The Launch Box featuring Brick + Mortar
If you like: Moth and the Flame, Saint Motel, Bad Suns
Asraf and Tacon began playing music together when they were in middle school, initially beginning as a drum and bass improvisational duo. The two bonded further over their shared interest in the artistry of songwriting. They had many attempts at playing music with other people but “it never worked. It always ended up with Brandon [Asraf] and I”, according to John Tacon. Their first band together was called Black Rhythm.
The members each took private lessons for their respective instruments at a young age, however, were largely self-taught in their knowledge of theory and performance.
In 2008, Asraf and Tacon renamed their project Brick + Mortar, and began focusing more heavily on the use of electronic samples in their music as well as relying less on improvisation and more on structured pop songs. With the promising rise of the Asbury Park musical scene, the duo began performing regularly up and down the New Jersey coast and building a reputation as one of the strongest live acts to come out of the state.
Brick + Mortar’s consistent performances quickly gained them a strong following as one of the best live bands in the Asbury Park music scene, eventually rewarding them with opening spots for larger national acts such as River City Extension and Jimmy Eat World at such well-known venues as the Starland Ballroom and the Stone Pony.
In 2010, the band released their first studio LP, recorded independently, entitled 7 Years in the Mystic Room. The record garnered a great deal of positive feedback by critics and fans. Check out track 2, “Told You” below:
After building much of their success independently, Brick + Mortar signed to an independent music label, Anchor & Hope Music. This move supported the duo in successfully gaining a performance spot in the “No Pulp Music” showcase in the CMJ Music Marathon.
Brick + Mortar continue to build their fanbase as well as showcase for additional labels. During the later part of 2011, the duo released a number of new singles as well as performance videos after partnering with video artist/media group Humble Humans.
In January 2012, Brick + Mortar announced on their Facebook page that they had “officially been invited” to perform at the 2012 South by Southwest Music Conference at the “House of Creatives” showcase.
In 2013, Brick + Mortar announced that they had signed to Photo Finish Records and would release an EP titled Bangs.
In 2014, Brick + Mortar was dropped by their record label, but continued to produce music. They released two singles, “Hollow Tune” and a rerecording of “Move to the Ocean”.
In 2015, the band released a remixed cover of “Voodoo Child” by Jimi Hendrix that was used in the trailer for the movie Hitman: Agent 47.
Later that year they released the album Dropped and went on a subsequent tour. The video for “Brighter than the Sun” from that album is a short film featuring a character that would represent the sun and essentially embody a type of brightness in a dark and gritty place. Watch it below:
Late in 2015 the single “Train” was used in a trailer for the TV series Elementary.
The video for the song is pretty sweet, taking you from one Hollywood flick scenario to the next. Anyone who’s been in love can relate with the words, “I wanna run away with you.” It’s one of the most grand, romantic statements you can make. It’s also one of the most cliché (for good reason, of course). It reenacts some of the most iconic scenes from famous love films to create an epic ode to amour. Romeo + Juliet, Titanic, Dirty Dancing, Sixteen Candles, Grease, etc.
Brick + Mortar announced via Instagram they were working on a new album entitled “Dead Moon” for release in September. The title track first single was released April 22, 2016.
Right now, they are inviting everyone to join them in their PledgeMusic Campaign, with some weird and wild ways for you to be a part of this record. Ordering the limited edition merch items and personal experiences will get you access to the studio updates and song premieres – so you’re seeing and hearing everything first.
Find Brick + Mortar on:
Info from: PledgeMusic Campaign, Wikipedia, brmr.net