":50479253487947,"sku":"2177149","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Tape","offer_id":50479252832587,"sku":"2177147","price":9.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50479252275531,"sku":"2177142","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Sounds_Good_9929edb6_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727505158"},{"product_id":"ripe-1","title":"Ripe","description":"\u003cp\u003eRecorded during the thick of the Covid lockdown, Kevin, Tony and Eric hunkered down in their studio and turned their energy inward. With all live shows and future tours cancelled, Brainstory had no other outlet besides their rehearsal space which had been converted into a makeshift studio. Stepping up to the obstacles of the moment, they recorded and produced an EP of brand new music. They were already highly skilled musicians two years ago, but time in the studio with Leon Michels producing Buck and playing alongside bands like Holy Hive and Chicano Batman had a profound effect on them. Their ears have developed, their ethos and their drive has matured, their musicianship is full-blown; hence the name of the EP,\u003ci\u003e Ripe\u003c\/i\u003e. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eRipe\u003c\/i\u003e is a seven song journey into who Brainstory are as people and as a band. They are lighthearted and fun but never anything less than dead serious about their artistry. In choosing to record a mostly instrumental record, they have departed from their 2019 debut Buck and are showing more of their Jazz roots. Ripe pulls from Jazz, Hip Hop, 70s Funk, 60s Soul, and life in Southern California in the year 2021. Kev’s intro to the EP is a testament to their thing, his goofy and charming “let’s go baby….less go baby” is welcoming and fun and then \u003ci\u003eScissors\u003c\/i\u003e drops--serious as can be. The first vocal number we hear is \u003ci\u003eSeasons\u003c\/i\u003e, a song about maintaining through the challenges of 2020 that would make Roy Ayers proud. \u003ci\u003eLong Day\u003c\/i\u003e and \u003ci\u003eRogers\u003c\/i\u003e are drenched in reefer and psychedelia and promise a moment away from reality if listened to in headphones. \u003ci\u003eBye Bye\u003c\/i\u003e is another stone cold ballad from the group that is destined to be a staple in sweet soul sets around the globe. \u003ci\u003eRipe\u003c\/i\u003e is a welcome ray of sunshine as we all shake off the darkness of 2020 and will hold fans over while they finish recording their full length sophomore album due out in 2022\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"No Label","offers":[{"title":"Green | 12\"","offer_id":50507419386187,"sku":"1123031","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"LP","offer_id":50507419713867,"sku":"1123032","price":22.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/3f69de45-ee91-4906-9ebb-839a2070d325_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1727849774"},{"product_id":"shoebox-days","title":"Shoebox Days","description":"\u003cp\u003eCalifornia’s beloved \u003cb\u003eBrainstory\u003c\/b\u003e returns with \u003ci\u003eShoebox Days\u003c\/i\u003e, a 7-song EP marking the end of an era. It’s a tribute to the time spent and recordings made at their now-defunct Long Beach studio, Shoebox, a tiny room packed with gear, charm, and plenty of limitations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThose constraints shaped something special. \u003ci\u003eThe Watchers\u003c\/i\u003e opens with an instant horn hook, crunchy drums, G Funk bass, and lush orchestration. \u003ci\u003eBlend\u003c\/i\u003e is a sunshine-soaked love song, while \u003ci\u003eTwin Kitchen\u003c\/i\u003e locks into the pocket with drumming from \u003cb\u003eEric Hagstrom\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eHome Alone\u003c\/i\u003e finds singer \u003cb\u003eKevin Martin\u003c\/b\u003e reflecting on solitude and connection. \u003ci\u003eLone Traveler\u003c\/i\u003e lets the band’s jazz roots stretch out, \u003ci\u003eGravity Hill\u003c\/i\u003e takes things deep, and \u003ci\u003eNecessary Loss\u003c\/i\u003e closes this gorgeous journey.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Big Crown Records","offers":[{"title":"12\" - Bottle Clear","offer_id":58238830182731,"sku":"R2715-1536","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"12\" - Black","offer_id":58238830215499,"sku":"R2715-6683","price":23.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/brainstory-shoeboxdays.jpg?v=1787581375"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/collections\/test_90599c59_thumbnail_4096_4f2aab42-ddb3-4811-a1d0-8ed3ed029278.jpg?v=1726456985","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/de\/collections\/brainstory.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}